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, opportunities for mentorship, and a chance to work on impactful projects.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for career growth and innovation.
- Why this job: Join us to shape the future of defence technology and make a real difference.
- Qualifications: Experience in mechanical design, especially in aerospace or UAV systems, and strong CAD skills.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ 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.
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
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
Principal / Senior Mechanical Design Engineer in Swindon employer: Stark Defence
STARK is an exceptional employer for those passionate about defence technology and innovation. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer opportunities to lead cutting-edge projects in a collaborative work culture that values creativity and technical expertise. Located in the UK, our team enjoys a dynamic environment where contributions directly impact the safety and security of NATO Allies, making every role meaningful and rewarding.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal / Senior Mechanical Design Engineer in Swindon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the aerospace and defence sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Get hands-on with your skills! If you’ve got SolidWorks or CATIA experience, show it off. Create a portfolio of your best designs and projects. We love seeing practical examples of your work, so make sure to highlight your mechanical design prowess.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews! Research STARK and our mission in defence technology. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with our goals. We want to see your passion for UAVs and autonomous systems shine through!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for talented individuals who can help us revolutionise defence technology. Don’t miss out on the chance to join our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal / Senior Mechanical Design Engineer in Swindon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your mechanical design experience, especially in aerospace or UAV systems. We want to see how you've taken structures from concept to production, so share those success stories!
Be CAD Savvy:Since we're all about SolidWorks (and CATIA if you've got it), mention your expertise with these tools. Give us examples of how you've used CAD in your previous roles to create innovative designs that meet high standards.
Talk About Teamwork:We love collaboration! In your application, emphasise your ability to work with cross-functional teams. Share instances where you’ve influenced decisions at various levels and how you’ve mentored others in the process.
Keep It Clear and Concise:Make sure your application is easy to read and straight to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it's relevant. Remember, we’re looking for excellent communication skills, so let that shine through in your writing!
How to prepare for a job interview at Stark Defence
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your mechanical design experience, especially in aerospace and UAV systems. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've taken structures from concept to production, and highlight your expertise in SolidWorks and tolerance stack analysis.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've tackled challenges in design and manufacturing. Think about times when you had to make tough decisions regarding material selection or structural layout, and be ready to explain your thought process and the outcomes.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since excellent communication skills are a must, practice articulating your ideas clearly and confidently. Be prepared to influence at the executive level by discussing how your designs can impact the overall mission of STARK and its commitment to delivering high-performance systems.
✨Be Hands-On
Demonstrate your hands-on experience with CAD and prototyping during the interview. If possible, bring along a portfolio of your work that showcases your design-for-manufacture strategies and any troubleshooting you've done on the shop floor.
