At a Glance
- Tasks: Design advanced cargo drone systems and create detailed CAD models.
- Company: Join Windracers, a leader in innovative aerospace technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on innovation and sustainability.
- Why this job: Be part of a cutting-edge team transforming the future of aviation.
- Qualifications: Bachelor's in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering and 5+ years of design experience.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
As a Mechanical Design Engineer at Windracers, you will be responsible for the mechanical design and development of advanced cargo drone systems. You will translate system requirements into robust, lightweight, and manufacturable designs, supporting the entire lifecycle from concept through prototyping, testing, and production. This role requires strong CAD skills, a solid understanding of aerospace mechanical design principles, and experience designing structural components and mechanisms. The ideal candidate is someone who can take ownership of all aspects of development activities working closely with internal teams and, where required, external stakeholders.
Mechanical Design & CAD Modelling
- Create detailed 3D CAD models and 2D drawings for UAV components, assemblies including primary structures, payload integration solutions, and aircraft mechanisms and physical subsystems.
- Take on design tasks from concept to production for the main structural assemblies of the aircraft aimed at improving performance, robustness and reducing cost, while meeting developing customer requirements.
- Design and develop mechanisms for systems such as landing gear, suspension, cargo handling, control surfaces, and customer payload integration.
- Maintain configuration control and design documentation across the product lifecycle.
Analysis
- Perform preliminary structural and kinematic analyses to ensure assemblies meet strength, motion, and durability requirements.
- Collaborate with simulation engineers to refine designs under aerodynamic, structural, and environmental loads.
- Iterate designs based on test results, feedback, and trade‑off studies.
Prototyping & Testing Support
- Support the fabrication and assembly of prototypes, ensuring designs are manufacturable.
- Participate in ground and flight testing campaigns, troubleshooting mechanical and mechanism issues and implementing improvements.
- Document design changes and lessons learned to feed into continuous development.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with aircraft systems, propulsion, avionics, and software engineers to ensure designs meet system‑level requirements.
- Contribute to design reviews with clear communication of trade‑offs, risks, and proposed solutions.
- Work closely with and act on feedback from internal manufacturing, manufacturing partners as well as customers and the Windracers Operations Team.
Manufacturing & Supply Chain Support
- Prepare detailed manufacturing drawings, BOM and specifications for both in‑house fabrication and external manufacturing partners and suppliers.
- Ensure designs align with cost, quality, and lead‑time considerations.
- Collaborate with suppliers and internal Manufacturing to resolve technical queries and improve manufacturability.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
- 5+ years of experience in mechanical design, preferably in aerospace, UAVs, or similar fields.
- Proficiency with CAD software (SolidWorks, and SolidWorks PDM preferable).
- Experience designing lightweight structural assemblies in a similar sector (UAVs, Aerospace, automotive/motorsport).
- Knowledge of materials and manufacturing processes relevant to lightweight structures.
- Experience with sheet metal, bonded and riveted assemblies highly desirable, experience with composite assemblies will be considered as well.
Mechanical Design Engineer in Fareham employer: Windracers
At Windracers Group, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through continuous professional development opportunities and a culture that values teamwork and effective communication. Located in the heart of the UK, we provide a unique chance to work within a cutting-edge engineering organisation, ensuring that our IT services are not only reliable but also aligned with industry best practices.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mechanical Design Engineer in Fareham
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
✨Spotlight Your Projects
Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with Windracers for a Mechanical Design Engineer. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace Mechanical Design Engineer in Fareham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Windracers, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At Windracers, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at Windracers
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with Windracers.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with Windracers. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like Windracers love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
