Principal / Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Stark Defence; Swindon; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence technology firm in Swindon is seeking a Principal/Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to lead mechanical architecture for UAV platforms. The successful candidate will define design strategies, mentor engineers, and work with cross-functional teams. Strong experience in mechanical design, CAD tools like SolidWorks, and a background in aerospace/UAV are essential. This role offers an opportunity to influence platform-level decisions in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in aerospace/UAV mechanical design.
• Track record of delivering designs from concept to high-rate production.
• Familiar with MIL standards and EASA/FAA certification.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical design for UAV platforms.
• Define best practices for modeling and tolerance stack-ups.
• Collaborate with teams to ensure structural integrity.

Skills

Mechanical design experience

Expert in SolidWorks

Strong knowledge of composites

Excellent communication skills

Tools

SolidWorks

CATIA V5/V6

Job description

Principal / Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Location: Swindon, United Kingdom

Employment type: Full‑time (Permanent employee)

STARK is a new kind of defence technology company revolutionizing the way autonomous systems are deployed across multiple domains. We design, develop, and manufacture high‑performance unmanned systems that are software‑defined, mass‑scalable, and cost effective. This provides our operators with a decisive edge in highly contested environments. We’re focused on delivering deployable, high‑performance systems—not future promises. In a time of rising threats, STARK is bolstering the technological edge of NATO Allies and their Partners to deter aggression and defend Europe—today.

Your mission: As our Senior Mechanical Design Engineer, you will own the mechanical architecture of STARK’s next‑generation UAV platforms from concept to high‑rate production. You will set technical direction, mentor engineers, and work closely with cross‑functional teams to deliver highly reliable, certifiable, and field‑deployable systems under aggressive timelines. You will both define mechanical design strategy and dive deep into CAD, tolerance stacks, and Design for Manufacture/Assembly (DFMA) prototypes. You will act as the company’s authority on mechanical design for airframes and payload integration, influencing platform‑level decisions and ensuring designs are robust, scalable, cost‑effective for mass production, and certifiable.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical design for UK current and future UAV platforms
• Define and enforce best practices for parametric modeling, GD&T, and tolerance stack‑ups
• Drive airframe material selection, structural layout, and manufacturability decisions
• Oversee supplier engagement for structural components, composites, and assemblies
• Collaborate with stress, flight test, and systems teams to ensure structural integrity
• Support and occasionally lead design reviews with leadership, partners, and certifying authorities
• Be hands‑on with CAD (SolidWorks/CATIA), prototyping, and shop‑floor troubleshooting

Qualifications

• Mechanical design experience, in aerospace/UAV
• Proven record of taking structures from concept through verification to high‑rate production (wing, fuselage, empennage)
• Expert in SolidWorks (CATIA V5/V6 a plus) and tolerance stack analysis
• Strong knowledge of composites, 3D printing, machining, injection moulding, and joining methods
• Familiarity with MIL standards and EASA/FAA certification pathways (SC‑Light UAS, CS‑23)
• Excellent communication skills — able to influence at exec and program level
• Eligible for UK Security Clearance

Legal Disclaimer

We are an equal‑opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. Due to the nature of our work in the defense sector, candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance required for the position.