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- Tasks: Lead mechanical design for next-gen UAV platforms and mentor engineers.
- Company: STARK, a revolutionary defence tech company enhancing NATO's capabilities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to work on impactful projects.
- Why this job: Join us to shape the future of autonomous systems and make a real difference.
- Qualifications: Experience in mechanical design, especially in aerospace or defence.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with hands-on CAD work and collaboration across teams.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 ÂŁ per year.
Senior Mechanical Design Engineer
Join to apply for the Senior Mechanical Design Engineer role at STARK
Overview
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.
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
Qualifications
- 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
Seniority level
Mid‑Senior level
Employment type
Full‑time
Job function
- Design and Engineering
- Defense and Space Manufacturing
- Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at STARK by 2x.
Location: Swindon, England, United Kingdom
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Senior Mechanical Design Engineer employer: Stark
Contact Detail:
Stark Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Mechanical Design Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the aerospace and defence sectors. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet potential employers and showcase your expertise in mechanical design.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge. Be ready to discuss your experience with CAD software like SolidWorks and how you've tackled challenges in previous projects. We want to see your passion for UAV platforms!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your hands-on skills! If you’ve got prototypes or projects you’ve worked on, bring them along to interviews. This will help us see your practical experience and how you approach mechanical design challenges.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining STARK and contributing to our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Mechanical Design Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Defence Tech: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for defence technology shine through. We want to see how your experience aligns with our mission at STARK and how you can contribute to revolutionising autonomous systems.
Be Specific About Your Experience: Don’t just list your previous roles; dive into the details! Share specific projects where you’ve taken structures from concept to flight-ready release. We love seeing concrete examples of your mechanical design expertise.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application for the Senior Mechanical Design Engineer role. Highlight your skills in CAD, tolerance stacks, and your knowledge of composites. This shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates about the hiring process. Let’s get started!
How to prepare for a job interview at Stark
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your mechanical design principles, especially in aerospace and defence. Be ready to discuss your experience with CAD software like SolidWorks and CATIA, as well as your knowledge of tolerance stack-ups and GD&T. This is your chance to showcase your expertise!
✨Showcase Your Projects
Prepare to talk about specific projects where you've taken structures from concept to flight-ready release. Highlight your role in the design process, any challenges you faced, and how you overcame them. Real-world examples will help demonstrate your capabilities.
✨Understand the Company’s Mission
Familiarise yourself with STARK's focus on high-performance unmanned systems and their commitment to NATO Allies. Being able to align your answers with their mission will show that you're genuinely interested in the role and understand the impact of your work.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to airframe material selection, structural integrity, and manufacturability decisions. Practice articulating your thought process clearly and confidently, as this will be crucial in demonstrating your problem-solving skills during the interview.
