Senior Mechanical Designer

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer – UAV Launch Systems

Herefordshire | £65,000–£80,000 depending on experience | Permanent

TXM Recruit is partnering with a specialist engineering company to recruit a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to help develop launch systems for fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). This opportunity suits an experienced engineer who can turn complex requirements into practical mechanical solutions and bring sound engineering judgment to concept development, detailed design, and testing.

The Role

You’ll contribute across the full design lifecycle of specialist UAV launch equipment, combining strong SolidWorks capability with practical experience of developing mechanical machinery or equipment. The emphasis is on resolving technical challenges, considering how complete assemblies function and using manufacturing and test feedback to improve designs.

You’ll work closely with engineering and manufacturing colleagues in an evolving environment where requirements and priorities can change.

Key Responsibilities

Develop mechanical concepts and detailed designs for specialist UAV launch equipment.

Translate technical requirements into workable mechanical solutions, considering performance, manufacture, assembly and maintenance.

Design complex assemblies using SolidWorks and produce the supporting manufacturing documentation.

Evaluate and incorporate pneumatic components and systems where required.

Identify potential design and integration issues and develop practical solutions.

Support prototype assembly and testing, investigating issues and refining designs.

Apply engineering judgment to design changes and technical trade-offs as equipment develops.About You

You’ll bring substantial mechanical design experience, strong SolidWorks skills, and evidence of taking equipment from concept through to manufacture and testing. We’re looking for:

A track record of developing complete mechanical assemblies, machinery or specialist equipment.

Strong understanding of mechanical engineering principles and component integration.

Experience making and explaining design decisions against practical engineering requirements.

A thorough understanding of design for manufacture, assembly and maintenance.

Confidence investigating design or build problems and implementing effective improvements.

The ability to work independently while collaborating closely with the wider engineering team.

A relevant engineering qualification or equivalent practical experience.Practical experience designing equipment incorporating pneumatic systems would be a strong advantage. Experience within UAVs, aerospace or specialist machinery would also be beneficial.

For a confidential discussion or to apply, contact Mark Hince, Principal Consultant – Defence & Precision Engineering at TXM Recruit