Senior / Principal Mechanical Design Engineer - EV / eVTOL - Hampshire - 3 Month Contract (Outside IR35)
Job Title: Senior / Principal Design Engineer
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
EVTOL / UAV / Advanced Automotive Engineering
Software Preferred: Solidworks
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. 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. 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.
Project Collaboration: Work closely with airframe, autopilot, operations, procurement, manufacturing, and QA teams.
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.
Maintain technical documentation in line with engineering and QA standards.
Champion continuous development practices and process improvements.
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., Practical knowledge of materials, manufacturing processes (fabrication, machining, casting), and treatments (coatings, heat treatment).
~ Experience with combustion engine/transmission design and/or CFD analysis.
~ 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
Ancillaries packaging (fuel systems, exhaust, electronics)
Design of air-cooled baffling and aerodynamic cowling
Fuel and electrical connection layout and routing