Job title: Senior Mechanical Design Engineer
Job type: Permanent
Emp type: Full-time
Salary type: Annual
Location: UK
Job published: 2026-10-15
Job ID: 51529
Contact name: Ava Aldridge
Contact email: ava@volantesrecruitment.com

Job Description

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Oxford

Permanent

 

About our client

We are recruiting for a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer on behalf of our client, a leading helicopter manufacturer with extensive experience in helicopter sales, bespoke completions, maintenance and spares support.

Their in-house engineering capabilities include design, customisation, installation, flight testing and certification, as well as technical support, maintenance, training and the supply of spares for civil and military applications.

 

The opportunity

Our client is looking for a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to join their mechanical design engineering team at their Oxford site.

You will lead the development of innovative helicopter customisations from early concept through to manufacture, taking ownership of the technical quality of your designs. You will guide and mentor a small team of engineers while ensuring every solution meets customer, regulatory and certification requirements.

The overall purpose of the role is to translate proposed mechanical systems concepts into detailed designs that meet certification and customer requirements. You will manage the integration of systems into helicopter products and provide leadership and direction for engineering work packages.

 

Main responsibilities

  • Support the development of new product designs and their structure in the PLM system.

  • Manage product maturity and development in the PLM system.

  • Lead the design effort for work packages or modules, developing and managing the tasks and deliverables of a team of design engineers.

  • Check module designs, including 2D drawings, 3D models and engineering bills of materials (EBoMs), against internal standards and take responsibility for technical accuracy before release.

  • Design and model a variety of systems and components to meet customer, regulatory and OEM requirements.

  • Monitor, manage and meet cost and weight targets.

  • Communicate effectively and professionally with customers and suppliers, managing data transfers as required for product development or other needs.

  • Organise and participate in design reviews throughout each phase of the new product introduction process, ensuring all necessary follow-up actions are completed.

  • Ensure the selection and application of materials and processes are appropriate to each design element and comply with relevant standards and guidance.

  • Ensure the successful integration of assigned modules within the overall product.

  • Manage design changes to support manufacturing, production, customers, quality and certification.

  • Generate and revise specifications.

  • Coach, mentor and develop less experienced design engineers, including apprentices and graduates.

  • Work towards achieving design signatory or Compliance Verification Engineer status.

  • Assist with the recruitment of team members when required.

 

Knowledge and skills

Essential

  • Ability to plan and schedule design activities across multiple design work packages.

  • Understanding of the effective application of tolerances and a working knowledge of manufacturing processes.

  • Working knowledge of manufacturing methods, including sheet metal fabrication, plastics vacuum forming, CNC machining and composite lay-up.

  • Ability to read mechanical design drawings and specifications.

  • Proven experience supervising a team of mechanical design engineers.

 

Education, qualifications or training

Essential

  • A degree in mechanical, aerospace or structural engineering. Alternatively, an HNC/HND, equivalent qualification or relevant engineering apprenticeship, supported by extensive experience in mechanical systems design, concept development and detailed engineering solutions.

  • High proficiency and experience in CATIA V5, Autodesk AutoCAD and product lifecycle management (PLM) systems, including Enovia SmarTeam and ARAS.

  • Understanding of national and international regulatory standards and codes of practice, including CAA Part 21, CS27/CS29 and Defence Standard 00-970.

 

Culture and wellbeing

Our client provides a supportive working environment, with facilities and resources including:

  • Inclusive space: A dedicated multi-faith prayer room, providing a quiet, private space for prayer during the day.

  • Employee Assistance Programme (EAP): Access to confidential support, counselling and resources 24/7 for your professional and personal life.

  • Canteen facilities: A dedicated space to take a break and recharge, with on-site vending machines for snacks and refreshments.

  • Refreshments: Free tea and coffee throughout the day.

 

Salary and benefits

Our client offers a competitive base salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including:

  • Holiday allowance: Annual leave entitlement increases with each year of service, up to an additional four days.

  • Health: Private medical insurance through Bupa, with the option to add family members at an additional cost. Other options include healthcare cash schemes and Denplan.

  • Pension and incentives: Up to 8% employer pension contribution when you contribute 6%, plus annual share incentive plans and discretionary group bonuses.

  • Everyday savings: Access to exclusive shopping discounts, including a cashback card.

  • Lifestyle: Cycle to Work scheme up to £3,000, a car purchase scheme and technology purchase schemes.

  • Added protection: Personal accident insurance, healthcare cash schemes and professional financial and legal advice.

  • Refer a friend scheme: A generous referral bonus for successfully placed candidates recommended to the business.

 

Additional requirements

  • This position is subject to National Security Vetting. Candidates must be able to obtain SC clearance, which generally requires having lived in the UK for the last five years. All successful applicants will also undergo a mandatory BPSS check.

  • Applicants must meet all applicable export compliance requirements.

  • All candidates must have the current legal right to work in the United Kingdom. Our client is unable to offer employment visa sponsorship.

 

Interested?

If you are looking for your next opportunity and meet the requirements above, we would love to hear from you.

 

Apply now or contact Volantes Technical Recruitment for further details.