At a Glance
- Tasks: Take ownership of mechanical design and build innovative anti-drone systems.
- Company: Exciting British engineering start-up with a focus on high-impact projects.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hands-on experience, and leadership opportunities.
- Other info: Opportunity for significant career growth and leadership from day one.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by developing cutting-edge technology in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Strong mechanical design skills and experience in building complete systems.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
TopStaff is recruiting on behalf of a growing British engineering start-up developing personal anti-drone protection systems. This is an ambitious, high-impact project at an exciting stage of development, and the team is looking for a Mechanical Design Engineer to take full ownership of their hardware and mechanical development. This is a hands-on, high-ownership role for an engineer who wants to build things that matter – from early concept through to working hardware in the field. The role is ideal for someone who thrives in fast-paced, resource-limited environments, takes genuine pride in building complete systems, and is ready to step into a position of real technical and team leadership.
Responsibilities
- Take full ownership of all mechanical and hardware systems
- Design, build and continuously improve complex physical systems and products
- Develop and integrate new functionality into existing products
- Design and build test rigs and validation setups
- Support rapid prototyping and iteration cycles
- Drive new product development from early concept through to operational prototype
- Work closely with controls and software engineers to ensure full system integration
- Lead and grow a small team of technicians and junior mechanical engineers
What Success Looks Like
- Within the first 6–12 months, the successful candidate will be expected to deliver complete hardware systems from concept to working prototype
- Improve reliability, performance and testability of existing products
- Establish effective test rigs and validation processes
- Take full ownership of hardware development on new product lines
- Strong experience in mechanical design and hardware system development
- Proven track record of building complete systems from zero to one, including prototyping
- Experience in small teams or start-up / research environments
- Ability to take end-to-end ownership of hardware and mechanical solutions
- Commitment to working on-site in Ukraine for the majority of time over a two-year assignment
- Right to work in the relevant jurisdiction(s) required for the assignment
- NATO member state citizenship or Ukrainian citizenship – the client does not offer visa sponsorship
- The successful candidate will be required to undergo and pass a security clearance check
- Background in aerospace, defence or high-reliability engineering systems
- Experience designing test rigs and experimental hardware setups
- Experience working within multidisciplinary engineering teams
Who We Are Looking For
- A strong hands-on engineering mindset – you build things, not just design them
- High personal initiative – evidence of significant projects, competitions or other high-performance activities outside formal employment
- The ability to work independently and make good decisions with limited structure
- Personal responsibility and a results-oriented approach
- High work capacity and resilience in a fast-moving environment
- Flexibility to commit to an intensive, on-site role for an extended period
Leadership and Scope
- This role carries genuine leadership responsibility from day one:
- Manage one technician / junior mechanical engineer immediately, growing to a team of 2–5 within the first year
- Decision-making authority over all mechanical aspects of current and new products
- Input into team culture and hiring decisions
- Partial budget responsibility on the mechanical engineering side
Location
- The first few months will be based in the United Kingdom. Thereafter, the role is primarily on-site in Ukraine for approximately two years.
Mechanical Design Engineer employer: TopStaff recruitment agency
TopStaff is an exceptional employer for those seeking to make a tangible impact in the engineering field. With a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and hands-on development, employees are empowered to take ownership of their projects while enjoying opportunities for personal and professional growth. The unique experience of working on cutting-edge anti-drone technology in both the UK and Ukraine offers a rewarding challenge for engineers eager to lead and create meaningful solutions.
Contact Detail:
TopStaff recruitment agency 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 people in the industry, attend events, and connect with fellow engineers. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your projects, prototypes, and any hands-on work you've done. This is your chance to demonstrate that you’re not just about theory but can actually build things that matter.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to mechanical design. Think about how you can highlight your experience in fast-paced environments and your ability to lead a team.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Mechanical Design Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Building:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for hands-on engineering shine through. We want to see that you’re not just about the theory; you love getting stuck in and building things that matter!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to showcase any experience you have with mechanical design and hardware systems. We’re looking for someone who has a proven track record of taking projects from concept to prototype, so don’t hold back on those details!
Demonstrate Leadership Skills:Since this role involves leading a small team, it’s important to highlight any leadership experience you have. Whether it’s managing projects or mentoring others, we want to know how you can inspire and grow a 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’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at TopStaff recruitment agency
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your mechanical design principles and hardware systems. Be ready to discuss your past projects in detail, especially those that showcase your ability to take a concept from zero to one. This is your chance to shine, so prepare specific examples that highlight your hands-on experience.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves managing a small team, be prepared to talk about your leadership style and experiences. Think of instances where you've led a project or mentored others. Highlight how you can inspire and grow a team, as well as how you handle challenges in a fast-paced environment.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities
Expect to face some technical questions or scenarios during the interview. Practice articulating your thought process when tackling complex problems. Show them how you approach design challenges and iterate on solutions, especially in resource-limited settings.
✨Cultural Fit Matters
The client values character and drive just as much as technical skills. Be yourself and let your passion for engineering shine through. Share any personal projects or competitions that demonstrate your initiative and commitment to building things that matter. This will help you connect with the team on a personal level.
