Lead Design Engineer

About the Opportunity

Are you eager to shape the future of aerospace and uncrewed systems? Join a fast-growing, innovative company at the cutting edge of crewed and uncrewed aircraft technology.

With fresh investment and a leading role in UK Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) development, this company delivers advanced platforms, services, and technical solutions. As they enter their next growth phase, they are looking for a talented Lead Design Engineer to take the lead on mechanical and structural design projects within a collaborative, multi-disciplinary environment.

In this role, you'll contribute across the full product lifecycle—from early concepts through to final delivery—helping to solve complex engineering challenges in a fast-paced, evolving sector.

Your Role

As a Lead Design Engineer, you will:

Lead small engineering teams to deliver innovative mechanical designs and systems integration

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Drive the design, testing, and delivery of mechanical systems for both crewed and uncrewed aircraft

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Work across key focus areas including:

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Structural and composite design

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Electro-mechanical and propulsion integration (electric, ICE, gas turbines)

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Payload and system integration

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Loom and cable routing

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Design for manufacture and production support

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Plan and oversee subsystem and full-vehicle testing

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Liaise with supply chain partners and respond to manufacturing and configuration queries

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Mentor and support junior engineers, offering technical guidance and coaching

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Collaborate with internal teams, customers, and suppliers to ensure project success

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Champion safety, quality standards, and continuous improvement

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Contribute to team planning and recruitment alongside Engineering Leads

What You Bring

Essential:

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Proven experience in mechanical or aerospace engineering

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Strong leadership and mentoring abilities

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A track record of technical delivery across full engineering lifecycles

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Confident communicator with experience engaging stakeholders

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Advanced CAD skills (ideally SolidWorks)

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In-depth understanding of Design for Manufacture (DfM)

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Able to apply first-order engineering calculations to support design decisions

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Skilled in writing reports, technical documentation, and conducting design reviews

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Experience reviewing and approving drawings, models, and technical reports

Desirable:

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Experience in composite structural design and testing

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Integration/testing of mechanical, electrical, or avionics systems

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Familiarity with propulsion systems (electric, ICE, or small gas turbines)

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Knowledge of 3D printing, CNC machining, or composite manufacturing

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Background in tooling/jig design

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Exposure to aerospace regulatory or production environments

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Understanding of systems engineering in aerospace contexts