At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop innovative mechanisms for next-gen satellites, leading a small team.
- Company: Join Open Cosmos, tackling global challenges from space with cutting-edge technology.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for hands-on experience in cleanrooms.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in space technology while working on exciting projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in designing precision mechanisms and proficiency in CAD tools required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Working for Open Cosmos Aim high, go beyond! At Open Cosmos we are solving the world’s biggest challenges from space, providing businesses, governments and researchers access to more readily available information than ever before - ready for the challenge? Then read on…
Working in the Mechanical Team The Mechanical Team works closely with other areas of the business to design the mechanical parts of our satellites and support the build and testing of these. This involves a mix of desk‑based work and hands‑on work in our cleanrooms and labs.
What will you be doing? This role will be focused specifically on the design and development of mechanisms to be used on a new generation of Open Cosmos satellites. You will spend most of your time working as the mechanical/mechanisms lead of a small team dedicated to this, but you will also be part of the general mechanical team and report to the mechanical team leader. As well as leading on design and analysis tasks, you will be involved from the beginning with assembling and testing prototype hardware at our Harwell campus facilities.
What you need to be successful: You’ll be well versed in designing precision motorised mechanisms, ideally for use in space. You’ll be able to create mechanical designs, from concept to drawing for manufacture, using your knowledge in GD&T using ISO 1101, 2692 & 5458 or ASME Y14.5. You’ll be confident using CAD tools to produce parts, assemblies & drawings, and management of CAD files. You’ll be communicating a lot, so confidence in speaking, listening and writing, sometimes within large groups including customers is essential. You’ll be capable of performing high quality assembly & testing work in a cleanroom environment. You’ll be proficient at authoring technical documents such as test reports, analysis reports and similar.
This is a hybrid role. At times, you may need to be in the lab daily; at other times, you’ll have the flexibility to work remotely if you prefer. That said, you must be ready and willing to support your colleagues onsite at Harwell whenever required.
Mechanical Engineer (Mechanisms Specialist) in Harwell employer: PassFort
At Open Cosmos, we pride ourselves on being an innovative employer that empowers our employees to tackle the world's most pressing challenges from space. Our collaborative work culture fosters creativity and growth, offering unique opportunities for professional development while working in state-of-the-art facilities at our Harwell campus. With a focus on meaningful projects and a flexible hybrid working model, we ensure that our team members thrive both personally and professionally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mechanical Engineer (Mechanisms Specialist) 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 PassFort.
✨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 PassFort love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of PassFort 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 (Mechanisms Specialist) 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 PassFort and the Mechanical Engineer (Mechanisms Specialist) 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 PassFort
✨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 PassFort.
✨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 PassFort.
✨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 PassFort, making you a more appealing candidate.
