Mechanical Design Engineer – Bedford (Saab Bluebear Business)
Saab in UK is growing rapidly, with over 500 colleagues across eight sites. We bring together Swedish heritage and British expertise to drive innovation in areas such as software engineering, underwater robotics, radars, AI, and armed forces training. Joining Saab in UK means contributing to the security and resilience of society while building a career with real scope for personal and professional growth.
Explore a wealth of possibilities. Take on challenges, create smart inventions, and grow beyond. This is a place for curious minds, brave pioneers, and everyone in between. Together, we achieve the extraordinary, each bringing our unique perspectives. Your part matters.
Saab is a leading defence and security company with an enduring mission, to help nations keep their people and society safe. Empowered by its 26,000 talented people, Saab constantly pushes the boundaries of technology to create a safer and more sustainable world.
Saab designs, manufactures and maintains advanced systems in aeronautics, weapons, command and control, sensors and underwater systems. Saab is headquartered in Sweden. It has major operations all over the world and is part of the domestic defence capability of several nations.
The role
This role is part of Saab Bluebear Business in Bedfordshire. Your role as a Mechanical Design Engineer (Aero) will be to support Head of Engineering on multidisciplinary design challenges involved in the development of unmanned systems. This represents an exciting opportunity to provide technical leadership of innovative products including requirement management, design, integration, manufacturing and testing.
Key Responsibilities
* Day‑to‑day CAD design and management of multidisciplinary design requirements.
* Experienced SolidWorks user, solid modelling, surfacing, assemblies, detailing, BoM creation.
* First‑pass analysis (basic FEA, basic CFD) of implementable design solutions using analysis suites as part of CAD packages (preferably SolidWorks).
* Technical management of specific project WPs including task allocation and resource management.
* Define the design, integration and test activities during development of both R&D and product contracts.
* Product design innovation, based on research into technical plans for prototypes using Computer Assisted Engineering (CAE) and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) software.
* Select suitable manufacturing methods and materials for metallic containers and structures.
* Preparing user requirements, concept of operations (CONOPS), technical specifications, design specifications, product specifications, commissioning plans, DFMEAs and risk assessments.
* Payload integration, with understanding of impacts on aircraft performance and of holistic optimisation at aircraft design stage.
* All‑Electric Propulsion System integration into new or existing airframes (incl. eVTOL).
* Understanding of customer requirements, challenges and expectations.
* Explore new technology trends and apply in appropriate scenarios to deliver value to team, customer and Organization.
* Work with wider project delivery teams to develop on‑time, on‑budget solutions.
* Technical Point of Contact and liaison for key Suppliers/Partners.
* Conducting timely reviews with team members on the work assigned and resolve if there are any issues / concerns on the deliverables.
* Ensure quality of deliverables to the satisfaction of the customer.
* Responsible for WP adherence to schedule, costs and review of risks.
* Assist Program Manager in estimation, dependency identification, developing project plan and tracking the progress.
Other Duties and Responsibilities
* To undertake such other duties and responsibilities as may be reasonably required within the grade and level of the post.
* You will be expected to perform different tasks as necessitated by your evolving role within the company and the overall business objectives of the company. Some travel within the UK may be required.
Mechanical Design Engineer – Bedford (Robotics & Automation)
Salary: 35,000 – 48,000
Location: Bedford
This role requires a highly proficient SolidWorks user with a strong background in mechanical design, product development, and manufacturing processes. Experience in CNC machining is a bonus.
Key Responsibilities
* Design robotic automation components and assemblies using SolidWorks.
* Create 3D models, 2D drawings, and Bill of Materials (BOMs) for manufacturing.
* Collaborate with electrical and software teams to ensure integrated system performance.
* Conduct design reviews, feasibility studies, and tolerance analysis.
* Support prototyping, testing, and validation of mechanical systems.
* Optimize designs for cost, performance, and manufacturability (DFM/DFA).
* Generate and maintain accurate engineering documentation.
* Assist in troubleshooting and improving existing systems in the field.
Requirements
* Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
* 3–5 years of experience in mechanical design, ideally in robotics or industrial automation.
* Advanced proficiency in SolidWorks (assemblies, detail drawings, simulations).
* Knowledge of mechanical systems, gears, actuators, and motion components.
* Experience with materials selection and common manufacturing processes (machining, sheet metal, 3D printing).
* Understanding of GD&T, FEA tools, and design validation techniques.
* Strong problem‑solving and organizational skills.
* Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
Salary & Benefits
* Salary – 35,000‑48,000.
* Overtime pay and stay away pay scheme.
* Cycle to work, pension scheme and other standard benefits.
* Paid time off and holidays.
* Career development and advancement opportunities.
* Work in a collaborative, innovative, and fast‑paced environment.
* Monday to Thursday 8 am to 5 pm; Friday 8 am to 1 pm.
Principal Mechanical Design Engineer – Stevenage
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
Location: Stevenage
Hybrid Working: Typically 2–3 days per week on‑site to meet programme needs.
Security Requirements: Applicants must be a British Citizen or a dual national including British citizenship. Nationality and right‑to‑work restrictions may apply. Successful candidates will need to obtain BPSS security clearance as part of the onboarding process.
Both Modis International Ltd and Modis Europe Ltd are Equal Opportunities Employers.
Principal Mechanical Design Engineer – Milton Keynes
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
Location: Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, UK
Key Responsibilities
* Lead the mechanical design process for new and existing products, ensuring innovative and robust solutions.
* Develop detailed 3D CAD models and 2D manufacturing drawings using advanced software such as SolidWorks, Inventor, or CATIA.
* Perform complex engineering analysis, including Finite Element Analysis (FEA), Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), to validate designs.
* Collaborate closely with cross‑functional teams, including electrical engineers, software developers, manufacturing, and R&D, to achieve project goals.
* Define technical specifications, requirements, and testing protocols for mechanical components and systems.
* Oversee prototyping, testing, and validation phases, troubleshooting any issues that arise.
* Ensure designs comply with relevant industry standards, regulations, and quality requirements.
* Mentor and guide junior mechanical engineers, fostering their technical development and providing constructive feedback.
* Contribute to strategic technical planning and technology roadmapping.
* Manage design‑related aspects of projects, including timelines, budgets, and resource allocation.
* Evaluate and select appropriate materials and manufacturing processes.
Lead Mechanical Design Engineer – Milton Keynes
Location: Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, UK
Key Responsibilities
* Lead the conceptualisation, design, and development of new mechanical systems and components from initial concept through to production.
* Manage and mentor a team of mechanical design engineers, providing technical guidance and performance feedback.
* Oversee the creation of detailed 3D CAD models, 2D drawings, and Bill of Materials (BOMs) using advanced design software.
* Conduct thorough design reviews, stress analysis (FEA), thermal analysis, and other simulations to validate designs.
* Ensure designs meet performance requirements, cost targets, and regulatory standards.
* Collaborate closely with cross‑functional teams, including electrical engineering, software development, manufacturing, and supply chain.
* Develop and implement design for manufacturability (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA) principles.
* Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources for design activities.
* Prepare technical specifications, documentation, and test plans.
* Oversee prototype development, testing, and validation processes.
* Troubleshoot and resolve design‑related issues during development and production phases.
* Stay abreast of the latest advancements in mechanical design, materials, and manufacturing technologies.
* Contribute to intellectual property development and patent applications.
* Champion best practices in mechanical engineering and product development within the team.
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