Senior / Principal Mechanical Design Engineer - EV / eVTOL - Hampshire - 3 Month Contract (Outside IR35)

Senior / Principal Mechanical Design Engineer - EV / eVTOL - Hampshire - 3 Month Contract (Outside IR35)

Job Title:Senior / Principal Design Engineer

Location:Hampshire (Hybrid – 2 days on-site per week, with increasing flexibility)

Contract Type:3-Month Contract (Outside IR35) Will Likely Extend

Rate:£35 to £50 per hour (depending on experience) - can be negotiable

Sector:EVTOL / UAV / Advanced Automotive Engineering

Software Preferred:Solidworks

About the Role:

We’re working with a cutting-edge company operating at the intersection of automotive and aviation technologies, developing advanced Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAV) for logistics and autonomous missions. This role is key to the integration of combustion engine systems into their EVTOL platforms.

As a Senior / Principal Design Engineer , you’ll take technical ownership of the engine installation and integration systems. From concept to detailed design and validation, you’ll apply your mechanical engineering expertise to develop practical, efficient, and robust powertrain integration solutions. You'll also be a vital mentor to junior engineers and a collaborative force across multiple technical disciplines.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design & Development:Lead the full design lifecycle of engine integration systems to UAS platforms, ensuring delivery against performance, quality, and compliance targets.
• Innovation:Push forward-thinking ideas, technologies, and processes to improve engineering outcomes.
• Technical Authority:Act as the go-to expert for powertrain integration challenges and solutions.
• Project Collaboration:Work closely with airframe, autopilot, operations, procurement, manufacturing, and QA teams.
• Mentoring:Support the growth of junior engineers with guidance and knowledge-sharing.
• Testing & Validation:Oversee system testing, performance verification, and compliance with safety standards.
• Risk & Cost Management:Proactively manage technical risks and contribute to cost-effective design solutions.
• Documentation:Maintain technical documentation in line with engineering and QA standards.
• Continuous Improvement:Champion continuous development practices and process improvements.

Candidate Profile – Skills & Experience Required:

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline (Master’s preferred).
• 5+ years of mechanical design experience, ideally in powertrain or aerospace integration.
• Strong 3D CAD proficiency – SolidWorks essential (incl. SolidWorks PDM).
• Experience with FE analysis tools – ability to calculate loads and stresses on structures.
• Background in designing mechanical enclosures for rotating/reciprocating machinery (e.g., combustion engines, transmissions).
• Practical knowledge of materials, manufacturing processes (fabrication, machining, casting), and treatments (coatings, heat treatment).
• Desirable: Experience with combustion engine/transmission design and/or CFD analysis.
• Strong leadership, collaboration, and communication skills.
• Project ownership mindset with a practical, problem-solving approach.

Example Responsibilities & Project Focus:

You will lead the concept and detailed design of systems to integrate combustion engines into the EVTOL platform, including:

• Engine mounting design and vibration isolation
• Engine frame and fuselage attachment
• Ancillaries packaging (fuel systems, exhaust, electronics)
• Design of air-cooled baffling and aerodynamic cowling
• Power-take-off system and propeller interface
• Fuel and electrical connection layout and routing

If this is of interest please apply on LinkedIn or email