Radar Mechanical Design Lead

Job Description

Job title: Radar Mechanical Design Lead

Location: Isle of Wight – Cowes – minimum 2 days onsite a week

Salary: Up to £85,700 (dependent on skills and experience) Part time & accruing hours available’ Please let us know if you would like to discuss these options.

Who we are:

Join BAE Systems and you’ll be part of something bigger. As a valued member of our global colleague network, you’ll bring your unique skills and perspectives to help pioneer progress and protect what matters most. You’ll be trusted to play your part in delivering the advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions of tomorrow, shaping a safer future, for all of us.

From the depths of the ocean, to the far reaches of space, there’s no limit to where a career at BAE Systems could take you.

Role description:

This is a senior mechanical engineering role focused on leading the design and development of complex mechanical systems for a cutting-edge technology demonstrator. The successful candidate will act as the mechanical design authority, ensuring robust, compliant solutions throughout the full engineering lifecycle. With strong expertise in structural design, thermal systems, or other key mechanical domains, they will guide both project-specific activities and support the broader engineering community with technical leadership and cross-functional collaboration.

Core duties:

• Carry out detailed mechanical design and analysis activities to support the development of a complex new product
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure mechanical solutions align with overall system requirements
• Act as the Mechanical Design Authority, providing expert-level input across the full product lifecycle
• Apply subject matter expertise in key mechanical areas such as thermal management, structural integrity, or material selection
• Ensure design compliance with relevant industry standards, regulations, and internal processes
• Support design reviews, technical assessments, and the implementation of design changes as needed

Essential skills:

• You’ll have demonstrable subject matter expertise in at least one area of Mechanical Engineering (e.g. thermal systems, structures, CFD, FEA, or propulsion), with the ability to provide authoritative technical input
• You’ll have proven experience in complex mechanical design, including the design, build, integration, and testing of advanced mechanical systems or products
• You’ll have the ability to collate, interpret, and translate requirements into effective mechanical design solutions throughout the engineering lifecycle
• You’ll have familiarity with modelling and simulation tools used for mechanical analysis, such as those assessing structural behaviour under static and dynamic loads
• You’ll be comfortable working within engineering governance frameworks, ensuring compliance with relevant standards, processes, and best practices
• You’ll ideally hold Chartered Engineer status or have equivalent experience and qualifications in a mechanical engineering discipline

Benefits:

As well as a competitive pension scheme, BAE Systems also offers share plans, an extensive range of flexible discounted health, wellbeing and lifestyle benefits, including a green car scheme, private health plans and shopping discounts – you may also be eligible for an annual incentive.

The NGRD Mechanical team:

At BAE Systems, we are transforming radar technology by delivering world‑class products and next‑generation capabilities that keep the UK at the forefront of defence innovation. As a growing, forward‑looking business, we invest in talented people who are driven to push boundaries, make a tangible impact and turn advanced ideas into leading solutions. Our clear mission is to provide customers with the most capable radar systems while strengthening the UK’s sovereign radar capability through close, collaborative partnerships. Based in Cowes, with easy access from Southampton, we offer a supportive, growth‑focused environment where careers are built, innovation thrives, and your future can truly take shape.

Why BAE Systems?

Here you’ll build a career with purpose and limitless possibilities. With lifelong learning and meaningful work, this is a place where you can grow your career with confidence and be empowered to be your best. You’ll be recognised for your contribution and enjoy rewards tailored to what’s most important to you and your family, support for your financial and personal wellbeing, as well as a balanced lifestyle. In an environment embracing sustainable ways of working and with a strong sense of shared purpose, our supportive culture is a place you can feel you belong and proud of the difference you make.

A place where everyone can thrive:

We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We know that a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences strengthens our teams and is vital to the work we do.

Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks.

Closing Date: 22nd April 2026.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.