Founding Mechanical Engineer Location: Cornwall, with regular international travel as project and testing activities require. Security Clearance: Eligibility for UK security clearance is essential for this role. Our client is developing next-generation defence technology to address one of the fastest-growing challenges in modern warfare. As low-cost drones continue to reshape the battlefield, the need for scalable and cost-effective air defence solutions has never been greater. We are supporting them in the search for a Founding Mechanical Engineer who will play a pivotal role in the development of a new capability from the ground up. This is a unique opportunity to join at an early stage and take ownership of critical hardware development, influencing both product design and the future engineering direction of the business.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and develop mechanical systems and subsystems from concept through to production and deployment.
- Create and maintain CAD models, detailed engineering drawings and manufacturing documentation.
- Build, assemble and integrate prototypes and development hardware.
- Support testing activities, including live trials, data analysis and design refinement.
- Plan and execute verification and validation activities across a range of environments.
- Work through complex engineering challenges, developing practical and robust solutions.
- Drive rapid product iteration through a test-and-learn approach.
- Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary engineers to influence overall system design.
- Contribute to the development of engineering processes, standards and technical culture.
What We’re Looking For
- Strong mechanical engineering fundamentals across structures, materials, mechanisms and dynamics.
- Experience designing real-world hardware for challenging operating environments.
- The ability to balance performance, cost, manufacturability, weight and risk when making engineering decisions.
- Advanced CAD capability and experience delivering designs into manufacture.
- A hands-on approach with practical experience building and testing physical systems.
- A proactive mindset with a genuine passion for learning and problem-solving.
- The ability to work autonomously and take ownership of deliverables.
- A track record of operating successfully in fast-paced or high-growth environments.
Desirable Experience
- Defence, aerospace, or other highly regulated engineering sectors.
- Missile systems, rocketry, UAVs, or flight systems.
- Electromechanical product development.
- Aerodynamics, modelling, simulation, or systems testing.
- Side projects, personal engineering builds, or entrepreneurial ventures.
- Understanding of defence standards, certification, or airworthiness requirements.
Why Consider This Opportunity?
- This role offers the chance to be involved in something from the very beginning.
- Rather than joining a large established organisation, you’ll have genuine influence over the product, the technology roadmap and the engineering culture being built around it.
- For the right individual, this is an opportunity to combine technical ownership, entrepreneurial thinking and meaningful impact while helping to develop a capability designed to address a significant and evolving defence challenge.
Both Modis International Ltd and Modis Europe Ltd are Equal Opportunities Employers.
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