Standard Job Description

Designs major components, or major portions of a functional system, or technically advanced protoype, promotional or specific products. Develop or improve products and facilitate manufacturing operations. Develops basic data and makes preliminary layouts, sketches, and notes necessary to present design proposal. Investigates pertinent design factors such as ease of manufacture, availability of materials and equipment, interchangeability, replace ability, strength-weight efficiency, and contractual specification requirements and cost. Coordinates with other organizations affected by design development. Makes layouts of assemblies and details parts of devices, mechanisms, structures, and products. Checks completed layouts and drawings for clarity, completeness, conformity to standards, procedures, specifications, and accuracy of calculations and dimensioning. Identifies design errors, omissions, and other deficiencies, and recommends revisions and/or improvements in design layout to responsible engineers or designers.

About the role

The Mechanical Design Engineer will be responsible for carrying out the duties of the Engineering department, including design, prototyping, design proving, engineering documentation, and supporting calculations.

A key requirement of this role is the ability to obtain and maintain a high‑level security clearance. If you do not currently hold the required clearance, we can support you through the application process. DV Clearance will be required for the role - applicants should either already hold a DV or being prepared to go through an application immediately.

This position will require an on-site presence in Ampthill, Bedfordshire.

The role demands a high level of innovative thinking and the ability to synthesise ideas into functioning and manufacturable products that are compliant to design specifications and applicable legislation.  Working within a team of engineers and Design Authorities to design and develop high integrity components, complex mechanisms and linkages that will function and be durable in challenging environments.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Use requirements specifications and a design brief to develop innovative yet robust design solutions that are compliant and fit for purpose.
• Use CREO Parametric CAD to produce both concept and detail designs.
• Produce supporting calculations and analysis to justify design decisions.
• Work with SMEs, Users and  Design Authorities to develop concept design solutions.
• Work with a team of Design Engineers with agreed interfaces to develop a single sub-system design solution.
• Work with CAD engineers to enable the production of drawings and design data pack.
• Create and present Design Review data packs to Senior Engineers and Governors.
• Assist with the production of prototypes and confirm designs with manufacturing/purchasing teams.
• Perform physical testing and design proving activities on engineering prototypes.
• Ensure components and assemblies adhere to applicable, industry and business standards.
• Ensure components and assemblies adhere to applicable programme safety requirements and governing safety legislation.

Required skills, qualifications and experience

• Must be able to work in the UK without restrictions in accordance with UK National Law and be prepared to successfully undertake an appropriate level of UK National Security Vetting according to UK Government National Security Vetting criteria: DV Clearance will be required for the role - applicants should either already hold a DV or being prepared to go through an application immediately.
• Experience of working within the defence industry working within the Aeropace or Space domain considered a strong advantage for this role.
• Proven, direct experience in the design and development of mechanical sub-systems and components.
• Proven, direct experience in the design and specification of electrical interfaces for sub-systems and components.
• Understanding of current materials, treatments and finishing technology for use in Defence, Aerospace and Space products.
• Working knowledge of CREO CAD software and experience of using the tool to produce complex parametric designs.  
• Able to use Windchill PDM system.
• Knowledge of complex mechanism design and principles.
• Ability to perform basic structural and kinematic calculations.
• Proven track record of successful design and product development for use in harsh environments.
• Impeccable attention to design detail and able to produce high standards of documentation.
• Ability to plan, schedule, coordinate and problem solve effectively both as an individual and as part of team solve effectively.