Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical Engineer

AAC Clyde Space

Glasgow, United Kingdom

About this role:

AAC Clyde Space is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to contribute to the design, analysis, and development of our small satellites and spacecraft subsystems.

In this role, you will design and support the manufacture of spacecraft structures and mechanisms — including precision assemblies, deployable systems, and subsystem development— ensuring they meet performance and reliability requirements from concept through to launch.

You will work with tools such as SolidWorks, ANSYS, and ESATAN to produce detailed designs and analyses, supporting environmental testing and integration campaigns as part of a multidisciplinary engineering team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Contribute to the design and development of CubeSat and small satellite mechanical systems;
• Collaborate with systems, electronics, AIT and project teams to produce integrated designs;
• Participate in design reviews, requirements definition, and documentation;
• Maintain design documentation, CAD models, and analysis records;
• Liaise with suppliers and support component procurement and verification;
• Contribute to process improvement and standardisation activities;
• Support manufacturing, integration, and test activities, and the wider team as required;
• Design spacecraft structures, mechanisms, and assemblies using 3D CAD tools (SolidWorks);
• Produce detailed drawings and bills of materials for manufacture and assembly;
• Conduct structural and thermal analyses to verify design performance;
• Support environmental testing (vibration, TVAC);
• Assist in integration and test campaigns, diagnosing and resolving mechanical issues;
• Optimise designs for mass, manufacturability, and reliability.

Skills required:

• Relevant degree or equivalent work experience;
• Evident industry experience of applying mechanical engineering to products and applications;
• Proficiency with 3D CAD tools (e.g. SolidWorks, NX, or equivalent);
• Experience working within a high-reliability or precision-engineering environment (e.g. aerospace, automotive, energy, or defence);
• Experience with materials and manufacturing processes such as machining, composites, or additive manufacturing;
• Practical understanding of design for manufacture and assembly (DfMA);
• Highly organised, proactive, and detail-oriented;
• Strong understanding of mechanical design and structural analysis principles;
• Take ownership of complex challenges and driving them to resolution with integrity and professionalism;
• Collaborating effectively across multidisciplinary teams, fostering a shared sense of mission success;
• Apply curiosity and creativity to solve problems and explore new approaches;
• Communicate clearly with technical and non-technical stakeholders, building trust through transparency and clarity;
• Ability to make good decisions under highly demanding, dynamic environment;
• Ability to organise self and prioritise workload with multiple projects in dynamic environment with tight deadlines;
• Competent IT skills including Microsoft software;
• Proficient in English, both verbally and written.

Skills desired:

• Experience with satellite or spacecraft mechanical systems;
• Familiarity with ECSS or similar aerospace standards;
• Knowledge of FEA or thermal analysis tools (e.g. ANSYS);
• Exposure to environmental testing (vibration, TVAC);
• Hands-on experience with spacecraft assembly, integration, and testing (AIT);
• Interest in small satellite or CubeSat development;
• Previous experience in the space industry;
• Previous experience in working with small/medium sized company.