Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Harwell - Didcot, BEPO Building, Unit 5, Zone 14 Thomson Avenue, Didcot, OXF OX11 0GD, GBR. Building the space between proven and possible, MDA Space is a trusted mission partner to the global space industry. A robotics, satellite systems and geointelligence pioneer with a 55-year+ story of world firsts and more than 450 missions, MDA Space is a global leader in communications satellites, Earth and space observation, and space exploration and infrastructure.

The MDA Space team of more than 3,400 space experts in Canada, the US and the UK has the knowledge and know-how to turn an audacious customer vision into an achievable mission – bringing to bear a one‑of‑a‑kind mix of experience, engineering excellence and wide‑eyed wonder that’s been in our DNA since day one. For those who dream big and push boundaries on the ground and in the stars to change the world for the better, we’ll take you there.

We’re on the hunt for a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer at our Stevenage, Harwell or Manchester office. MDA Space’s international footprint in the UK creates opportunities to work with some of the most exciting space industrial players in the country. Delivering all three business area capabilities in Geointelligence, Robotics & Space Operations, and Satellite Systems, our UK team provides support to our European‑based customers while specializing in the development of advanced space sensors for exploration missions as well as space‑based communication technology. As our presence grows overseas, so does our need for new ambitious team players to help us advance our place in the Universe and beyond.

Responsibilities:

• Develop detailed 3D models and manufacturing drawings using Siemens NX, setting the standard for quality and technical rigour across the team.
• Lead the design of mechanical components and assemblies for satellite subsystems, electronic units, and spaceborne instruments, taking ownership from concept through to delivery.
• Produce and review high‑quality engineering drawings in compliance with ISO and ECSS standards.
• Perform and lead tolerance analyses, driving robust and manufacturable design solutions.
• Own configuration control and documentation, ensuring compliance with established engineering processes and contributing to their improvement.
• Act as a key interface with multidisciplinary teams including structural, thermal, and systems engineers, providing mechanical leadership across programmes.
• Lead or co‑lead design reviews including PDR, CDR, and TRR, and support junior engineers in preparing for these milestones.
• Ensure compliance with project requirements, quality standards, and internal procedures, and support others in doing the same.
• Drive continuous improvement of mechanical design processes, guidelines, and best practices across the team.
• Support multiple programmes simultaneously, including optical and telecom payloads.
• When acting as Mechanical Project Team Lead: take responsibility for delivering all mechanical work packages on a programme, coordinating and aligning the efforts of Thermal, Structural, and Design engineers to meet schedule, quality, and technical requirements.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent.
• Minimum of 8 years’ experience in mechanical design within the aerospace, space, or defence industry.
• Proven expertise in Siemens NX (3D modelling and drafting); SolidWorks experience also considered.
• Strong command of mechanical design principles, GD&T, and tolerance stack‑ups.
• Demonstrable experience designing precision‑Machined components and assemblies for flight or high‑integrity applications.
• Ability to produce and review high‑quality technical drawings and documentation to a release standard.
• Strong communication skills and proven ability to operate effectively in multidisciplinary teams.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Solid experience in the space industry with working knowledge of ECSS standards.
• Experience in the design of electronic enclosures and spaceborne equipment.
• Knowledge of aluminium structures and thermal design considerations.
• Familiarity with environmental requirements including vibration, shock, and thermal vacuum.
• Sound understanding of Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DFM/DFA).
• Experience working within a regulated or safety‑critical engineering environment.
• Previous experience coordinating or leading a team of engineers, formally or informally.

Suitable candidates will ideally have the following attributes:

• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the confidence to make and defend engineering decisions.
• High attention to detail and an uncompromising commitment to quality.
• Able to work independently, manage competing priorities, and take initiative without close oversight.
• Proactive and adaptable in a fast‑paced environment, comfortable with ambiguity.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the credibility to influence across disciplines.
• A natural collaborator who can bring a team together around a common technical goal.

We’re a dream team of purpose‑driven, collaborative and passionate people, and we are constantly looking for others to join #TeamMDA to ignite new and innovative approaches to problem‑solving that push us forward to improve life on and above Earth. If you’re excited to expand our place in space and driven to inspire the next generation, we’ll take you there. We have entered a new era of exploration and development, and MDA Space welcomes all who yearn to suit up and be part of it.

Comments/Special Considerations:

We are required to conduct a BPSS (Baseline Personnel Security Standard) screening in which we will check your:

• Right to work: To confirm that you are entitled to take up the position as well as check your nationality and immigration status.
• Identity: Full ID check.
• Criminal records: Basic Disclosure.
• Employment history check: Confirmation of past three years of employment (minimum) history/activity.
• Reference checks.

Benefits statement:

MDA Space provides competitive compensation and benefits packages for its employees at all locations. As a team member of MDA, you and your qualified dependents are eligible to participate in a benefit plan that ensures a comprehensive level of protection through competitive health care including private healthcare, disability income protection, life insurance, pension plan, and an employee assistance program. We also have a Hybrid work model in place, for a better work/life balance.

Equal opportunity statement:

MDA Space is an equal opportunity employer prizing diversity and inclusion. We are committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity. If you require assistance and/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please feel free to notify us.

Accommodations:

MDA Space is proud to provide accommodation(s) during the recruitment process. Should you require any accommodations, please indicate this on your application/cover letter and we will work with you to meet your accessibility needs.