MERITUS Talent are working with one of Europe's leading defence manufacturers for the recruitment of a Mechanical Architect to join their Stevenage office on a contract basis for an initial 6 month assignment, with extensions likely. The role falls INSIDE IR35, and is paying £60 per hour via an umbrella company.
We’re looking for a senior-level Mechanical Architect to join our team working on next-generation missile systems. This is a hands-on technical role, responsible for leading the mechanical architecture of complex defence products from concept through to certification.
You’ll be working on projects that are critical to national defence - involving challenging design work, system integration and compliance across high-performance missile platforms.
What you’ll be doing:
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Define and manage the mechanical architecture of missile systems across all variants
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Develop and own the Airframe Task Requirements Specification (TRS)
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Lead mechanical and thermal interface management across the missile
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Ensure architecture is modular and supports reuse across platforms
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Coordinate analysis and validation activities to support certification
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Interface with internal teams, subcontractors, and end customers
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Supervise engineers and manage technical delivery across your scope
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Own planning, budgeting and work statements for your area
What we’re looking for:
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Degree-qualified in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering (or similar)
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Around 10+ years of experience in mechanical engineering, ideally in defence, missiles or aerospace
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Strong understanding of:
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Missile mechanical systems and airframe design
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Static and dynamic analysis
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Environmental and thermal management considerations
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Experience managing compliance evidence for certification (e.g. Certificate of Design)
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Confident leading teams, influencing stakeholders, and managing suppliers
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Able to see the big picture while managing the detail
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Willingness to travel within the UK and Europe as needed
Why join?
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You’ll work on mission-critical defence tech in a highly respected team
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Flexible and hybrid working options, with every other Friday off
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Private health care, bonus schemes and strong career development support
