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.
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 will involve owning 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 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, focusing 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.
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.
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 (All Genders) in Swindon employer: Stark
STARK is an exceptional employer for those passionate about defence technology and innovation, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises real-world impact over abstraction. With a focus on employee growth, the company provides opportunities to work on cutting-edge projects in a fast-paced environment, fostering collaboration across diverse teams in multiple countries. Located in key European regions, STARK not only supports NATO Allies but also champions a commitment to diversity and inclusion, making it a rewarding place for talented individuals to thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal / Senior Mechanical Design Engineer (All Genders) in Swindon
✨Get Your Hands Dirty at Engineering Events
Join local engineering meetups or industry conferences related to mechanical engineering. Whether it's a workshop or a career fair, these events are goldmines for networking and getting a foot in the door. Plus, you can showcase your passion and enthusiasm directly to potential employers like Stark.
✨Connect with Professors & Peers
Tap into your university’s resources—professors often have connections in the industry. Don’t be shy to ask about potential openings or recommendations. Your classmates might also know of companies hiring. Often, it’s who you know that gets you in front of the right people!
✨Highlight Your Projects and Practical Experience
When you land those interviews, make sure to talk about your hands-on projects or internships. Whether it's a design project or hands-on experience with CAD software, specific examples will make you stand out. Companies like Stark love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of Stark and apply directly through there. It shows initiative and interest in their specific values. Plus, you'll often find openings that aren't advertised on job boards, giving you a better chance to land that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal / Senior Mechanical Design Engineer (All Genders) in Swindon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Expertise:In mechanical engineering, it’s vital to highlight your technical skills and projects. Make sure to include relevant software proficiency (like CAD tools) in your CV. If you've worked on specific engineering projects, detail your key contributions — we want to see how you’ve applied your skills in a practical setting!
Focus on Problem-Solving Examples:Employers in mechanical engineering love to see how you handle challenges. Use your cover letter to share specific instances where you’ve solved a complex problem or improved a design. This will show us you're not just knowledgeable but also capable of applying that knowledge effectively.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Include any relevant certifications or training that can set you apart from the competition. Whether it's coursework from your degree, a recognised certification, or extra training in new technologies, we love to see candidates who continuously improve their skill set. This tells us you're serious about your career in engineering!
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don’t forget to customise your CV for Stark and the Principal / Senior Mechanical Design Engineer (All Genders) role specifically. Pull examples from your experience that align with the job description — it shows us you've done your research and are genuinely interested in becoming part of the team. We recommend applying through our website to ensure your application gets to the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Stark
✨Brush Up on Your CAD Skills
Since mechanical engineering often involves design processes, be ready to showcase your proficiency in CAD software like SolidWorks or AutoCAD. Bring along a digital portfolio or even some sketches that demonstrate your design capabilities — it’s a great way to show what you can bring to the table at Stark.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions that test your understanding of engineering principles and problem-solving skills. You might get hypothetical scenarios where you need to design a component or troubleshoot a mechanical system. Practising these types of questions will give you the confidence to tackle whatever comes your way!
✨Show Your Team Spirit
As a full-time mechanical engineer, collaboration is key! Be ready to share examples of past team projects or any experiences where you contributed to solving a complex problem with others. Demonstrating your ability to work in a team will resonate well with the interviewers at Stark.
✨Discuss Your Future Goals
Since this is a full-time position, your long-term vision is important. Be open about your career aspirations, whether it’s mastering a specific tool or leading projects. This shows that you're committed not just to learning but also to growing with Stark, making you a more appealing candidate.
