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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 innovating uncrewed air systems for government clients.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a cutting-edge team making a real impact in defence technology.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership, CAD proficiency, and a background in aerospace systems preferred.
- Other info: UK residency and security clearance eligibility are essential for this role.
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 air vehicle design. This will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your passion and commitment to the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the aerospace and defence sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with potential colleagues and learn more about the company culture.
✨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, as proficiency in this area is crucial for the role. Consider taking a short course or working on personal projects to enhance your expertise.
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 you have with CAD software like SolidWorks.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Discuss how your background aligns with their needs, particularly your experience in leading teams and driving performance in engineering projects.
Showcase Technical Skills: Be specific about your technical skills related to mechanical design and configuration management. Mention any relevant projects you've worked on that demonstrate your problem-solving mindset and hands-on approach.
Highlight Team Collaboration: Since the role involves mentoring and collaboration, provide examples of how you've successfully led teams or worked cross-functionally in previous positions. This will show your ability to fit into their team-oriented culture.
How to prepare for a job interview at SR2
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Mechanical Design Team Lead, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and mentor a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully guided teams in the past, focusing on your communication style and how you drive performance.
✨Demonstrate Technical Proficiency
Be ready to discuss your experience with CAD software, particularly SolidWorks. Bring specific examples of projects where you've applied your technical skills in mechanical design, especially in aerospace systems or similar fields.
✨Prepare for Design Reviews
Understand the importance of design reviews in the role. Familiarise yourself with common practices and be prepared to discuss how you would approach maintaining configuration and documentation standards during these reviews.
✨Highlight Problem-Solving Experiences
The company values a hands-on, problem-solving mindset. Think of instances where you've tackled complex engineering challenges, particularly in the context of air vehicle design or manufacturing processes, and be ready to share these stories.
