Mechanical Design Engineer (Fusion CAD)
About UAVTEK
UAVTEK designs, manufactures and deploys advanced unmanned aerial systems for defence, security and commercial applications.
We are seeking a talented and practical Mechanical Design Engineer to support the development of next-generation UAV platforms, payloads and support equipment.
This is a hands-on engineering role focused on product design, development, manufacturing support and technical problem solving. You will work closely with engineering, production and flight test teams to create robust, lightweight and manufacturable products capable of operating in demanding real-world environments.
The successful candidate will be involved throughout the product lifecycle, from concept development and prototyping through testing, production and continuous product improvement.
We are looking for an engineer who enjoys solving problems, improving designs and turning ideas into reliable products.
Role Overview
As a Mechanical Design Engineer, you will be responsible for creating and maintaining 3D CAD models, assemblies, engineering drawings and manufacturing documentation for UAV systems and associated equipment.
You will contribute to the design of airframes, payload integration systems, enclosures, ground support equipment and production tooling, ensuring designs are optimised for performance, reliability, manufacturability and cost.
This role requires a practical engineer who understands not only how to create CAD models, but also how products are manufactured, assembled, tested, maintained and improved.
You will regularly work with production, assembly and flight test teams to investigate issues, identify root causes and implement effective engineering solutions.
Key Responsibilities
Mechanical Design
- Create detailed 3D CAD models, assemblies and production drawings using Autodesk Fusion
- Design UAV airframes, structures, payload mounts, enclosures and support equipment
- Develop lightweight, robust and manufacturable engineering solutions
- Produce engineering drawings suitable for internal production and external suppliers
- Create and maintain bills of materials (BOMs)
- Maintain design records, revision control and engineering documentation
- Participate in design reviews and technical discussions
Product Development
- Support new product development activities from concept through production
- Generate design concepts and evaluate alternative solutions
- Design, build and assess prototypes
- Support product testing and validation activities
- Incorporate feedback from production, engineering and flight test teams
- Investigate design-related issues and develop practical solutions
- Drive continuous product improvement through iterative design
Problem Solving & Engineering Investigation
- Investigate product failures, assembly issues and manufacturing challenges
- Identify root causes of technical problems and develop effective corrective actions
- Work closely with production and flight test teams to resolve issues quickly and effectively
- Evaluate design trade-offs involving weight, strength, cost, manufacturability and reliability
- Support failure investigations and implement design improvements
- Apply engineering judgement to solve complex technical challenges
- Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across products and processes
Manufacturing Support
- Work closely with production teams to improve manufacturability and assembly efficiency
- Liaise with suppliers and manufacturing partners
- Support introduction of new products into production
- Implement engineering change requests and design improvements
- Produce manufacturing documentation and assembly instructions
- Assist with supplier technical queries and manufacturing reviews
- Support fixture, jig and tooling design where required
Continuous Improvement
- Identify opportunities to improve reliability, durability and product performance
- Support cost reduction and manufacturing efficiency initiatives
- Contribute to standardisation and best practice within the engineering team
- Support design-for-manufacture and design-for-assembly initiatives
Essential Skills & Experience
- Proficiency with Autodesk Fusion
- Experience creating detailed 3D CAD models, assemblies and production drawings
- Experience producing engineering documentation suitable for manufacture
- Good understanding of mechanical engineering principles
- Experience designing components and assemblies for CNC machining and manufacture
- Understanding of manufacturing tolerances, fits and material selection
- Strong understanding of Design for Manufacture (DFM) principles
- Good understanding of Design for Assembly (DFA) principles
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Ability to investigate technical issues and identify root causes
- Practical engineering mindset with a focus on delivering solutions
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality
- Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities
- Good communication and teamwork skills
- High level of IT literacy and technical documentation skills
Desirable Skills & Experience
- Experience with UAV, aerospace, robotics or defence products
- Experience designing lightweight structures and assemblies
- Experience with composite materials and composite manufacturing processes
- Experience using Autodesk Fusion Manufacturing (CAM)
- Experience supporting CNC machining workflows
- Experience designing components for injection moulding
- Understanding of injection moulding principles including:
- Draft angles
- Wall thickness control
- Ribbing and bosses
- Tooling considerations
- Sink marks and warpage
- Experience designing plastic enclosures and production components
- Experience with additive manufacturing and 3D printing
- Familiarity with sheet metal design
- Experience taking products from prototype through to production manufacture
- Experience working directly with suppliers and manufacturing partners
- Familiarity with revision control, PLM or PDM systems
- Experience creating assembly instructions and technical manuals
Manufacturing Experience (Highly Desirable)
We are particularly interested in candidates who understand how products move from CAD into production.
Experience in the following areas would be highly advantageous:
- CNC machining and manufacture
- Injection moulding and production plastics
- Composite design and manufacture
- Additive manufacturing
- Supplier engagement and production support
- Design optimisation for cost, manufacturability and assembly
- Production tooling, fixtures and jigs
- Design reviews and manufacturing readiness assessments
Personal Attributes
We are looking for someone who is:
- Naturally curious and enjoys solving technical problems
- Practical and hands-on
- Detail-oriented and highly organised
- Analytical and methodical in their approach
- Passionate about engineering and product development
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment
- A collaborative team player
- Committed to producing high-quality work
- Willing to take ownership of projects and see them through to completion
- Resilient when facing technical challenges
- Respectful, approachable and supportive of colleagues
Education & Qualifications
Essential
- HNC, HND, Degree or equivalent experience in Mechanical Engineering, Product Design, Aerospace Engineering or a related discipline
Desirable
- Professional engineering qualifications
- Autodesk Fusion certification or equivalent CAD qualifications
Security & Right to Work
Applicants must have the right to work in the United Kingdom.
Employment may be subject to background checks and the ability to obtain UK Security Clearance in accordance with company and customer requirements.
Equal Opportunities
UAVTEK is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, religion, sex or sexual orientation.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent, Temporary, Fixed term contract, Temp to perm
Pay: £30,000.00-£60,000.00 per year
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Aldsworth GL54: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):
- Have you designed components that have been manufactured and used in a real product?
- Describe the most technically challenging product you have designed?
- Do you have extensive knowledge of Fusion 360? If not please list the software used
- Which manufacturing processes have you designed products for?
- How many years of experience do you have creating production engineering drawings?
Licence/Certification:
- Driving Licence (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
