At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop cutting-edge UAV platforms from concept to production.
- Company: Join STARK, a revolutionary defence tech company shaping the future of autonomous systems.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for hands-on experience.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with excellent career growth and learning opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in defence technology while working on innovative projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in mechanical design, especially in aerospace or UAVs, and CAD proficiency.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Overview
Permanent employee, Full-time
Location: Swindon
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.
Apply and Compliance
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, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. Due to the nature of our work in the defense sector, candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance required for the position. We look forward to hearing from you! Thank you for your interest in STARK. Please contact our recruiting team if you need assistance with the upload of your data. Data privacy and handling information will be provided as part of the application process.
Mechanical Design Engineer in Swindon employer: Stark Defence
At STARK, we pride ourselves on being an innovative employer that empowers our Mechanical Design Engineers to make a tangible impact in the defence technology sector. Located in Swindon, our collaborative work culture fosters creativity and hands-on problem-solving, while offering exceptional growth opportunities through direct involvement in cutting-edge UAV projects. Join us to be part of a mission-driven team dedicated to enhancing the technological capabilities of NATO Allies, all while enjoying a supportive environment that values diversity and inclusion.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mechanical Design Engineer in Swindon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at STARK on LinkedIn or through industry events. 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! Bring a portfolio of your best mechanical design projects to interviews. This is your chance to demonstrate your CAD expertise and production mindset, so make it count!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for technical questions! Brush up on your knowledge of composites, 3D printing, and DFM principles. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're ready to dive into the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the STARK team.
We think you need these skills to ace Mechanical Design Engineer in Swindon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills:When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your experience with CAD and mechanical design. We want to see how you've taken projects from concept to production, so don’t hold back on the details!
Tailor Your Application:Make your application stand out by tailoring it to our job description. Use keywords from the posting, like 'Design for Manufacture' and 'cross-functional collaboration', to show us you’re a perfect fit for the role.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, so avoid jargon unless it’s relevant. Remember, we want to understand your journey and how you can contribute to our team!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Stark Defence
✨Know Your CAD Inside Out
As a Mechanical Design Engineer, you'll be expected to demonstrate your proficiency in CAD software like SolidWorks. Make sure you brush up on your skills and be ready to discuss specific projects where you've used CAD to solve design challenges.
✨Understand DFM Principles
Since the role focuses on Design for Manufacture (DFM), come prepared to talk about how you've optimised designs for production. Think of examples where you’ve successfully scaled prototypes into high-rate production without compromising quality.
✨Showcase Your Technical Knowledge
Be ready to dive deep into technical discussions about materials and manufacturing processes. Familiarise yourself with composites, 3D printing, and machining techniques, and be prepared to explain how these can impact UAV design.
✨Emphasise Collaboration Skills
This role requires cross-functional teamwork, so highlight your experience working with other teams like Stress or Flight Test. Share examples of how you’ve communicated complex technical concepts to non-engineers, showcasing your ability to bridge gaps between disciplines.
