Mane Contract Services
Lead Mechanical Engineer

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Are you an experienced Mechanical Design Engineer looking to work on some of the UK's most exciting defence programmes? We are currently recruiting for multiple Lead Mechanical Engineers to support the development of next-generation land systems for a leading global defence organisation based in Ampthill. This is an excellent opportunity to work on complex military vehicle programmes, contributing to the design and development of cutting-edge defence technologies.
You'll be joining a highly skilled engineering team responsible for delivering innovative mechanical design solutions for armoured vehicle platforms and complex mechanisms operating in demanding environments.
The Role
As a Lead Mechanical Engineer, you will be responsible for:
- Supporting the design and development of Mechanical systems and components.
- Producing high-quality mechanical designs from concept through to manufacture.
- Designing complex mechanisms and assemblies for defence applications.
- Performing structural and kinematic calculations to support design activities.
- Working closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams to deliver programme objectives.
- Planning, coordinating and managing engineering activities across the product development lifecycle.
- Ensuring designs are suitable for harsh operating environments and meet defence industry standards.
- Utilising CREO and Windchill to develop and manage mechanical design data.
- Contributing technical expertise throughout the design and product development process.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
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Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Essential Skills & Experience
- Proven experience in mechanical design and product development.
- Strong background working within the defence or industrial automation sectors.
- Extensive experience using CREO CAD software.
- Experience using Windchill PLM software.
- In-depth understanding of complex mechanism design principles.
- Ability to perform basic structural and kinematic calculations.
- Proven track record of delivering products designed for harsh environments.
- Strong knowledge of materials, treatments and finishing technologies used within defence products.
- Excellent attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to plan, schedule and coordinate engineering activities effectively.


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Desirable Experience
- Experience designing land systems.
- Aerospace or military design experience.
- Experience working across the full mechanical design lifecycle from concept through to delivery.
Security Clearance
- Candidates must be eligible to obtain Security Clearance (SC).
- BPSS clearance is required to start.
Working Arrangements
- Mandatory on-site attendance in Ampthill every Monday and Tuesday.
- Additional on-site days may be required depending on programme requirements.
- Flexible 4-day working week (Monday to Thursday), offering an excellent work-life balance.
What's on Offer?
- Opportunity to work on leading UK defence programmes.
- 4-day working week.
- Collaborative and innovative engineering environment.
- Exposure to complex military vehicle and defence technologies.
- Multiple positions available with an immediate requirement.
If you're an experienced Mechanical Design Engineer with a passion for defence engineering and complex mechanical systems, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today by submitting your CV, and a member of our Defence recruitment team will be in touch.
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