Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Role can be based at our Engineering Design Hub in Milton Keynes or remote/home based with travel to the office as required (expected once a month for 2-3 days).

At Spectrum Control we don’t just manage the electromagnetic spectrum - we revolutionise it. As global pioneers we make the invisible unstoppable, delivering solutions that power and protect the modern world.

We’re looking for a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to join our cutting-edge team in Milton Keynes. This is your chance to work on bold, high-impact projects that are shaping the future of aerospace and defence.

In this key role you’ll lead the mechanical design of advanced electronic systems where precision, performance and innovation are everything. From thermal management to rugged packaging, you’ll be solving complex challenges and delivering high-reliability, manufacturable hardware. You’ll be hands-on across the full product lifecycle from concept to production and beyond.

If you're ready to push boundaries and engineer what’s next, we want to hear from you.

Key responsibilities will include

• Develop innovative, mechanical solutions for compact, high-density electronic systems used in harsh operating environments.
• Translate complex design requirements into robust, cost-effective mechanical architectures that support high-performance electronics.
• Perform thermal layout optimisation and ensure appropriate heat dissipation strategies (e.g., conduction paths, heat sinks, cold plates, airflow channels, materials selection).
• Collaborate with systems, electronics, and thermal analysis engineers to assess and iterate on thermal simulation results (e.g., from CFD or FEA), ensuring real-world performance is considered during the design phase.
• Use SOLIDWORKS to produce high-quality 3D models and fully detailed 2D engineering drawings for precision machined, fabricated, and sheet metal components.
• Create and maintain comprehensive product drawing packs, assembly documentation, and design reports aligned with company standards and industry best practices.
• Generate accurate and structured Bills of Materials (BoMs) within the ERP system to support prototype builds and full-scale manufacturing.
• Engage in the hands-on build and validation of prototype hardware, working closely with production and test teams to resolve any design or thermal integration issues.
• Ensure all designs comply with environmental, EMC, mechanical shock, vibration, and thermal requirements as applicable to aerospace and defence platforms.
• Actively contribute to the continuous improvement of design practices, DfM/DfA principles, and drawing office procedures.
• Participate in design reviews and lead the mechanical work packages through all project phases.

Skills and experience required:

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline (or equivalent experience), ideally with a focus on electronics integration or aerospace applications.
• Further education, thermal design coursework, or professional membership (e.g., IMechE) is an advantage.
• Extensive experience in mechanical design of enclosures, chassis, and housings for electronics – particularly where thermal density and component spacing are key challenges.

• Familiarity with thermal design principles (conduction, convection, and material selection) and the ability to interpret and design around thermal simulation outputs (e.g., ANSYS, FloTHERM, COMSOL).
• Strong proficiency in 3D and 2D CAD tools – SOLIDWORKS preferred.
• Demonstrated experience with high-reliability design for machined, fabricated, and sheet metal components.
• Sound understanding of aerospace/defence design constraints including ruggedisation, environmental sealing, and thermal interface materials (TIMs).
• Working knowledge of ERP systems for BoM and drawing management.
• Competent with Microsoft Office applications.

Competencies:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a high attention to detail.
• Proactive, “design ownership” mindset with the ability to lead design workstreams independently.
• Clear communicator with the ability to articulate complex design decisions to multidisciplinary teams.
• Able to balance innovation with pragmatism — understanding when to apply proven techniques versus new approaches.
• Committed to professional growth and continuous learning.
• Willing to mentor junior engineers and support cross-functional collaboration.

Other requirements:

• SC cleared or ability to obtain
• Role is office based with occasional home working
• Occasional travel to other Spectrum Control sites and customers as required

What we can offer you:

• Flexible working practices – we work a 9-day fortnight, offer flexitime, and work a half day Friday
• 25 days holiday (plus bank holidays) with the option to buy up to 5 additional days
• Health cash plan – cash back for everyday health expenses
• Private healthcare
• Pension scheme with 6% employer contributions
• Life assurance – 4 x annual salary
• Reward and recognition platform
• Discount platform – retail, leisure, gym discounts and more
• Employee assistance programme with access to confidential counselling services
• Support for further training and education
• Relocation assistance up to £8,000 if you relocate to take up a position with us

About us:

Spectrum Control is a global leader in managing and controlling the electromagnetic spectrum. We make the invisible electromagnetic spectrum visible and controllable with our industry-leading capabilities.

The work we do is important. Whether that’s developing solutions used in defence applications that help to protect the UK and partners, to supporting technology for next generation satellite communication, space exploration and deep well drilling, Spectrum Control makes a difference.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)
 

Third-Party Recruiters

Please note, that per Spectrum Control Policy, we do not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters unless such recruiters are engaged to provide candidates for a specified opening and in alignment with our values and expectations. Any employment agency, person or entity that submits an unsolicited resume does so with the understanding that Spectrum Control will have the right to hire that applicant at its discretion without any fee owed to the submitting employment agency, person or entity. If you or your agency are interested in becoming an approved vendor please contact [email protected].