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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop cutting-edge UAV platforms, from concept to production.
- Company: STARK, a revolutionary defence tech company focused on autonomous systems.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hands-on experience, and opportunities for innovation.
- Other info: Dynamic, collaborative environment with strong career growth potential.
- Why this job: Join a mission-driven team making a real impact in defence technology.
- Qualifications: Experience in mechanical design, especially in aerospace or autonomous systems.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ 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 a Mechanical Design Engineer at STARK, you will be a key contributor to the mechanical architecture of our next-generation UAV platforms. This isn't a role for someone who wants to stay behind a desk; you will take subsystems from initial concept through to high-rate production, working closely with our manufacturing facilities. You’ll be the bridge between ambitious design and reality, diving deep into CAD and Design for Manufacture (DFM). You will work within an agile, cross-functional team to ensure our airframes are robust, cost-effective, and ready for the field.
Responsibilities
- Design & Execute: Take ownership of major mechanical assemblies and payload integrations for current and future UAV platforms.
- DFM Focus: Optimise designs for high-rate production, ensuring we can scale from prototype to hundreds of units without compromising quality.
- Technical Rigor: Apply best practices in parametric modeling, GD&T, and tolerance stack-up analysis to ensure 'first-time-right' assembly.
- Material Innovation: Drive decisions on airframe materials, structural layouts, and manufacturing processes (composites, additive, etc.).
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Stress, Flight Test, and Systems teams to ensure structural integrity and successful flight trials.
- Prototyping: Be hands-on with CAD, rapid prototyping, and shop-floor troubleshooting to iterate designs at pace.
Qualifications
- Experience: Professional experience in mechanical design, ideally within aerospace, UAVs, automotive, or autonomous systems.
- Production Mindset: A proven track record of taking parts or structures from a sketch through to verification and into production.
- CAD Expert: Highly proficient in SolidWorks (CATIA experience is also beneficial).
- Technical Breadth: Strong knowledge of composites, 3D printing, machining, and injection molding.
- Standard Aware: Familiarity with (or a desire to learn) MIL standards and certification pathways.
- Communication: Ability to explain complex technical trade-offs to both engineering peers and program leadership.
- Security: Must be eligible for UK Security Clearance.
Mechanical Design Engineer employer: Stark Defence
Contact Detail:
Stark Defence Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Mechanical Design Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at STARK on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you’ve got a portfolio of your mechanical designs or projects, bring it along to interviews. It’s a great way to demonstrate your hands-on experience and creativity.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for technical questions! Brush up on your CAD skills and be ready to discuss your design process. They’ll want to see how you think and solve problems, so be ready to dive deep.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you can tailor your application to highlight how you fit into STARK's mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Mechanical Design Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Design: When you’re writing your application, let your enthusiasm for mechanical design shine through! Talk about your experiences and projects that got you excited about the field. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely passionate about what they do.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Mechanical Design Engineer role at STARK. Highlight relevant experience in UAVs or similar fields, and don’t forget to mention your CAD skills. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it’s necessary. We appreciate candidates who can communicate complex ideas simply, as this reflects the collaborative spirit we value at STARK.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at STARK!
How to prepare for a job interview at Stark Defence
✨Know Your CAD Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in SolidWorks and any other CAD software mentioned in the job description. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you’ve used these tools, and maybe even bring a portfolio of your designs to showcase your skills.
✨Understand DFM Principles
Since the role focuses on Design for Manufacture, brush up on your knowledge of DFM principles. Be ready to explain how you've optimised designs for production in the past, and think about examples where you’ve successfully scaled prototypes into high-rate production.
✨Showcase Your Cross-Functional Experience
This position requires collaboration with various teams. Prepare examples of how you’ve worked with stress, flight test, or systems teams in previous roles. Highlight your ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly to different stakeholders.
✨Be Hands-On and Ready to Troubleshoot
STARK values practical experience, so be ready to discuss times when you’ve been hands-on with prototyping or troubleshooting on the shop floor. Share stories that demonstrate your problem-solving skills and your ability to iterate designs quickly.