Mechanical Design Engineer

Design Engineer

Thales Alenia Space is a global space manufacturer delivering high-tech solutions for telecommunications, navigation, Earth Observation, environmental management, exploration, science, and orbital infrastructures. Together we offer fantastic opportunities for committed employees to learn and develop their career with us.

As a Design Engineer, you will be expected to generate the Mechanical and Thermal designs of parts and assemblies needed for space project propulsion sub-systems and equipment. Part of your tasks will entail:

• Prepare/update subsystem CAD models and review materials through the different project life cycle milestones & reviews (PDR, CDR, QR etc).
• Demonstrates design engineering knowledge to achieve critical project outcomes to time, cost, and quality.
• Cover activities such as integrated product design, requirements management, interfaces management, customer's needs analysis, product design definition.

Responsibilities and tasks:

• Using the necessary CAD software (Catia V5/V6), generate Mechanical designs of parts and assemblies needed for space project equipment, sub-systems, systems, and GSE.
• Participate in design trade-off activities.
• Manage the tree structure of the product, using the appropriate PLM tool if necessary (ie, Enovia).
• Ensure the management of drawing activities within constraints provided by the Project Manager, the Architect, and the Project Design Authority.
• Manage the status, versions, and issues of parts and assemblies.
• Manage interfaces with other areas of the spacecraft, such as other modules, structures, or equipment.
• Generate 2-D drawings for parts, assemblies, and interface definition.
• Ensures that the design process considers assembly processes and tooling capability.
• Generate manufacturing and assembly file, and manage the plans for assembly and integration.
• Generate files needed for analysis inputs.
• Generate BoMs.
• Assess new suppliers, materials, components, data, software, and methods for spacecraft Mechanical and Thermal Engineering.
• Generate the documents and review materials needed to support projects and reviews.
• Check designs (their own and others) for the completeness and correctness of information, tolerance build-ups, and assembly/integration sequences.

Key Performance Indicators:

• Delivery of design solution and associated documentation within the constraints of Project schedules and resources.
• Meeting project milestones.
• Quality of documentation.
• Good general knowledge of mechanical design and conception.
• Working knowledge and experience of 3-D CAD software (CATIA preferred) and ENOVIA.
• Knowledge of relevant drawing standards.
• Knowledge of Geometric Tolerancing best practice.
• Knowledge of manufacturing techniques (conventional and advanced) and how these affect the design and drawings.
• Soft skills – Power point, Excel.
• Experience of working in a multi-discipline team environment with project pressures.
• Experience dealing with customers, partners, suppliers' interface.
• Experience in the Space domain.
• Experience with some of the following specific CAD modules:
• Sheetmetal
• Pipe routing
• Harnessing
• ALM design
• Cinematics
• Composite panel and insert design

Education & Qualifications:

• Engineering degree in Mechanical Engineering or other relevant experience.

The following would be an asset:

• A Master's or higher degree.
• Membership of a professional Institution.

Security Clearance Requirement:

Due to the nature of the work that we do at Thales, many of our roles are subject to security restrictions. This role requires Security Clearance (SC). It would be advantageous if currently held, however, if not currently held, it is a requirement that the successful applicant undergo, achieve, and maintain SC Clearance prior to commencing employment. Please visit the UKSV website for further guidance.

In line with Thales' Baseline Security requirements, candidates will be asked to provide evidence of identity, eligibility to work in the UK, and employment and/or education history for up to three years. Some vacancies may require full Security Clearance which can require further evidence to be provided. For further details of the evidence required to apply for Baseline and Security Clearance please refer to the Defence Business Services National Security Vetting (DBS NSV) Agency.

Thales UK is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free recruitment process. We will provide reasonable adjustments and support to ensure neuro-diverse applicants or those with a disability or long-term condition can be their best during the recruitment process.