Job Summary
Aerialworx Innovations is looking for a hands-on Product Design & Manufacturing Engineer to join our core engineering team working on NX3, a heavy-lift drone platform pushing beyond what's possible with consumer off-the-shelf systems.
You'll work directly on airframe design, tooling, and physical prototyping — taking NX3 components from CAD through to CNC/composite manufacture and flight-ready hardware. This is a rare opportunity to shape the physical design of a next-generation drone platform from the ground up, working alongside our product design and autonomy teams.
What You'll Be Doing
- Designing and refining airframe, and structural components in CAD (Fusion 360), working within NX3's design language and weight/performance targets
- Generating CNC toolpaths and running CAM/CNC machining for prototype and production parts
- Laying up and finishing composite components (carbon fibre and related materials) for structural and aerodynamic parts
- Operating and iterating on our in-house 3D printing capability for rapid prototyping and low-volume production
- Working closely with our Product Designer and autonomy/electrical engineering team to integrate mechanical design with avionics, motor/prop assemblies, and landing gear
- Contributing to design-for-manufacture decisions as NX3 progresses from prototype toward small-batch production
- Designing tooling and fixtures to support manufacturing operations, working to GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing) standards for precision
- Conducting root cause analysis on manufacturing and build issues, and implementing corrective actions to improve product quality and reliability
- Driving continuous improvement initiatives to reduce waste, improve cycle times, and enhance part performance
- Maintaining design documentation and version control across CAD models and manufacturing drawings
What We're Looking For
Essential:
- Proven experience in product/mechanical design using CAD (Fusion 360, Parametric Design, FEA and Rendering)
- Practical CAM and CNC machining experience — able to go from model to toolpath to finished part
- Hands-on composite fabrication experience (layup, moulding, finishing)
- 3D printing experience across prototyping and functional parts (FDM and/or resin)
- Strong general engineering/mechanical aptitude and comfort working across the full design-to-build pipeline
- Working knowledge of GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing) principles
- Ability to run root cause analysis on manufacturing issues and implement corrective actions
- Ability to work independently in a small, fast-moving team and take a design from concept to physical part
- A hands-on and flexible approach
Desirable:
- Experience designing components for UAS/aerospace or other weight-critical, high-performance applications
- Familiarity with mould-tooling workflows
- Exposure to DFM/DFA practices for low-volume production scale-up
- Interest or background in drone systems or aviation
- Programming skills (e.g. Python, G-code scripting, or similar) advantageous
What You Will Bring
- Excellent attention to detail and operational awareness
- A positive and proactive attitude
- The ability to remain calm and organised under pressure
Join us in shaping the future of drone technology through innovative design and precise manufacturing! This role offers a vibrant environment where your technical skills will directly impact the development of next-generation unmanned aerial systems. We value proactive problem-solvers who thrive on challenges and are passionate about advancing aerospace engineering through meticulous craftsmanship and continuous innovation.
Pay: £25,500.00-£32,500.00 per year
Benefits:
- Canteen
- Casual dress
- Free parking
- On-site gym
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
