Contract Mechanical Design Engineer (Outside IR35)

<p style="min-height:1.5em">At NewOrbit Space, our mission is to engineer the lowest orbiting satellites on Earth to rapidly advance global connectivity and insight.</p><p style="min-height:1.5em">We are currently building satellites that can operate at an altitude of just 200 km - one-third that of conventional satellites.</p><p style="min-height:1.5em"></p><p style="min-height:1.5em"><strong>Role Overview</strong></p><p style="min-height:1.5em">Responsible for the mechanical design of satellite structures, mechanisms, and related hardware from concept through qualification and on-orbit operation.</p><p style="min-height:1.5em">Working within a small, multidisciplinary team, you will translate requirements into manufacturable designs and validate them through prototyping and environmental testing.</p><p style="min-height:1.5em"></p><p style="min-height:1.5em"><strong>Key Responsibilities</strong></p><ul style="min-height:1.5em"><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Design and develop mechanical systems and components for satellites, including primary structure, thermal-control hardware, secondary structures, and mechanisms.</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Generate 3D CAD models, fully dimensioned drawings, and interface control documents using GD&amp;T, managing assembly configuration and PLM data.</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Take hardware from conceptual design through qualification to on-orbit operations, leading design reviews, and planning verification tests.</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Optimise designs for manufacturability, cost, mass, and reliability, working directly with manufacturers and suppliers.</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Support prototype builds, assembly, integration, and environmental test campaigns, iterating designs based on results.</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Collaborate with electrical, software, systems, and thermal engineers to integrate mechanical components into the satellite platform.</p></li></ul><p style="min-height:1.5em"></p><p style="min-height:1.5em"><strong>Required Skills &amp; Experience</strong></p><ul style="min-height:1.5em"><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, or related engineering discipline.</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">5+ years’ experience in satellite mechanical design, including primary structure, pipe routing, electromechanics, and MGSE for aerospace applications (satellites, payloads, launch vehicles).</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Proficiency in CAD software such as SolidWorks.</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Practical application of GD&amp;T and experience producing manufacturing-ready drawings.</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Solid grounding in mechanical design principles, materials, structural mechanics, FEA ,and thermal management.</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em">Demonstrated ability to design, build, and test hardware, including troubleshooting and iteration.</p></li></ul><p style="min-height:1.5em"></p><h2>Why NewOrbit Space?</h2><ul style="min-height:1.5em"><li><p style="min-height:1.5em"><strong>Pioneering Space Technology </strong>– You'll contribute to launching groundbreaking technology into space. Your work on our revolutionary ion propulsion system and ULEO satellite platform will redefine satellite operations and disrupt traditional LEO operations.</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em"><strong>Unmatched Ownership and Impact </strong>– You'll experience a level of ownership that's rare in the space industry. You will participate in the full lifecycle of satellite technology.</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em"><strong>Equity and Competitive Salary </strong>– You'll receive not just a competitive salary but also company ownership stakes. Your dedication and hard work are rewarded with a share in the technology you help build, ensuring you're a part of our collective success.</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em"><strong>Comprehensive Benefits Package </strong>–<strong> </strong>Including private health insurance with dental and optical coverage, annual healthcare check-ups etc. </p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em"><strong>Hybrid Work</strong> - A hybrid setup with one dedicated remote day per week.</p></li><li><p style="min-height:1.5em"><strong>Visa Sponsorship &amp; Relocation Support</strong> - We provide a relocation package and sponsor your visa if you’re joining us from abroad.</p></li></ul><p>Find more <a href="https://www.arbeitnow.co.uk/english-speaking-jobs">English Speaking Jobs in United Kingdom</a> on Arbeitnow</a>