Senior Mechanical Design Engineer
Holt Engineering
Location: Chelmsford, Essex
Salary: Dependent on Experience
We are seeking an experienced Senior Mechanical Engineer to join a specialist engineering team developing advanced systems for space and aerospace applications. This is an exciting opportunity to work on high-value projects involving precision imaging sensors, test cameras, front-end electronics and associated mechanical systems.
You will lead mechanical design activities from concept through to detailed manufacturing drawings, working closely with design, process and project engineering teams to deliver robust, manufacturable and cost-effective solutions.
The Role
As Senior Mechanical Engineer, you will provide technical leadership across assigned projects, ensuring mechanical requirements are achieved through each stage of the engineering lifecycle. You will contribute to design reviews, gate reviews and industrialisation activities while solving complex engineering challenges involving materials, manufacturing, shock, vibration and thermal performance.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the design and development of mechanical systems and components for space and aerospace applications.
- Develop bespoke solutions for imaging sensors, test cameras, front-end electronics, assembly tooling and test equipment.
- Take designs from initial concept through to detailed manufacturing drawings.
- Select suitable materials and manufacturing processes based on technical, quality, cost and lead-time requirements.
- Provide mechanical solutions and technical input at project gate reviews, including SRR, PDR and CDR.
- Produce and maintain design and analysis reports, test plans, manufacturing drawings and technical presentations.
- Participate in design reviews and provide constructive feedback to improve product performance and manufacturability.
- Work closely with process engineers to resolve technical issues and support industrialisation.
- Identify risks and develop robust solutions to complex mechanical engineering problems.
- Apply Design for Manufacture and Assembly principles to ensure practical and efficient production.
- Interpret FEA results and use engineering analysis to refine and validate designs.
- Consider environmental requirements such as shock, vibration and heat transfer.
- Communicate technical information clearly to internal teams, customers and external stakeholders.
- Support the development of engineering processes, best practices and technical capability within the team.
- Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related discipline.
- Proven experience delivering mechanical engineering projects through structured design and gate review processes.
- Strong proficiency in 3D CAD software, ideally PTC Creo.
- Experience designing mechanical systems, precision components, tooling or test equipment.
- Ability to interpret FEA results and apply findings to improve design solutions.
- Strong understanding of materials, manufacturing processes and mechanical systems.
- Experience designing for manufacture, assembly, cost and lead time.
- Ability to develop solutions suitable for demanding environmental conditions, including shock, vibration and thermal requirements.
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary engineering environment.
- Background in the space, aerospace, defence or other highly regulated industries.
- Knowledge of ECSS and MIL-STD standards.
- Working knowledge of PTC Creo and Windchill.
- Experience with FEA, thermal analysis or stress calculations.
- Knowledge of requirements management, compliance verification matrices, DFMEA and risk registers.
- Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or similar.
- Chartered Engineer status or progress towards professional registration.
- Experience leading projects and mentoring less experienced engineers.
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