Graduate Mechanical Design Engineer in Reading

Company NewOrbit builds satellites that fly in very low Earth orbit, below 300 km, along with the electric propulsion that keeps them there. Flying closer to Earth means sharper imagery from smaller optics, and an orbit that cleans itself: our satellites de-orbit within a month at end of life, leaving no debris. Our AURA family of RF gridded ion thrusters powers our own NEO-1 satellite, with first flight planned for Q3 2028, and is also offered to other operators. Electric propulsion is what lets our satellites hold very low orbits, and our AURA RF gridded ion thruster is at the centre of it.

We are hiring as soon as possible. This role is for someone who has already graduated, or who will complete their degree in time to start with us very soon. We are not able to consider final-year students who graduate in summer 2027 or later, and this is not a graduate scheme with a fixed annual intake.

Role Overview

This is a first full-time engineering role on the NEO-1 satellite. You will design satellite hardware and help keep the satellite's full CAD assembly organised as the design matures, learning from our lead designer and working in a small, multidisciplinary team. You will take ownership of real parts early, translate requirements into manufacturable designs and support their validation through prototyping and environmental testing.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical hardware for the satellite, such as brackets, panels, component mounts, thermal-control hardware and cable and harness routing, with guidance from the lead designer.
• Work in the satellite's large 3D CAD assembly alongside the wider design team, learning how to keep interfaces, configurations and revisions in step as several designers work in the same model.
• Support assembly configuration, PLM data (3DEXPERIENCE ('3DX') or similar), bills of materials and engineering change control (ECO/ECR/ECN), so that models, drawings and interfaces stay consistent as changes are released.
• Run interference and clash checks and help maintain the digital mock-up, working with each subsystem owner to allocate space and resolve conflicts.
• Produce dimensioned, manufacturing-ready drawings using GD&T, with review from senior engineers.
• Support design reviews (PDR and CDR) and qualification, working with structural and thermal engineers.
• Work with manufacturers and suppliers to make designs easier to build, and to balance cost, mass and reliability.
• Support prototype builds, integration and environmental test campaigns, iterating designs based on results.
• Collaborate with electrical, software, systems and thermal engineers to integrate mechanical components into the satellite platform.

Required Skills & Experience

• Bachelor's or master's degree in mechanical, aerospace or a related engineering discipline, completed or completing very soon.
• Hands-on 3D CAD skills from university projects, a placement or an internship (SolidWorks preferred; CATIA, NX or Creo also considered).
• Working knowledge of GD&T and experience producing engineering drawings, including from coursework or a team project.
• Solid grounding in mechanical design principles, materials and thermal management, with a working understanding of structural mechanics.
• Evidence of designing, building and testing something real, such as a placement project, Formula Student, a UAV, or a rocketry or satellite team, including troubleshooting and iteration.
• Clear communicator who is comfortable explaining and defending design decisions, and open to feedback and challenge in a fast-moving team.

Preferred Experience

• A placement, internship or year in industry in aerospace, space, motorsport or another high-reliability field.
• Experience of several people working in one CAD assembly, for example in a Formula Student or university team, including how files and revisions were controlled.
• Exposure to PLM or PDM systems (for example 3DEXPERIENCE ('3DX'), Windchill, Teamcenter, ENOVIA or SolidWorks PDM) or to formal engineering change processes (ECO/ECR/ECN).
• Experience of design reviews, documented requirements and standards.
• Satellite, CubeSat or rocketry project experience, including hardware that has launched.
• Basic FEA familiarity and exposure to manufacturing processes.

Why NewOrbit Space?

• Pioneering space technology - Your work on our RF gridded ion thrusters and VLEO satellite platform will redefine satellite operations and challenge traditional LEO.
• Ownership and impact - You'll have a level of ownership that's rare in the space industry, and you'll take part in the full lifecycle of satellite technology.
• Equity and competitive salary - Alongside a competitive salary you receive a company ownership stake, so you share in the technology you help build and in our collective success.
• Comprehensive benefits - Private health insurance with dental and optical cover, and annual health check-ups.
• Hybrid working - One dedicated remote day per week.
• Visa sponsorship and relocation support - We sponsor visas and provide relocation support for candidates moving to join us.