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- Tasks: Lead a team in designing next-gen air vehicles from concept to flight.
- Company: Join a UK defence tech company specialising in uncrewed air systems with 15+ years of experience.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of an innovative team making a real impact in defence technology.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership, CAD proficiency, and a background in aerospace systems are essential.
- Other info: UK residency and security clearance eligibility required.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Mechanical Design Team Lead – Air Vehicle Design
About the Company
Our client is a UK-based defence technology company producing uncrewed air systems. With over 15 years of experience and strong financial backing/investment, the company is scaling rapidly, delivering cutting-edge UAV solutions for defence and government clients. With fully integrated UK-based facilities for design, manufacturing, and flight testing, the team can rapidly prototype, iterate, and deploy platforms in response to emerging operational needs.
Role Overview
We’re looking for an experienced and proactive Mechanical Design Team Lead to guide a multidisciplinary team in the design and development of next-generation air vehicles. This role combines technical leadership with hands-on engineering across the entire product lifecycle - from concept to flight.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and mentor a team of engineers, driving performance and development
- Oversee the mechanical design of air vehicles, payloads, and production-ready platforms
- Ensure efficient resource allocation and milestone delivery in collaboration with senior leaders
- Participate in design reviews and maintain configuration and documentation standards
- Support manufacturing and supply chain teams with technical input
- Plan and execute test and validation activities, including flight tests
- Contribute to continuous improvement across engineering processes and team capability
- Support recruitment, onboarding, and team resourcing
What We’re Looking For
We value people who are collaborative, technically sharp, and adaptive. Ideal candidates will have:
- Strong communication and leadership skills
- Proficiency in CAD (e.g. SolidWorks)
- Experience with design for manufacture and configuration management
- A hands-on, problem-solving mindset
- Background in aerospace systems, composites, or avionics (desirable)
- Eligibility for UK Security Clearance (SC)
Working Model
Hybrid working is supported, with most team members on-site at least three days per week. Due to the nature of the work, UK residency and SC clearance eligibility are essential.
Lead Mechanical Design Engineer employer: SR2
Contact Detail:
SR2 Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Mechanical Design Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in UAV technology and mechanical design. Being knowledgeable about cutting-edge developments will not only help you stand out but also demonstrate your passion for the field during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the aerospace and defence sectors. Attend industry events, webinars, or local meetups to connect with potential colleagues or mentors who can provide insights into the company culture and expectations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership experiences in detail. Think of specific examples where you've successfully led a team or project, as this role heavily emphasises mentorship and team performance.
✨Tip Number 4
Brush up on your CAD skills, particularly in SolidWorks. If you have any recent projects or designs, be ready to showcase them, as practical experience with design tools is crucial for this position.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Mechanical Design Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in mechanical design, particularly in aerospace systems or UAVs. Emphasise your leadership skills and any experience with CAD software like SolidWorks.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the role and the company. Mention specific projects or experiences that demonstrate your ability to lead a team and your hands-on problem-solving skills.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your proficiency in design for manufacture and configuration management. Include examples of how you've contributed to continuous improvement in previous roles.
Prepare for Technical Questions: Anticipate technical questions related to mechanical design and aerospace systems during the interview process. Be ready to discuss your approach to design reviews and how you ensure documentation standards are met.
How to prepare for a job interview at SR2
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Lead Mechanical Design Engineer, you'll be expected to guide and mentor a team. Be prepared to discuss your previous leadership experiences, how you motivate your team, and any specific examples of successful projects you've led.
✨Demonstrate Technical Proficiency
Familiarity with CAD software like SolidWorks is crucial. Bring examples of your design work or projects that highlight your technical skills, especially in aerospace systems or composites, to showcase your expertise.
✨Prepare for Design Reviews
Since you'll participate in design reviews, practice articulating your design decisions clearly. Be ready to discuss how you maintain configuration and documentation standards, as well as how you handle feedback during these reviews.
✨Emphasise Problem-Solving Abilities
A hands-on, problem-solving mindset is essential for this role. Prepare to share specific challenges you've faced in past projects and how you approached solving them, particularly in the context of mechanical design and testing.
