Mechanical Engineer

AAC Clyde Space AB; Glasgow; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading New Space company in Glasgow is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to design and develop spacecraft subsystems for small satellites. The role involves collaboration with various teams and utilizing tools like SolidWorks and ANSYS. Ideal candidates will have relevant degrees and experience in mechanical engineering, particularly in high-reliability environments. This position offers growth in a fast-paced technology sector.

Benefits

Openness to flexible working

Opportunities for professional growth

Qualifications

• Evident industry experience of applying mechanical engineering to products and applications.
• Experience working within a high-reliability or precision-engineering environment.
• Practical understanding of design for manufacture and assembly (DfMA).

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the design and development of CubeSat and small satellite mechanical systems.
• Collaborate with systems, electronics, AIT, and project teams to produce integrated designs.
• Support manufacturing, integration, and test activities, and the wider team as required.

Skills

Mechanical engineering experience

Proficiency with 3D CAD tools

Problem-solving skills

Collaboration skills

Organizational skills

Education

Relevant degree or equivalent work experience

Tools

SolidWorks

ANSYS

ESATAN

Job description

Mechanical Engineer

Join AAC Clyde Space as a Mechanical Engineer to design, analyse, and develop spacecraft subsystems for small satellites.

AAC Clyde Space is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to contribute to the design, analysis, and development of our small satellites and spacecraft subsystems. You will design and support the manufacture of spacecraft structures and mechanisms, including precision assemblies, deployable systems, and subsystem development, ensuring they meet performance and reliability requirements from concept through to launch.

You will work with tools such as SolidWorks, ANSYS, and ESATAN to produce detailed designs and analyses, supporting environmental testing and integration campaigns as part of a multidisciplinary engineering team. This position offers the opportunity to develop your expertise in a fast‑growing space technology company helping to deliver innovative satellite missions.

Please note that in future you may be required to complete a Basic Disclosure check (Disclosure check).

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to the design and development of CubeSat and small satellite mechanical systems.
• Collaborate with systems, electronics, AIT, and project teams to produce integrated designs.
• Participate in design reviews, requirements definition, and documentation.
• Maintain design documentation, CAD models, and analysis records.
• Liaise with suppliers and support component procurement and verification.
• Contribute to process improvement and standardisation activities.
• Support manufacturing, integration, and test activities, and the wider team as required.
• Design spacecraft structures, mechanisms, and assemblies using 3D CAD tools (SolidWorks).
• Produce detailed drawings and bills of materials for manufacture and assembly.
• Conduct structural and thermal analyses to verify design performance.
• Support environmental testing (vibration, TVAC).
• Assist in integration and test campaigns, diagnosing and resolving mechanical issues.
• Optimise designs for mass, manufacturability, and reliability.

Skills Required

• Relevant degree or equivalent work experience.
• Evident industry experience of applying mechanical engineering to products and applications.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD tools (e.g. SolidWorks, NX, or equivalent).
• Experience working within a high‑reliability or precision‑engineering environment (e.g. aerospace, automotive, energy, or defence).
• Experience with materials and manufacturing processes such as machining, composites, or additive manufacturing.
• Practical understanding of design for manufacture and assembly (DfMA).
• Highly organised, proactive, and detail‑oriented.
• Strong understanding of mechanical design and structural analysis principles.
• Take ownership of complex challenges and drive them to resolution with integrity and professionalism.
• Collaborating effectively across multidisciplinary teams, fostering a shared sense of mission success.
• Apply curiosity and creativity to solve problems and explore new approaches.
• Communicate clearly with technical and non‑technical stakeholders, building trust through transparency and clarity.
• Ability to make good decisions under highly demanding, dynamic environments.
• Ability to organise self and prioritise workload with multiple projects in dynamic environments with tight deadlines.
• Competent IT skills including Microsoft software.
• Proficient in English, both verbally and written.

Skills Desired

• Experience with satellite or spacecraft mechanical systems.
• Familiarity with ECSS or similar aerospace standards.
• Knowledge of FEA or thermal analysis tools (e.g. ANSYS).
• Exposure to environmental testing (vibration, TVAC).
• Hands‑on experience with spacecraft assembly, integration, and testing (AIT).
• Interest in small satellite or CubeSat development.
• Previous experience in the space industry.
• Previous experience in working with small/medium‑sized company.

About AAC Clyde Space

AAC Clyde Space is a leading New Space company specialising in small satellite technologies and services that enable businesses, governments, and educational organisations to access high‑quality, timely data from space. This data has a vast range of applications, from weather forecasting to precision farming to environmental monitoring, and is essential to improving our quality of life on Earth.

Our Growing Capabilities

• Space Data as a Service delivering data from space directly to customers.
• Space missions turnkey solutions that empower customers to streamline their space missions.
• Space products and components – a full range of off‑the‑shelf and tailor‑made subsystems, components, and sensors.

Data Protection Policy

As part of our recruitment process, we collect and process personal data relating to job applicants. We are committed to being transparent about how we collect and use this data; please click here to see our job applicant privacy notice.

Right to Work

AAC Clyde Space has a legal responsibility to ensure that all its employees have the legal right to live and work in the EU or the country in which they plan to work. Therefore, if you are made an offer of employment, this will be subject to AAC Clyde Space verifying that you are eligible to work in that country before you start work.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We aim to create a positive recruitment and selection experience across every part of our business. The company is committed to handling applications to a consistently high standard and all candidates with dignity and respect. Those involved in the recruitment and selection process will act with integrity, objectivity and professionalism. We are committed to equal opportunities for all and to have diversity reflected within our global workforce. We believe its diversity and inclusion will allow for greater creativity and innovation to help AAC Clyde Space Group deliver the vision to help improve life on Earth.

Openness to Flexible Working

We recognise work‑life balance is important so we are open to discussions around flexible working, depending on the nature of the role and business needs. If you would like to know more, please ask the Hiring Manager during any recruitment process.

Seniority level

• Entry level

Employment type

• Contract

Job function

• Machinery Manufacturing

Location

Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom