At a Glance
- Tasks: Own CAD work and model aircraft surfaces to enhance aviation efficiency.
- Company: MAKO, a pioneering tech company focused on sustainable aviation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic team environment, and impactful projects.
- Other info: Fast-paced startup culture with opportunities for growth and innovation.
- Why this job: Join us to revolutionise aviation and reduce global emissions.
- Qualifications: Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering and 3+ years CAD experience required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
MAKO is putting 'shark skin' on planes to save fuel and reduce emissions.
Your Mission
MAKO’s mission is to improve the efficiency of the global aviation fleet, saving billions in fuel and megatonnes of CO2 every year. We are looking for a Mechanical Engineer to own all CAD and geometry work within the Product Engineering team. You will be responsible for the modelling of aircraft surfaces that input into our design and development process, producing manufacturing drawings for Flightfilm. You will report to the Head of Product Engineering and work closely with Aero, Materials, Installation & Layout, and Manufacturing teams to ensure our CAD models, drawings, and documentation is accurate, controlled, and fit for purpose.
What You Will Do
- Own all CAD work within the Product Engineering team, including 3D scanning and surface modelling of aircraft geometry for design & CFD applications, product engineering drawings for Flightfilm manufacturing, and installation layout drawings for aircraft application.
- Develop and maintain a controlled library of CAD models and engineering drawings that supports product development, certification, and manufacturing activities.
- Collaborate with Certification and Quality teams to ensure drawings meet regulatory and quality management requirements, including appropriate tolerancing and GD&T.
- Work with Manufacturing and Installation teams to ensure drawing packages are practical, unambiguous, reflect real-world constraints and adapted to communicate effectively.
- Define and improve CAD workflows, drawing standards, and document control practices to support MAKO's scale-up.
- Communicate geometry and drawing intent clearly across engineering, certification, and manufacturing functions.
What Success Looks Like
- First Month: Develop a strong understanding of MAKO's product architecture, Flightfilm geometry, installation concepts, and existing CAD assets and drawing packages. Review current models, drawings, templates and documentation standards. Build working relationships with Product Engineering, Certification, Materials, Manufacturing, and Quality teams.
- First Six Months: Take ownership of CAD and drawing deliverables across active product development, certification support, and manufacturing readiness workstreams. Establish clear, consistent drawing standards and CAD workflows for the team. Produce accurate, controlled installation layout drawings and manufacturing drawing packages that are ready for internal and external use.
- First Year: Be the recognised owner of product engineering CAD and engineering drawing functions, with a controlled, scalable asset library supporting certification, manufacturing, and customer delivery. Have materially improved the quality, consistency, and usability of MAKO's geometry and drawing outputs. Have defined MAKO's longer-term CAD strategy in line with product and certification roadmap requirements.
About You
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Industrial Design or similar.
- You thrive in a fast-moving, ambiguous and constantly evolving startup environment.
- 3+ years of experience working in a technical engineering role involving CAD modelling and engineering drawing production.
- Proficient in SolidWorks and PDM systems, with demonstrated experience producing complex 3D models using surface modelling and traditional techniques alongside controlled drawing packages.
- Strong understanding of GD&T, engineering drawing standards, and document control practices.
- Experience working with or alongside regulated industries such as aerospace, automotive, or medical is an advantage.
Why You Should Join MAKO
- Impact: Aviation is one of the hardest to abate industries, and its share of global emissions is only growing. Join our mission to improve the efficiency of the global fleet and save millions of tonnes of CO2 every year.
- Technology: Our technology leverages the drag-reducing properties of shark skin to make aircraft more efficient. You'll be exposed to expertise and developments in materials, photolithography, fluid dynamics, and scale manufacturing.
- Team: Our team focuses on achieving our mission. We live our values of lift over drag, active transparency, and changing the boundary conditions, and we welcome new team members who want to do the same.
- Corporate Jet: We have (most of) a corporate jet. It won't fly, but it sure does look cool.
Join a team that is working to improve the efficiency of the global aviation fleet, and build a future where a new surface replaces the need for a new aircraft.
Mechanical Engineer employer: PLP Group
MAKO is an exceptional employer for Mechanical Engineers, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking technology that enhances aviation efficiency and reduces environmental impact. With a collaborative work culture that values transparency and innovation, employees are encouraged to grow and develop their skills in a fast-paced startup environment. Located in Sydenham, the company provides meaningful work that directly contributes to sustainability in the aviation industry, alongside opportunities for professional development and a supportive team atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mechanical Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the aviation and engineering sectors on LinkedIn. Join relevant groups, attend webinars, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your CAD models and engineering drawings. This is your chance to demonstrate your expertise in SolidWorks and GD&T. Make sure it’s easily accessible online, so potential employers can see what you bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews! Research MAKO and understand their mission to improve aviation efficiency. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals and how you can contribute to their product engineering team. Practice common interview questions related to CAD and engineering standards.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing applications directly from candidates who are passionate about our mission. Tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills, and don’t forget to follow up after submitting to show your enthusiasm!
We think you need these skills to ace Mechanical Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Mechanical Engineer role at MAKO. Highlight your CAD experience, especially with SolidWorks, and any relevant projects that showcase your skills in surface modelling and engineering drawings.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about MAKO's mission and how your background aligns with the role. Don't forget to mention your experience in regulated industries if applicable!
Showcase Your Team Spirit:MAKO values collaboration, so be sure to mention any experiences where you've worked closely with cross-functional teams. Highlight how you’ve communicated effectively with different departments to achieve project goals.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at PLP Group
✨Know Your CAD Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in SolidWorks and any PDM systems relevant to the role. Brush up on your surface modelling techniques and be ready to discuss specific projects where you've produced complex 3D models or engineering drawings.
✨Understand MAKO's Mission
Familiarise yourself with MAKO’s goal of improving aviation efficiency and reducing emissions. Be prepared to discuss how your skills as a Mechanical Engineer can contribute to this mission, especially in terms of CAD workflows and drawing standards.
✨Showcase Collaboration Skills
Since the role involves working closely with various teams, think of examples where you’ve successfully collaborated with others, particularly in regulated industries like aerospace. Highlight how you’ve communicated geometry and drawing intent clearly across different functions.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions on GD&T, engineering drawing standards, and document control practices. Brush up on these topics and be ready to explain how you’ve applied them in past roles, especially in relation to certification and quality management.
