Senior uav design engineer Work, Jobs in Swindon, Eng (with Salaries)

STARK is a new kind of defence technology company revolutionizing the way autonomous systems are deployed across multiple domains. We design, develop and manufacture high performance unmanned systems that are software-defined, mass-scalable, and cost effective. This provides our operators with a decisive edge in highly contested environments.

We’re focused on delivering deployable, high-performance systems - not future promises. In a time of rising threats, STARK is bolstering the technological edge of NATO Allies and their Partners to deter aggression and defend Europe - today.

Your mission

As our Senior Mechanical Design Engineer, you will own the mechanical architecture of STARK’s next-generation UAV platforms from concept to high-rate production. You will set technical direction, mentor engineers, and work closely with cross-functional teams to deliver highly reliable, certifiable, and field-deployable systems under aggressive timelines.

You will both define mechanical design strategy and dive deep into CAD, tolerance stacks, and Design for Manufacture/Assembly (DFMA) prototypes. You will act as the company’s authority on mechanical design for airframes and payload integration, influencing platform-level decisions and ensuring designs are robust, scalable, cost-effective for mass production, and certifiable.

Responsibilities

Lead mechanical design for UK current and future UAV platforms
Define and enforce best practices for parametric modeling, GD&T, and tolerance stack-ups
Drive airframe material selection, structural layout, and manufacturability decisions
Oversee supplier engagement for structural components, composites, and assemblies
Collaborate with stress, flight test, and systems teams to ensure structural integrity
Support and occasionally lead design reviews with leadership, partners, and certifying authorities
Lead mechanical design for UK current and future UAV platforms, focusing on design-for-manufacture (DFM) and high-rate production methods
Define and enforce best practices for parametric modeling, GD&T, and tolerance stack-ups, with an emphasis on production efficiency
Collaborate with stress, flight test, and systems teams to ensure structural integrity while optimising designs for mass production
Support and occasionally lead design reviews with leadership, partners, and certifying authorities, presenting trade-offs for production scale
Be hands-on with CAD (SolidWorks/CATIA), prototyping, and shop-floor troubleshooting, with a focus on process and design optimization for rate increase

Qualifications

Mechanical design experience, in ideally in aerospace / UAV / autonomous systems
Proven record of taking structures from concept through verification to high rate production (wing, fuselage, empennage)
Expert in SolidWorks (CATIA V5/V6 a plus) and tolerance stack analysis
Strong knowledge of composites, 3D printing, machining, injection moulding, and joining methods
Familiarity with MIL standards and EASA/FAA certification pathways (SC-Light UAS, CS-23)
Excellent communication skills - able to influence at exec and program level
Eligible for UK Security Clearance

Our Commitment to the Armed Forces Community

We are proud to hold the Bronze Award from the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS), reflecting our meaningful commitment and ongoing support for UK defence personnel. At our core, we believe in championing those who serve, those who have served, and their families. As part of this scheme, we are dedicated to providing an inclusive, supportive environment where members of the Armed Forces community can thrive and bring their invaluable skills to our team.

About us

SECURITY CLEARANCE
Due to the nature of our work in the defence sector, candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance required for this position. Details will be provided during the recruitment process.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
We are an equal-opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Apply Now

Refine Your Search

senior uav design engineer jobs in swindon, eng

Principal / Senior Mechanical Design Engineer (All Genders)

(Senior) Perception/Vision Engineer - Maritime (all genders)

Systems Engineer – Safety & UAS (All Genders)

I want to receive the latest job alerts for senior uav design engineer in swindon, eng

Explore jobs in more locations

About Us

Your mission

Responsibilities

Qualifications

About us

Jobseeker tools

Employer Tools

Browse

Stay Connected