The company:

We are a profitable, fast-scaling defence-tech start-up - operating on the extreme edge of innovation in the evolving domain of unmanned systems / drones.

Our world-class team of Engineers are delivering solutions deemed impossible by many, for some of the most complex and challenging problems in the Drones / UAS space.

With strong revenue growth, a loyal customer base, and an ambitious scaling plan, we are entering an exciting new phase of growth — and this is a rare opportunity to join at the moment it matters most.

Why this role exists

We have multiple products in active service and demand is strong and increasing fast. Our current Engineering team is small, stretched, passionate, motivated and rapidly growing. We need an experienced Principal or Lead-level Mechanical Design Engineer who can take full ownership of detailed design work across our product lines and start delivering from week one through the team that you will have responsibility for.

This is a hands-on design role where the distance between your desk and the development areas is measured in metres. You will contribute to the design of products, facilitate the manufacture of parts and then work with a wider team to assemble the prototype. If you have spent your career wishing you were closer to the hardware whilst guiding and influencing others, this is that job.

What you will do

• Have accountability for the technical delivery of complex electro-mechanical mechanisms through deep mechanical engineering expertise on projects, subsystems, and technology developments.
• Lead, guide, direct'mechanical design engineering' activities across applicable projects, which will include leading, coaching, and motivating a growing team of talented mechanical design engineers.
• Own the full design process: concept, CAD, tolerance analysis, material selection, and drawing release
• Perform structural and kinematic calculations and preliminary FEA
• Advocate and lead the adoption of best practice mechanical engineering to improve the delivery of the engineering function to time, cost, quality and specification, whilst ensuring the appropriate level of effective technical governance is in place for safety, compliance, quality and reliability.
• Devise and distribute technical work packages, often across multiple cross functional teams, guiding the project toward a successful passage through project milestones through to completion and volume production.
• Ensure mechanical engineering of product development meets stakeholder and product requirements, and is compliant with relevant regulations, directives and standards, by design.
• Develop Subject Matter Expertise in relevant areas of the mechanical design of our product portfolio, towards recognition as a Principal Engineer and an expert in those areas.
• Prototype, test, and iterate mechanism designs for functionality and reliability
• Collaborate with electrical, avionics, flight controls, and propulsion teams
• Support pre-production builds, prototype integration, and ground/flight testing
• Draw on your extensive experience, to offer expert advice to other engineers, mentor junior engineers and promote engineering excellence including supporting the training and development of engineers through formal and informal mentoring, effective professional development plans, and including where applicable professional registration to become highly effective