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

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

• Work across key focus areas including:

  • Structural and composite design

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

  • Payload and system integration

  • Loom and cable routing

  • Design for manufacture and production support

• Plan and oversee subsystem and full-vehicle testing

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

• Mentor and support junior engineers, offering technical guidance and coaching

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

• Champion safety, quality standards, and continuous improvement

• Contribute to team planning and recruitment alongside Engineering Leads

What You Bring

Essential:

• Proven experience in mechanical or aerospace engineering

• Strong leadership and mentoring abilities

• A track record of technical delivery across full engineering lifecycles

• Confident communicator with experience engaging stakeholders

• Advanced CAD skills (ideally SolidWorks)

• In-depth understanding of Design for Manufacture (DfM)

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

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

• Experience reviewing and approving drawings, models, and technical reports

Desirable:

• Experience in composite structural design and testing

• Integration/testing of mechanical, electrical, or avionics systems

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

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

• Background in tooling/jig design

• Exposure to aerospace regulatory or production environments

• Understanding of systems engineering in aerospace contexts