Senior Mechanical Design Engineer
Denham
Design it. Engineer it. Help save lives.
Step into a senior engineering role where your expertise will shape the next generation of life-saving aerospace technology. As a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer at Martin-Baker, you'll lead the design and development of safety-critical mechanical systems that protect aircrew around the world. From concept through to in-service support, your engineering decisions will have a direct impact on products trusted to perform when it matters most.
At Martin-Baker, the work we do matters. We design, manufacture and support life-saving equipment used by aircrew around the world. Our products operate in demanding environments where quality, reliability and engineering excellence are essential.
We're proud of our heritage in aerospace and defence, while remaining focused on the future. Joining Martin-Baker means becoming part of a business with a clear purpose, world-class engineering capability and a long-term commitment to its people, products and customers.
Whether you work in engineering, operations, commercial, finance, supply chain or support functions, your contribution helps deliver equipment that protects lives. It is challenging work, but it is also deeply rewarding. With over 7,800 lives saved, you'll become part of a team making a genuine difference every day.
The Opportunity
We're looking for an experienced Senior Mechanical Design Engineer Team Lead to join our Mechanical Engineering team at our Denham site.
Working within multidisciplinary Integrated Product Teams, you'll take ownership of mechanical design activities across the full product lifecycle—from early concept development and detailed design through qualification, production and in-service support.
You'll play a leading role in delivering robust, compliant and commercially viable engineering solutions while mentoring junior engineers and collaborating with colleagues across systems, manufacturing, analysis and project teams. This is an opportunity to influence both product development and engineering best practice on programmes that directly support our life-saving mission.
Hybrid working may be considered following the successful completion of probation.
What You'll Do
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Lead the development of robust mechanical design solutions that satisfy customer, regulatory and internal requirements.
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Produce, review and approve engineering drawings, models and technical documentation to ensure accuracy and compliance.
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Support Integrated Product Teams in delivering engineering activities across new and existing aerospace programmes.
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Translate customer requirements into practical engineering specifications and innovative design solutions.
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Carry out structural, performance and engineering calculations using analytical methods, spreadsheets and FEA tools.
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Produce 3D CAD models, top-level assemblies and detailed manufacturing drawings.
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Generate and maintain engineering documentation including Bills of Materials, DFMEAs, stress reports, tolerance analyses and technical files.
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Support design reviews, qualification activities, customer visits, trial installations and product investigations.
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Conduct clearance, interchangeability, retrofit and modification assessments.
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Identify engineering risks and drive continual improvement across products, processes and design standards.
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Mentor and support junior engineers, sharing knowledge and promoting engineering excellence.
What We're Looking For
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Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or a related discipline (or equivalent experience).
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Significant experience in mechanical design within aerospace, defence or another highly regulated engineering environment.
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Strong 3D CAD experience (NX preferred) with the ability to produce high-quality engineering drawings.
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Excellent understanding of materials, manufacturing processes and Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DFMA).
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Experience carrying out structural analysis and engineering calculations, including Finite Element Analysis (FEA).
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Strong knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T) to UK and US standards.
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Ability to produce clear technical reports and confidently present engineering solutions.
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Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills.
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Excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary teams.
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A proactive approach with the confidence to take ownership, mentor others and drive continuous improvement.
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Chartered Engineer status or progress towards CEng (desirable).
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Experience with motion simulation software such as NX Motion or ADAMS (desirable).
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Knowledge of aerospace or defence standards including MIL-STD or Def Stan (desirable).
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Experience supporting CE certification activities (desirable).
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Hands-on manufacturing or assembly experience (desirable).
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Track record of innovation, product development or patented designs (desirable).
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Share and demonstrate the Martin-Baker values.
Our Values
At Martin-Baker, we value professionalism, understanding, teamwork, humility, accountability and integrity. We look for people who take pride in their work, collaborate openly and act with care because the work we do matters.
What We Offer
Excellent pension package with strong employer support — Martin-Baker contributes 9% of your salary (non-contributory to the employee).
Life Assurance.
Lunchtime finish every Friday.
Personalised training and development plan.
Healthcare Cash Plan.
25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
Opportunity to purchase additional annual leave.
Martin-Baker+ retail discounts platform.
Occupational Health team.
Workplace Nursery Benefit Scheme.
Cycle to Work scheme.
How to Apply / Your Interview Journey
Please submit your CV and, if you wish, a brief covering letter outlining your suitability for the role, including any relevant experience, skills and expertise you can bring.
Following receipt of your application, our recruitment team will review your details and contact shortlisted candidates.
First stage interview – an initial virtual discussion exploring your experience, technical background and motivations.
Final stage interview – a face-to-face interview with members of the Mechanical Engineering leadership team, including a technical discussion around your engineering experience and approach.
We believe in equal opportunity, committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone is respected. We want you to be able to do your best work.
Martin-Baker is a signatory to the Armed Forces Covenant, showing our support and commitment to our Armed Forces and their families, proudly supporting those who serve.
This role is subject to pre-employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS).
The role also involves access to information governed by U.S. Export Control Laws (including ITAR); therefore, all applicants must satisfy ITAR eligibility requirements.
