Mechanical Design Engineer – Robotics & Autonomous Systems

About the role

We are seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer to develop field‑deployable robotic hardware for extreme environments. You will own the full product lifecycle, from concept through to manufacture, delivering reliable, high‑performance systems for autonomous inspection.

Key responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical hardware for drones, UAVs and autonomous robots operating in harsh weather, corrosive and high‑risk industrial spaces.
• Create concept designs, prototypes, and validation tests.
• Produce detailed DFM‑ready drawings and manage BOM/CBOM ownership.
• Control engineering changes and maintain documentation throughout the product lifecycle.
• Collaborate closely with electronics and software engineers to ensure integrated system performance.

Required profile

• Minimum 2 years of experience in mechanical engineering, preferably with drones, UAVs, robotics or autonomous systems.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating physical product design and tight‑tolerance assemblies.
• Proven ability to design for reliability, serviceability and manufacturability.
• Awareness of electronics/software interfaces to work effectively with multidisciplinary teams.

Required skills

• SolidWorks (advanced proficiency)
• Design for Manufacture (DFM) principles and documentation
• BOM/CBOM management and engineering change control
• Electromechanical integration awareness
• Knowledge of IP ratings, corrosion resistance, impact protection
• Cable management, tethered systems and deployable mechanisms

What we offer

• Competitive salary up to £45,000 per year
• Full‑time permanent contract
• Opportunity to work on mission‑critical hardware in a fast‑moving engineering team
• Based in Birmingham with on‑site facilities