Overview

Mechanical Design Engineer (Robotics) for Autonomous Vehicles & Robotics. Hybrid role in Harwell, Oxfordshire. Salary: GBP45,000pa – GBP55,000pa plus share scheme & benefits.

A once in a lifetime opportunity has arisen for a passionate Mechanical Design Engineer (Robotics) to join a stealth robotics company based in the Oxfordshire area. This role involves the design, development, and validation of advanced mechanical sub-systems for their next generation unmanned underwater platforms, enhancing capability, performance, and durability of submersible robotic systems.

If you’re passionate about robotics within the autonomous vehicle or unmanned vehicle industry, this is a role to consider. Candidates must be British Citizens or have lived in the UK for a minimum of 5 years due to SC clearance requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Conceptualise and develop mechanical solutions to meet milestone deliverables.
• Produce robust technical drawings to BS 8888 standards for both in‑house assembly and external manufacture.
• Select appropriate materials and manufacturing processes to meet performance and durability goals.
• Review and check manufacturing drawings and mechanical designs.
• Manage personal tasks and priorities to ensure timely delivery of project objectives.
• Integrate sensors (e.g., sonar, cameras, and other sensitive electronics) and actuators using established engineering practices.
• Lead testing and validation efforts, including hardware testing and live sea trials, ensuring performance in demanding marine environments.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team including systems, software, and electrical engineers for cohesive system integration.
• Maintain clear documentation and manage document control using defined revision control processes.
• Chair and participate in engineering design reviews.
• Contribute to and help improve internal engineering processes and procedures.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, or a related field
• 8+ years of experience in mechanical engineering design
• Strong expertise in SolidWorks for modelling, assembly, analysis, and drafting
• Ability to work in field conditions, including support for field testing and sea deployments

Preferred Experience

• Experience in maritime, autonomous vehicle or unmanned vehicle defence, or subsea robotics industries
• Knowledge of complex mechanisms, PCB integration, and thermal management in constrained environments
• Proficiency in Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including confidence in presenting and chairing design reviews
• Familiarity with modern manufacturing techniques and processes
• Hands‑on experience with assembly of complex mechanical systems including motors, linkages, flexible and rigid structures, and PCB integration
• Understanding of ergonomics and anthropometrics

If you’re passionate about both robotics, in particular autonomous underwater or submersible vehicle and unmanned vehicle industry, and you love mechanical engineering within this space, please get in touch ASAP.

MARS Recruitment is an equal opportunities employer and positively welcomes applications from suitably qualified applicants regardless of race, colour, sex, marital status, national origin, religion, age, disability, or any other protected status. Suitable candidates for the role will be contacted within 3 working days; unfortunately if you haven’t heard back in this time your application has been unsuccessful at this time.

MARS Recruitment is a specialist Engineering & IT recruiter working in partnership with companies across the UK and offers services of both an Employment Business (for Temporary/Contract roles) and an Employment Agency (for Permanent roles).