At a Glance
- Tasks: Resolve engineering issues and support project success in 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: Work in a dynamic environment with a strong focus on continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in defence technology while collaborating with expert teams.
- Qualifications: Must be professionally registered and have experience in mechanical or mechatronic engineering.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Rate: Up to £550/day
IR35 status: Inside IR35
Location: Hybrid working:
- 1 day per week on site at General Dynamics, Merthyr Tydfil
- 3 days per week on site at MOD Abbey Wood, Bristol
- 1 day per week working from home
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 provide engineering expertise within the Integrate Pillar of the AJAX Programme. The role focuses on resolving cross-project technical issues, supporting the Project Lead and Chief Engineers, and working collaboratively as part of a Tiger Team to ensure seamless integration and project success.
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 AJAX team comprises several pillars, each representing a stage in the project lifecycle and cross-cutting functions. This role sits within the Integrate Pillar, led by an OF5, whose purpose is to resolve cross-cutting technical issues.
Key Responsibilities
- Identify, analyse and resolve cross-project engineering issues
- Address issues impacting the Integrate Pillar and the wider programme
- Support the Project Lead and Chief Engineers
- Provide technical input and recommendations to resolve complex design conflicts
- Collaborate across pillars and functions
- Detect design inconsistencies and integration challenges early in the project lifecycle
- Participate in Tiger Team activities
- Work in focused groups to drive rapid resolution of critical engineering issues
- Facilitate communication and coordination
- Ensure alignment and effective problem-solving between engineering teams
- Document issues, resolutions and lessons learned
- Support continuous improvement and knowledge sharing
- Contribute to risk identification and mitigation
- Address risks relating to integration and design conflicts
- Support the Integrate Lead
- Deliver engineering solutions that meet programme requirements, timelines and quality standards
- Maintain awareness of standards and best practices
- Keep up to date with relevant engineering standards, project specifications and best practices
Essential Skills
- Professionally registered as a minimum as one of:
- Incorporated Engineer (IEng)
- Registered Scientist (RSci)
- Incorporated Marine Engineer (IMarEng)
- Experience of a manufacturing and production environment
- Depth and breadth of experience providing technical advice and delivering successful Mechanical or Mechatronic outcomes
- Demonstrable experience leading the delivery of successful Mechanical or Mechatronic outcomes
- Suitable engineering qualifications and training
Desirable Skills
- Previous experience as an Army Vehicle Mechanic or Vehicle Engineer
- Knowledge of MOD and DE&S organisations and operating procedures
- Knowledge of Equipment Support Management and Quality Management
Additional Information
Hybrid working arrangement:
- 1 day per week at General Dynamics, Merthyr Tydfil
- 3 days per week at MOD Abbey Wood, Bristol
- 1 day per week working from home
UK nationals only. SC Clearance required.
AJAX Mechanical Engineer - Integrate in Stoke Gifford employer: Quast
As a leading defence organisation, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture that empowers our employees to excel in their roles. With a hybrid working model that balances on-site engagement at our Merthyr Tydfil and Bristol locations with the flexibility of remote work, we offer a supportive environment that encourages professional growth and development. Join us to be part of a mission-driven team where your expertise will directly contribute to the success of critical national projects.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land AJAX Mechanical Engineer - Integrate 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 - Integrate 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 - Integrate 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.
