At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop innovative satellite structures and mechanisms from concept to operation.
- Company: Join a pioneering company revolutionising satellite technology for global connectivity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, equity options, comprehensive health benefits, and hybrid work setup.
- Other info: Visa sponsorship and relocation support available for international applicants.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in space technology and enjoy unmatched ownership of your projects.
- Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in engineering and 5+ years in satellite mechanical design required.
The predicted salary is between 47250 - 57750 £ per year.
At the company Space, our mission is to engineer the lowest orbiting satellites on Earth to rapidly advance global connectivity and insight.
We are currently building satellites that can operate at an altitude of just 200 km - one-third that of conventional satellites.
Role Overview
Responsible for the mechanical design of satellite structures, mechanisms, and related hardware from concept through qualification and on-orbit operation.
Working within a small, multidisciplinary team, you will translate requirements into manufacturable designs and validate them through prototyping and environmental testing.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and develop mechanical systems and components for satellites, including primary structure, thermal-control hardware, secondary structures, and mechanisms.
- Generate 3D CAD models, fully dimensioned drawings, and interface control documents using GD&T, managing assembly configuration and PLM data.
- Take hardware from conceptual design through qualification to on-orbit operations, leading design reviews, and planning verification tests.
- Optimise designs for manufacturability, cost, mass, and reliability, working directly with manufacturers and suppliers.
- Support prototype builds, assembly, integration, and environmental test campaigns, iterating designs based on results.
- Collaborate with electrical, software, systems, and thermal engineers to integrate mechanical components into the satellite platform.
- Required Skills & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, or related engineering discipline.
- 5+ years’ experience in satellite mechanical design, including primary structure, pipe routing, electromechanics, and MGSE for aerospace applications (satellites, payloads, launch vehicles).
- Proficiency in CAD software such as Solid Works.
- Practical application of GD&T and experience producing manufacturing-ready drawings.
- Solid grounding in mechanical design principles, materials, structural mechanics, FEA , and thermal management.
- Demonstrated ability to design, build, and test hardware, including troubleshooting and iteration.
Why the company Space?
Pioneering Space Technology – You'll contribute to launching groundbreaking technology into space.
Your work on our revolutionary ion propulsion system and ULEO satellite platform will redefine satellite operations and disrupt traditional LEO operations.
- Unmatched Ownership and Impact – You'll experience a level of ownership that's rare in the space industry. You will participate in the full lifecycle of satellite technology.
- Equity and Competitive Salary – You'll receive not just a competitive salary but also company ownership stakes.
Your dedication and hard work are rewarded with a share in the technology you help build, ensuring you're a part of our collective success.
- Comprehensive Benefits Package – Including private health insurance with dental and optical coverage, annual healthcare check-ups etc.
- Hybrid Work - A hybrid setup with one dedicated remote day per week.
- Visa Sponsorship & Relocation Support - We provide a relocation package and sponsor your visa if you’re joining us from abroad.
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Contract Mechanical Design Engineer (Outside IR35) in Reading employer: United States Digital Space LLC
United States Digital Space LLC is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises innovation and collaboration in the heart of Greater London. With a strong focus on employee well-being and flexible work options, we provide ample opportunities for professional growth and development, making it an ideal environment for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the field of AI-enabled SaaS engineering.
Contact Details:
United States Digital Space LLC Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Contract Mechanical Design Engineer (Outside IR35) in Reading
✨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 United States Digital Space LLC.
✨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 United States Digital Space LLC love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of United States Digital Space LLC 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 Contract Mechanical Design Engineer (Outside IR35) in Reading
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 United States Digital Space LLC and the Contract Mechanical Design Engineer (Outside IR35) 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 United States Digital Space LLC
✨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 United States Digital Space LLC.
✨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 United States Digital Space LLC.
✨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 United States Digital Space LLC, making you a more appealing candidate.
