Mechanical Designer

Job Context/Purpose

We are looking for a mechanical engineer who can turn an unfamiliar problem into a sound, practical design—not just create CAD models. The ideal candidate demonstrates curiosity, first-principles reasoning, sound engineering judgement, and the ability to explain why a design should work. The role involves designing mechanical components and systems, evaluating concepts through calculations and analysis, considering manufacturing and assembly from the start, and improving designs through prototyping and testing. We value transferable design fundamentals and learning agility alongside relevant aerospace knowledge.

Key Responsibilities

- Design Thinking and Problem-Solving

• Translate project, system and user requirements into functional specifications, design constraints and measurable acceptance criteria.

• Analyse problems by identifying functions, interfaces, loads, operating conditions and potential failure modes.

• Develop and compare design concepts, evaluate alternatives and justify design decisions based on performance, cost and feasibility.

• Perform first-principles reasoning and hand calculations to estimate loads, stress, stiffness, deflection and mass.

• Identify potential design risks and failure modes at the early stages of development.

- Mechanical Design and Implementation

• Design mechanical components, assemblies and integrated systems based on project requirements.

• Develop parametric 3D CAD models, assemblies and engineering drawings using tools such as SolidWorks or CATIA.

• Select appropriate materials, manufacturing processes, fits, tolerances and surface treatments.

• Ensure designs consider manufacturability, assembly, inspection, maintenance and serviceability.

• Optimise designs for performance, reliability, weight, cost and ease of production.

- Analysis, Testing and Design Validation

• Perform hand calculations and structural or thermal analysis to evaluate design feasibility.

• Use simulation tools such as ANSYS or equivalent software, understanding their assumptions and limitations.

• Develop prototypes and collaborate with manufacturing and testing teams to validate design requirements.

• Analyse test results, identify root causes of failures and implement design improvements based on evidence.

• Define verification methods, test procedures and acceptance criteria for critical design requirements.

- Technical Documentation and Standards

• Prepare and maintain design requirements, concept evaluations, calculations, engineering drawings, specifications, Bills of Materials (BOMs), test reports and technical manuals.

• Ensure compliance with applicable engineering standards, project requirements and quality processes.

• Maintain accurate design records, revision control and documentation throughout the product development lifecycle.

- Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with electrical, propulsion, aerodynamics, systems, manufacturing and testing teams to resolve interfaces and technical challenges.

• Participate in design reviews and communicate design assumptions, risks, decisions and trade-offs.

• Incorporate technical feedback and work collaboratively to improve design quality and system performance.

• Support manufacturing, assembly, testing and troubleshooting activities.

Educational Qualification

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a relevant specialisation is an added advantage.

Experience Required

• 7+ years of experience in mechanical design, product design, machine design or a related engineering domain.

• Experience in taking designs from requirements or concept development through detailed design, manufacturing and/or testing.

• Candidates from adjacent engineering domains may be considered based on their design fundamentals and transferable skills.

Technical Competencies

• Strong knowledge of statics, strength of materials, load paths, stiffness, fatigue and material properties.

• Understanding of manufacturing processes, engineering drawings, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T), fits and tolerances.

• Ability to perform and explain engineering hand calculations and evaluate design feasibility.

• Knowledge of structural analysis, thermal considerations and failure analysis.

• Ability to assess design alternatives and make evidence-based engineering decisions.

Software and Tool Proficiency

• Proficiency in 3D CAD software such as SolidWorks or CATIA.

• Ability to create structured parametric models, assemblies and detailed engineering drawings.

• Familiarity with ANSYS or other structural and thermal analysis tools.

• Knowledge of Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems is an added advantage.

Behavioural Competencies

• Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving and engineering judgement.

• Demonstrates curiosity, ownership and a structured approach to design challenges.

• Ability to challenge assumptions, explore alternatives and explain design decisions.

• Awareness of manufacturability, assembly requirements and potential failure modes.

• Adaptability and willingness to learn from testing, feedback and design iterations.

• Clear technical communication and effective cross-functional collaboration.

Evidence of Design Experience

• Ability to explain one or two personally executed design projects, including requirements, constraints, concepts considered and key design decisions.

• Demonstrate the use of calculations, engineering assumptions and technical trade-offs.

• Explain manufacturing and assembly considerations, challenges encountered, failures or feedback received, and improvements implemented.

• Portfolio materials such as sketches, CAD models, engineering drawings, prototypes or test results are desirable. Confidential or proprietary information is not required.

Key Internal and External Interfaces

• Manufacturing Team: Coordinate on manufacturability, assembly processes, production constraints and design improvements.

• Testing Team: Support test planning, validation activities, analysis of results and design iterations.

• Engineering Teams and Functional Heads: Present design rationale, discuss technical risks and trade-offs, and incorporate design review feedback.