Mechanisms Design Engineer

We are looking for a technically sharp and hands-on Mechanisms Design Engineer to join our R&D team. In this role, you will be responsible for the design, analysis, and development of mechanical/electric/hydraulic mechanisms that are critical to our products — from launch and recovery systems through flight control linkages and landing gears. You will work across the full development cycle, from initial concept and analysis through to manufactured, tested hardware.

This is a mid-level role suited to an engineer who has moved beyond the basics and is ready to take full ownership of mechanism packages — someone who enjoys the working between motion, force, structure, and control, and who can translate complex functional requirements into elegant, producible designs.

Key ResponsibilitiesMechanisms Design & Development

• Design and develop mechanisms/actuation systems including launchers, launcher cradles, landing gear assemblies, control surface linkages, payload/parachute deployment mechanisms, and various electromechanical systems
• Develop mechanism concepts from first principles, evaluating trade-offs between complexity, weight, reliability, and manufacturability
• Design and develop hydraulic actuation systems — including circuit design, component selection (cylinders, valves, accumulators, pumps), and integration with structural and control architecture
• Design electromechanical actuation systems, integrating linear and rotary actuators, servo drives, and associated mechanical hardware
• Ensure system designs comply with relevant safety, sealing, and environmental protection requirements
• Collaborate with avionics and software teams to define actuator command interfaces and feedback requirements
• Define mechanical interfaces with adjacent structures, avionics, and control systems to ensure seamless integration across subsystems
• Optimize mechanisms for weight efficiency, structural durability, wear life, and ease of assembly and maintenance
  
  

• Perform kinematic and dynamic analysis to define and validate systems across the full operational envelope
• Analyze force transmission through linkage systems, including static and dynamic load cases, mechanical advantage, and actuator load requirements
• Identify and mitigate potential failure modes such as over-center conditions, binding, backlash, and fatigue in joints and bearings
  
  

• Support hands-on prototype assembly, providing on-vehicle integration guidance and resolving fit/form issues in real time
• Produce clear, accurate, manufacturing-ready part and assembly drawings in line with engineering drawing standards
• Collaborate with manufacturing teams to ensure designs are producible and cost-effective
  
  

• Develop validation and test plans to verify that integrated assemblies meet design requirements
• Support physical testing activities, recording observations and analyzing results against acceptance criteria
• Author thorough technical reports and presentations to support design reviews and project milestones
  
  

• 3–5 years of hands-on experience in mechanisms design and electromechanical/hydraulic systems which have been physically built and tested — not just modelled
• Experience working within multi-disciplinary teams, coordinating with structures, avionics, and manufacturing across the design cycle
• Exposure to aerospace, automotive, or complex electromechanical product development
  
  

• Strong proficiency in SolidWorks (3D modelling, assemblies, motion studies, configurations, and drawing environments)
• Proficiency in MATLAB for building basic mathematical models and kinematic simulations
• Excellent understanding of mechanical design principles, materials, and manufacturing processes
• Solid understanding of kinematic and dynamic analysis methods for multi-body mechanisms
• Hands-on knowledge of hydraulic system design — circuit layout, component sizing, sealing, and fluid power principles
• Working knowledge of electromechanical actuator selection, integration, and control interfacing
• Familiarity with PDM/PLM systems for data management
• Competent in producing 2D production drawings to industry standards (GD&T, ASME/ISO)
  
  

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, mechatronics Engineering, or a closely related discipline
• Masters in mechatronics, machine design or a closely related discipline is a plus
  
  

• Familiarity with FEA tools (SolidWorks Simulation, ANSYS, or equivalent) for structural assessment of mechanism components
• Exposure to aerospace certification/qualification frameworks (e.g. EASA, FAA, DEF STAN, or equivalent)
• Experience with additive manufacturing for mechanism prototyping or low-volume production parts
  
  

• You are energized by moving parts — you instinctively think about how things actuate, react, and wear over time
• You approach design problems analytically, backing your decisions with calculations and kinematic reasoning, not just intuition
• You take full ownership of your mechanism packages, from the first sketch through to test sign-off
• You communicate clearly across disciplines
• You are organized, thorough in your documentation, and comfortable operating in a fast-paced environment where requirements can evolve