At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead mechanical design for cutting-edge UAV platforms from concept to production.
- Company: STARK, a revolutionary defence technology company focused on autonomous systems.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to excellence and innovation in defence.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in defence technology while working with innovative teams.
- Qualifications: Experience in mechanical design, especially in aerospace or UAV systems.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
About Us
STARK is a new kind of defence technology company revolutionising the way autonomous systems are deployed across multiple domains. We design, develop and manufacture high performance unmanned systems that are software-defined, mass-scalable, and cost effective. This provides our operators with a decisive edge in highly contested environments. We’re focused on delivering deployable, high-performance systems - not future promises. In a time of rising threats, STARK is bolstering the technological edge of NATO Allies and their Partners to deter aggression and defend Europe - today.
Your mission
As our Senior Mechanical Design Engineer, you will own the mechanical architecture of STARK’s next-generation UAV platforms from concept to high-rate production. You will set technical direction, mentor engineers, and work closely with cross-functional teams to deliver highly reliable, certifiable, and field-deployable systems under aggressive timelines. You will both define mechanical design strategy and dive deep into CAD, tolerance stacks, and Design for Manufacture/Assembly (DFMA) prototypes. You will act as the company’s authority on mechanical design for airframes and payload integration, influencing platform-level decisions and ensuring designs are robust, scalable, cost-effective for mass production, and certifiable.
Responsibilities
- Lead mechanical design for UK current and future UAV platforms
- Define and enforce best practices for parametric modeling, GD&T, and tolerance stack-ups
- Drive airframe material selection, structural layout, and manufacturability decisions
- Oversee supplier engagement for structural components, composites, and assemblies
- Collaborate with stress, flight test, and systems teams to ensure structural integrity
- Support and occasionally lead design reviews with leadership, partners, and certifying authorities
- Be hands-on with CAD (SolidWorks/CATIA), prototyping, and shop-floor troubleshooting, with a focus on process and design optimisation for rate increase
Qualifications
- Mechanical design experience, ideally in aerospace / UAV / autonomous systems
- Proven record of taking structures from concept through verification to high rate production (wing, fuselage, empennage)
- Expert in SolidWorks (CATIA V5/V6 a plus) and tolerance stack analysis
- Strong knowledge of composites, 3D printing, machining, injection moulding, and joining methods
- Familiarity with MIL standards and EASA/FAA certification pathways (SC-Light UAS, CS-23)
- Excellent communication skills - able to influence at exec and program level
- Eligible for UK Security Clearance
About us
SECURITY CLEARANCE
Due to the nature of our work in the defence sector, candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance required for this position. Details will be provided during the recruitment process.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
We are an equal-opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Principal / Senior Mechanical Design Engineer employer: Stark Co
STARK is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation meets purpose in the defence technology sector. As a Lead Software Engineer in Maritime, you will not only lead a talented team but also engage in hands-on development, ensuring your contributions directly impact the future of autonomous systems. With a commitment to employee growth, a culture of inclusivity, and the opportunity to work on cutting-edge technology in a critical domain, STARK provides a rewarding career path for those seeking meaningful work.
