Mechanical Design Engineer

Plymouth
2 days ago
Create job alert

Key Responsibilities

  • Assist in the design and modeling of composite components using CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA, or AutoCAD) to meet mechanical performance requirements.

  • Conduct basic analysis of composite structures, including stress, strain, and failure modes, using finite element analysis (FEA) tools like ANSYS or Abaqus.

  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to select appropriate composite materials (e.g., carbon fiber, fiberglass, or epoxy resins) based on project specifications, cost, and manufacturability.

  • Support prototyping and testing processes, including preparing samples, performing mechanical tests (e.g., tensile, compression, and fatigue testing), and analyzing results to iterate designs.

  • Prepare technical documentation, such as design reports, drawings, and specifications, ensuring compliance with industry standards (e.g., ASTM, ISO).

  • Participate in design reviews, brainstorming sessions, and problem-solving activities to optimize composite designs for weight reduction, durability, and performance.

  • Assist in researching new composite technologies and materials to improve product efficiency and sustainability.

  • Ensure adherence to safety protocols, quality control measures, and environmental regulations in all design and manufacturing activities.

  • Provide support for manufacturing processes, such as layup, curing, and assembly of composite parts.

    Required Qualifications and Education

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field. A Master's degree is a plus but not required.

  • Basic understanding of composite materials, including properties, fabrication methods (e.g., hand layup, autoclave curing, resin infusion), and applications.

    Experience

  • 0-2 years of relevant experience in mechanical design or composites engineering (internships, co-op programs, or academic projects count toward this).

  • Familiarity with CAD software and FEA tools through coursework or personal projects.

  • Exposure to composite manufacturing or testing is desirable but not essential.

    Essential Skills

  • Proficiency in CAD software for 3D modeling and drafting.

  • Basic knowledge of FEA and simulation tools for structural analysis.

  • Understanding of mechanical principles, including statics, dynamics, and thermodynamics.

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.

  • Ability to work with mathematical models and perform calculations related to material strength and performance.

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (e.g., Excel for data analysis, Word for reporting).

  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, for collaborating with teams and presenting findings.

    Desirable Skills

  • Experience with programming languages like Python or MATLAB for automating design tasks or data analysis.

  • Knowledge of sustainable materials or lightweight design principles

Related Jobs

View all jobs

Mechanical Design Engineer

Mechanical Design Engineer

Mechanical Design Engineer

Mechanical Design Engineer

Mechanical Design Engineer 3m FTC

Mechanical Design Engineer - Fuel System

Subscribe to Future Tech Insights for the latest jobs & insights, direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

What Hiring Managers Look for First in Space Sector Job Applications (UK Guide)

The space industry is one of the most exciting and multidisciplinary sectors in technology and engineering today. Whether you’re applying for roles in spacecraft design, aerospace systems, robotics, satellite communications, mission operations, payload engineering, space software, ground systems, or scientific research, your application must quickly show hiring managers that you are relevant, technically credible and ready to deliver. In the UK space jobs market — spanning organisations from startups to defence primes, agencies, research labs and commercial constellations — hiring managers do not read every word of your CV. They scan applications rapidly, often making a judgement about whether to read further within the first 10–20 seconds. This guide breaks down exactly what hiring managers look for first in space sector applications, how they assess CVs and portfolios, why specific signals matter, and how you can position your experience to stand out on www.ukspacejobs.co.uk .

The Skills Gap in UK Space Jobs: What Universities Aren’t Teaching

The UK space sector is one of the most exciting and fastest-growing high-tech industries in the world. From Earth observation and satellite communications to space robotics, launch systems and deep-space exploration, the breadth of opportunity is enormous. The UK Government’s ambition to capture a significant share of the global space economy has driven investment, policy support and a wave of innovative companies — both established and start-up. Yet despite strong academic programmes and a pipeline of graduates with relevant degrees, employers in the UK space sector consistently report a persistent problem: Many graduates are not prepared for real-world space industry jobs. This is not a matter of intelligence or motivation. Rather, it reflects a growing skills gap between what universities are teaching and what employers actually need from space professionals. In this article, we’ll explore why that gap exists, what universities are doing well, where they fall short, what employers want, and how jobseekers can bridge the divide to build thriving careers in the UK space sector.

UK Space Jobs for Career Switchers in Their 30s, 40s & 50s (UK Reality Check)

The UK space sector is no longer a niche reserved for astronauts and rocket scientists. It is a broad, fast-growing industry covering satellites, Earth observation, navigation, telecoms, space data, launch services, space sustainability and defence-related capability. That breadth creates genuine career opportunities for professionals switching careers in their 30s, 40s or 50s — especially in roles where delivery, quality, operations, safety, regulation and customer outcomes matter as much as pure engineering. This article gives you a UK reality check: what space jobs actually look like, which roles are realistic for career switchers, what skills UK employers value, how long retraining tends to take and whether age is a barrier (usually far less than people fear).