Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

The Thrive Team
Newcastle upon Tyne
4 days ago
Create job alert

Reporting to Principal Engineer, the primary role of the Senior Mechanical Design Engineer is to leverage their technical expertise and experience to contribute to the development of products, technology, capability, and reliability across a range of products, whilst ensuring that best practice and the Company’s defined engineering processes are followed.


Responsibilities:


  • Developing prototype designs, from concept through to full manufacturing detail, including manufacturing/assembly drawings, specifications of proprietary components, supporting calculations/FMEA reports, plus operating and maintenance instructions.
  • Leading design reviews throughout the development of a product/solution.
  • Supporting verification and validation of fellow engineers’ designs.
  • Defining the standards and testing required for both prototype and product manufacture.
  • Working within the budget to deliver safe, effective products, on-time and to specification.
  • Attending internal and external design reviews providing technical input.
  • Maintaining a knowledge of current technical trends and innovation to assist in the development of current and future products.
  • Working cross functionally (Commercial, Sales, Projects teams) within the business to improve efficiency and deliver effective products.
  • Coaching team members to improve capabilities and develop their engineering knowledge/expertise.


What we are looking for:


  • A minimum of a 2:1 Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
  • Significant hands on experience working in a multi-disciplined engineering team.
  • Experience working in the Defence, Nuclear, Yellow Goods or Aerospace industry is preferred, but desirable.
  • Proven experience of leading and delivering technically challenging projects within an established design team.
  • Ability to investigate and interpret data, issues, and situations, to make sound decisions in high-stress situations.
  • Expert user in modern engineering design tools, such as:
  • 2D + 3D CAD
  • CAD – Autodesk Inventor & Mechanical Desktop
  • Electrical Circuit Design – E3
  • Engineering Data Store – Autodesk Vault
  • Structural Analysis – Ansys Pro
  • Classic Calculation – MathCAD / Excel Templates
  • Excellent knowledge of MS office applications including Excel and Word.
  • Chartered Engineer or working towards chartership with the IMechE (or another engineering institution) is desirable, or a willingness to achieve this status in the future.


Staff development and career progression is crucial to the business and future success, and we are therefore seeking a highly motivated Senior Mechanical Design Engineer that can help others to develop and achieve their potential.


You will therefore have skills in (or an interest in undertaking) the leadership and development/mentoring of staff and to help develop others by sharing your knowledge and experience.


Security Clearance:


As a defence contractor there are many security obligations in place which means that all staff must be able to successfully achieve the relevant security clearances.


To be eligible to apply and be successful, you must have a valid British passport and have held it for a minimum of 5 years.


Additional information:


Mostly office and shop floor based, but there may well be requirements to visit client sites both in the UK and overseas. Hybrid working available within reason, and role dependant.

Related Jobs

View all jobs

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Senior / Mechanical Design Engineer

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer (Manufacturing/Creo)

Get the latest insights and jobs direct. Sign up for our newsletter.

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

Industry Insights

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

Tips for Staying Inspired: How Space Professionals Fuel Creativity and Innovation

The space industry captures our collective imagination like few others—sending probes to distant planets, launching constellations of satellites for global connectivity, even exploring the possibility of human settlements beyond Earth. From propulsion engineers and satellite architects to astrophysicists and mission control specialists, the field is a fusion of cutting-edge technology and grand ambitions. Yet, in this demanding arena, rife with rigorous testing, tight budgets, risk mitigation, and lengthy research cycles, even the most fervent space professionals can find their creative fire dwindling at times. How do people working in space—whether at government agencies, private aerospace firms, or research institutions—maintain a spark of innovation amid technical complexities, funding pressures, and enormous stakes? Below, we explore ten practical strategies to keep you inspired, inventive, and energised. Whether you’re building propulsion systems, planning satellite missions, or leading new explorations of lunar resources, these tips can help you break out of ruts, generate fresh perspectives, and push boundaries that define the future of humanity’s journey among the stars.

Top 10 Space Career Myths Debunked: Key Facts for Aspiring Professionals

The space industry has surged well beyond the era of government-led missions and iconic moon landings. Today, a diverse ecosystem of private companies, public agencies, and research institutions drives innovation in satellite technology, launch services, microgravity research, human spaceflight, planetary exploration, and more. With emerging trends like space tourism, in-orbit servicing, and interplanetary missions, there’s never been a more exciting time to pursue a career in this far-reaching field. Yet, myths about space careers still linger—from the idea that you must be a former fighter pilot to get involved, to the assumption that space jobs exist only for rocket scientists at a handful of major agencies. At ukspacejobs.co.uk, we see how these misconceptions can limit people’s aspirations in a domain that truly spans engineering, science, business, and beyond. In this article, we debunk the top 10 myths surrounding space careers—illuminating the reality of an industry that’s growing, diversifying, and actively seeking new talent. Whether you’re a student passionate about astronomy, a software developer intrigued by satellite systems, or a professional ready to pivot into space technologies, read on to see how the cosmos might be your next frontier.

Global vs. Local: Comparing the UK Space Job Market to International Landscapes

How to evaluate opportunities, salaries, and work culture in space technology across the UK, the US, Europe, and Asia The space industry is booming, no longer dominated solely by government agencies and massive aerospace contractors. Over the last decade, new players—both established corporations and agile startups—have propelled advances in satellite constellations, launch vehicles, in-orbit services, and deep-space exploration. From broadband satellites improving global internet access to small launch systems delivering cubesats into low Earth orbit, the commercialisation of space is rapidly accelerating. In this article, we’ll explore how the UK space job market compares with other leading hubs, notably the United States, continental Europe, and parts of Asia. We will delve into the range of in-demand roles, expected salary levels, and cultural and regulatory factors that influence careers in space technology. Whether you’re a rocket propulsion engineer, a satellite data scientist, or a business professional looking to help commercialise new orbital services, this guide will clarify your options and steer you toward a fulfilling path. By the end, you’ll see how the UK stacks up internationally for space-sector prospects—and what to keep in mind if you’re pondering a move overseas or transitioning into the industry for the first time.