At a Glance
- Tasks: Support engineering across operational environment, deployment, and mobility for the AJAX Programme.
- Company: Join a leading defence organisation with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: SC Clearance required; dynamic team environment with excellent career prospects.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in defence engineering while working on cutting-edge projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in mechanical engineering and familiarity with AJAX or armoured vehicles.
The predicted salary is between 44000 - 55000 £ per year.
Rate: Up to £550/day
IR35 status: Inside IR35
Location: Hybrid (Office Address – Abbey Wood, Bristol, BS34 8JH)
Closing date: 15th July 2026 at 11:00
Contract dates: ASAP to 31/03/2027
Overview
Our customer, a large defence organisation, is seeking an experienced Mechanical Engineer to support the Operational Environment, Deploy and Mobility technical domains within the AJAX Programme.
Team Context
The AJAX Programme sits within the National Armaments Director Group (NAD). Delivered on behalf of DG Material under the purview of Director Land Environment as part of the Land Combat Vehicles Portfolio. The individual will report to the AJAX Engineering Lead as their Task Manager. The individual may also be tasked by the Demonstration and In-Service Leads within the team.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide engineering support across three core technical domains:
- Operational Environment, including collective protection, environmental control, heating systems and habitability.
- Deployment, including rail, air and sea transportation, tie-down schemes and related logistical engineering issues.
- Mobility, including running gear, suspension, tracks and vehicle performance.
- Work closely with the prime contractor to ensure and assure the resolution of domain-related issues and concerns.
- Work with the Safety Team to raise and manage emerging issues.
- Provide SME support to the In-Service Team to resolve domain-related issues.
- Support related trials activity and undertake occasional visits to contractor sites.
- Undertake other discrete tasks related to the technical domains as required.
- Work towards:
- Closure of all domain-related System Requirements within the Demonstration Phase of the programme.
- Management of outstanding domain issues by IOC, with in-service solutions and management plans provided to the In-Service Team.
Desirable Skills
- Previous AJAX programme experience.
- Familiarity with AJAX vehicles and/or armoured vehicles.
Additional Information
- Hybrid working based at MOD Abbey Wood, Bristol.
- Ability to support related trials activity and occasional visits to contractor sites.
- UK nationals only.
- SC Clearance required.
AJAX Mechanical Engineer in Stoke Gifford employer: Quast
As a leading defence organisation, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture. Our hybrid working model at Abbey Wood, Bristol, allows for flexibility while providing ample opportunities for professional growth and development within the AJAX Programme. Join us to contribute to meaningful projects that support national security and enjoy a supportive environment where your expertise is valued.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land AJAX Mechanical Engineer in Stoke Gifford
✨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 Quast.
✨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 Quast love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of Quast 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 AJAX Mechanical Engineer in Stoke Gifford
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 Quast and the AJAX 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 Quast
✨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 Quast.
✨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 Quast.
✨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 Quast, making you a more appealing candidate.
