At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop innovative antennas for space applications.
- Company: Join Oxford Space Systems, a leader in deployable antenna technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible work, 28 days holiday, and a benefits allowance.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with exciting career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of groundbreaking projects that shape the future of space technology.
- Qualifications: Master’s degree in engineering and experience in structural analysis.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Oxford Space Systems develops innovative deployable antennas for Space. Our aim is to be the global leader in this field, providing effective solutions today for the space-based services of the future. We are leveraging innovations from beyond the space sector to make our antennas smaller, lighter and cheaper than traditional designs.
This is an exciting time to join us as we scale up for the future, having already delivered multiple systems for operational satellites with in-orbit deployment success, and significant investment in our facilities with a state-of-the-art head office at Harwell and a bespoke manufacturing facility in Abingdon.
The Role: It’s an exciting time at OSS as we continue to work on many new product opportunities and establish flight model product lines. To support that effort, we are looking for a Mechanical Engineer with a structural analysis focus at various levels. You will contribute to the design and development of our innovative antennas. Your responsibilities may include:
- Analysis of lightweight, robust, low cost, stowage efficient mechanisms to support structures deployment and operations in Space.
- Develop clear understanding of customer requirements and impact on designs to determine sensitivities and resolve technical issues/requirements pragmatically and efficiently.
- Carry out detailed reviews to test and prove the robustness of the design in all anticipated situations.
- Producing, compiling, and presenting technical content at project meetings including customer facing and to external stakeholders where required.
- Documentation of test plans and detailed procedures through interaction with test facilities and teams.
- Support technical reviews with customers.
- Driving continuous improvements across our products and processes.
You will likely have a Master’s degree in a relevant engineering discipline or equivalent, combined with a solid understanding of structural engineering, experience working within a highly regulated environment such as Space and Aerospace. You will be a team player with excellent relationship building skills along with the aptitude to solve challenging problems and deliver to project deadlines.
If you have the relevant skills and experience, are proactive, resourceful, enthusiastic and want to make a significant contribution to a growing and exciting company, then we want to hear from you. Please include in your covering letter a summary of your relevant experience and your salary expectations.
In return we offer a competitive salary, exciting career opportunities, the ability to work flexibly, a benefits allowance, Employee discount and assistance programme, as well as 28 days basic holiday plus bank holidays and contributory pension scheme.
Mechanical Engineer in Harwell employer: Oxford Space Systems
Oxford Space Systems is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Harwell, where innovation meets aerospace technology. Employees benefit from a supportive culture that prioritises professional growth and development, alongside competitive night shift allowances and the opportunity to transition to day shifts. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to crafting precision-engineered products that push the boundaries of aerospace solutions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mechanical Engineer in Harwell
✨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 Oxford Space Systems.
✨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 Oxford Space Systems love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of Oxford Space Systems 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 Mechanical Engineer in Harwell
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 Oxford Space Systems and the Mechanical 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 Oxford Space Systems
✨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 Oxford Space Systems.
✨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 Oxford Space Systems.
✨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 Oxford Space Systems, making you a more appealing candidate.
