- SKD SE
- Swindon, Swindon
- 8 days ago
Mechanical Design Engineer (All Genders).
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Mechanical Design Engineer (All Genders): our view in 3 lines...
- The Role:This role is for an engineer who designs the mechanical structure of unmanned aircraft systems, focusing on parts and assemblies that must move from prototype into production.
- The Person:The person will own the mechanical design of major assemblies and payload integrations, optimise designs for high rate production, and work with stress, flight test and systems teams to validate structural integrity and support flight trials.
- Requirements:The ideal candidate has professional experience in mechanical design within aerospace, UAVs, automotive, light aircraft, or autonomous systems, high proficiency in SolidWorks, and working knowledge of composites, 3D printing, CNC machining, and injection moulding.
About the role
At Stark, we forge the future of European and national security through cutting-edge, AI-driven technology and unmatched engineering precision. As a premier defence technology company, our mission is clear: to equip NATO Allies and their partners with next-generation autonomous defence platforms and advanced AI-driven software built to perform in the world’s most demanding environments.
We believe that true security stems from relentless innovation. By combining elite engineering talent with agile technology and an AI-native operational culture, Stark turns complex defence challenges into field-tested, multi-domain solutions.
WHY JOIN US
- The software and systems you work on directly protect personnel and defend European and national sovereignty.
- You will work alongside industry-leading minds on autonomous systems, advanced propulsion, and secure cyber platforms.
- We foster a fast-paced, collaborative environment where bold ideas are supported by serious R&D backing.
ABOUT THE TEAM
You will join an agile, multidisciplinary engineering team dedicated to bringing next-generation autonomous flight systems from concept to operational deployment. Working at the intersection of design engineering and manufacturing, our team collaborates daily with Stress, Systems, and Flight Test specialists to iterate at rapid pace. In this environment, you will bridge the gap between digital modeling and the factory floor, ensuring our platforms transition smoothly from initial prototypes into high-rate production.
YOUR MISSION
As a Mechanical Design Engineer at STARK, you will serve as a key contributor to the mechanical architecture of our next-generation UAV platforms. You will take critical subsystems from initial concept through to high-rate production, working closely with our manufacturing facilities to ensure our airframes are robust, cost-effective, and mission-ready.
WHAT YOU WILL DO AT STARK
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Own the mechanical design of major assemblies and payload integrations across current and future UAV platforms.
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Optimise designs for high-rate production to scale platforms seamlessly from prototype to hundreds of units without quality degradation.
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Apply advanced parametric modeling, GD&T, and tolerance stack-up analysis to ensure first-time-right assembly on the factory floor.
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Drive material selection, structural layouts, and manufacturing processes with an emphasis on composites, additive manufacturing, and machining.
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Collaborate with Stress, Flight Test, and Systems teams to validate structural integrity and support successful flight trials.
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Execute hands-on rapid prototyping, CAD iterations, and shop-floor troubleshooting to solve manufacturing bottlenecks at pace.
WHAT YOU BRING TO THE MISSION
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Professional experience in mechanical design within aerospace, UAVs, automotive, light aircraft, or autonomous systems.
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Proven track record of taking structural parts and assemblies from initial sketch through verification and into full production.
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High proficiency in SolidWorks for complex 3D parametric modeling and drafting.
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Strong working knowledge of manufacturing processes, including composites, 3D printing, CNC machining, and injection moulding.
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Clear technical communication skills with the ability to articulate trade-offs to engineering peers and programme leadership.
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Eligibility for UK Security Clearance (SC).
NICE TO HAVE
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Experience using CATIA for advanced surface modeling or aerospace assemblies.
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Familiarity with MIL standards and military/civil aerospace certification pathways.
ARMED FORCES COMMITMENT:
We are proud to hold the Bronze Award from the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS), reflecting our meaningful commitment and ongoing support for UK defence personnel. At our core, we believe in championing those who serve, those who have served, and their families. As part of this scheme, we are dedicated to providing an inclusive, supportive environment where members of the Armed Forces community can thrive and bring their invaluable skills to our team.
If you're interested in building the future of European Defence with us, and you see yourself reflected on the description above, please send us your CV in English. We're looking forward to meeting you!
SECURITY CLEARANCE
Due to the nature of our work in the defence sector, candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance required for this position. Details will be provided during the recruitment process.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
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, colour, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.