At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead mechanical design for cutting-edge unmanned systems and make impactful decisions.
- Company: Join Minerva Defence, a fast-growing defence tech company in Europe.
- Benefits: Enjoy share options, private medical insurance, generous leave, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Collaborative team culture with opportunities for mentorship and career growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of defence technology while working on innovative projects.
- Qualifications: Degree in mechanical engineering and extensive design experience required.
The predicted salary is between 49500 - 60500 £ per year.
You would be the technical lead for the mechanical design of unmanned systems that are already in operational use. You would set the architecture and the interfaces, and you would sign off designs that reach production within weeks of release. Minerva Defence is one of the fastest-growing defence technology companies in Europe. We create the software, hardware and networking that make unmanned systems effective on the modern battlefield, all ideated, designed and manufactured end-to-end in the UK, and in active use today. We are deliberately low-profile: a team of around 70, small in headcount and outsized in effect. We look for people who are not just talented but genuinely committed to the work, the team, and the purpose behind it.
You will lead major mechanical subsystems on a complex, multidisciplinary product, from concept through production release and into service. You will make the key decisions on how the product is designed, and others will build on them. You will also set the standard for the engineers around you. You get full context on the whole system, and you can walk across to the manufacturing, assembly and quality teams who build what you approve. At Principal level, the scope extends to technical authority across several systems or programmes, and you would help shape where the product goes next.
Responsibilities
- Own the mechanical design of major subsystems and complex work packages, from concept and architecture through production release and in-service support.
- Define mechanical architectures, interfaces and design approaches, and make and defend decisions that balance performance, manufacturability, cost and reliability.
- Review and approve models, drawings and analysis, making sure tolerancing, material selection and DFM/DFA are right before work reaches the build teams.
- Lead design reviews, technical risk assessments and verification activity, including the test and qualification approach for the systems you own.
- Lead the investigation of the hardest engineering and integration problems, working directly with manufacturing, assembly and quality.
- Coordinate with the other engineering disciplines so that mechanical work integrates cleanly at system level.
- Mentor and develop engineers across the team through reviews and day-to-day technical guidance.
- Define and improve the engineering standards, processes and tools the team works to as it scales.
Minimum
- Degree in mechanical engineering or a closely related discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
- Extensive mechanical design experience, including owning components, assemblies or subsystems from concept through to production release.
- Experience leading design reviews and making technical decisions that other engineers build on.
- Practical command of tolerancing, materials selection and manufacturing processes, applied to designs that have gone into production.
- Eligible for UK security clearance: UK citizen or five or more years of continuous UK residency.
- Able to work on-site for the majority of the working week.
Preferred
- Proficiency in SolidWorks or a comparable parametric CAD package, and GD.
Benefits
- Share options vesting over three years.
- Bupa private medical insurance.
- 6% employer pension contribution.
- 25 days leave plus bank holidays.
- Enhanced mat/pat leave.
- Enterprise level AI tooling.
- Relocation support/home office budget.
Senior Mechanical Design Engineer employer: Minerva Defence
Minerva Defence is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where your contributions directly impact the fast-paced defence technology sector. With a strong focus on employee well-being, we provide generous benefits including share options, private health care, and a robust pension scheme, all while fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation in our central London office. Join us to be part of a committed team that values your growth and ensures a meaningful candidate experience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Mechanical Design Engineer
✨Get Your Hands Dirty at Engineering Events
Join local engineering meetups or industry conferences related to mechanical engineering. Whether it's a workshop or a career fair, these events are goldmines for networking and getting a foot in the door. Plus, you can showcase your passion and enthusiasm directly to potential employers like Minerva Defence.
✨Connect with Professors & Peers
Tap into your university’s resources—professors often have connections in the industry. Don’t be shy to ask about potential openings or recommendations. Your classmates might also know of companies hiring. Often, it’s who you know that gets you in front of the right people!
✨Highlight Your Projects and Practical Experience
When you land those interviews, make sure to talk about your hands-on projects or internships. Whether it's a design project or hands-on experience with CAD software, specific examples will make you stand out. Companies like Minerva Defence love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of Minerva Defence and apply directly through there. It shows initiative and interest in their specific values. Plus, you'll often find openings that aren't advertised on job boards, giving you a better chance to land that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Mechanical Design Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Expertise:In mechanical engineering, it’s vital to highlight your technical skills and projects. Make sure to include relevant software proficiency (like CAD tools) in your CV. If you've worked on specific engineering projects, detail your key contributions — we want to see how you’ve applied your skills in a practical setting!
Focus on Problem-Solving Examples:Employers in mechanical engineering love to see how you handle challenges. Use your cover letter to share specific instances where you’ve solved a complex problem or improved a design. This will show us you're not just knowledgeable but also capable of applying that knowledge effectively.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Include any relevant certifications or training that can set you apart from the competition. Whether it's coursework from your degree, a recognised certification, or extra training in new technologies, we love to see candidates who continuously improve their skill set. This tells us you're serious about your career in engineering!
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don’t forget to customise your CV for Minerva Defence and the Senior Mechanical Design Engineer role specifically. Pull examples from your experience that align with the job description — it shows us you've done your research and are genuinely interested in becoming part of the team. We recommend applying through our website to ensure your application gets to the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Minerva Defence
✨Brush Up on Your CAD Skills
Since mechanical engineering often involves design processes, be ready to showcase your proficiency in CAD software like SolidWorks or AutoCAD. Bring along a digital portfolio or even some sketches that demonstrate your design capabilities — it’s a great way to show what you can bring to the table at Minerva Defence.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions that test your understanding of engineering principles and problem-solving skills. You might get hypothetical scenarios where you need to design a component or troubleshoot a mechanical system. Practising these types of questions will give you the confidence to tackle whatever comes your way!
✨Show Your Team Spirit
As a full-time mechanical engineer, collaboration is key! Be ready to share examples of past team projects or any experiences where you contributed to solving a complex problem with others. Demonstrating your ability to work in a team will resonate well with the interviewers at Minerva Defence.
✨Discuss Your Future Goals
Since this is a full-time position, your long-term vision is important. Be open about your career aspirations, whether it’s mastering a specific tool or leading projects. This shows that you're committed not just to learning but also to growing with Minerva Defence, making you a more appealing candidate.
