Principal / Senior Mechanical Design Engineer (All Genders)

STARK

ABOUT US STARK is a new kind of defence technology company revolutionising the way autonomous systems are deployed across multiple domains. We design, develop, and manufacture high-performance unmanned systems that are software-defined, mass-scalable, and cost-effective. This provides our operators with a decisive edge in highly contested environments. We are focused on delivering deployable, high-performance systems, not future promises. In a time of rising threats, STARK is bolstering the technological edge of NATO Allies and their Partners to deter aggression and defend Europe today. YOUR MISSION You will be the systems safety lead for a next-generation Unmanned Aerial System (UAS), driving a safety-by-design approach across the entire product lifecycle. This includes ensuring all mechanical, electrical, and software subsystems meet stringent safety requirements. As a Principal / Senior Systems Engineer, you will define the safety-critical architecture and interfaces, manage safety integration and verification activities, and drive system safety validation through rigorous testing, hazard analysis, and compliance reporting. RESPONSIBILITIES * Serve as the system safety lead for UAS product development and upgrades, owning overall platform safety and coherency from concept through delivery. * Work day-to-day within multidisciplinary teams (mechanical, electrical, avionics, software, test) across the full lifecycle of UAS design, integration, test and fielding. * Conceptualise and capture system architecture for new platforms and enhancements, producing technical trade studies, safety-critical sizing, and system performance assessments. * Establish and execute the system safety program, including the development of Preliminary Hazard Analyses (PHA) and System/Subsystem Hazard Assessments (SHA/SSHA). * Lead and coordinate Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) and Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA) activities across multidisciplinary teams. * Produce layout and system design plans, define Interface Control Documents (ICDs) and enforce interface control processes for mechanical, electrical, and software subsystems. * Establish and maintain requirements baselines, including safety requirements, and traceability using industry tools (e.g., IBM DOORS) and MBSE approaches. * Implement robust change control processes to manage and assess the impact of all design changes on system safety and compliance. * Act as the technical interface between internal teams, suppliers and customers to coordinate payload integration, unique/custom hardware or software interfaces, and ensure on-time capability delivery. * Manage tactical engineering tasks during development sprints and test campaigns, resolving cross-discipline issues and maintaining configuration control. QUALIFICATIONS * Degree (or equivalent) in Systems, Aerospace, Electrical or a closely related Engineering discipline. * Significant industry experience with demonstrable systems engineering and system safety responsibility on UAV/aerospace or equivalent complex, safety-critical platforms. * Strong practical experience integrating complex systems: power systems, RF/EMC, EO sensors, networking, flight controllers and payload interfaces. * Proven track record in requirements capture, compliance analysis, and verification/validation activities; proficient with requirements management tools (IBM DOORS or similar). * Demonstrable experience leading and executing safety analyses, including Hazard Assessments (PHA/SHA/SSHA) and FMEA/DFMEA. * Familiarity with safety standards (e.g., ARP4754A, ARP4761, DO-178C, DO-254) and the principles of requirements and change control in a regulated environment. * Familiarity with MBSE principles, interface control processes and configuration management in regulated environments. * Excellent written and verbal communication skills; highly organised and detail-oriented. * Ability to operate effectively in fast-moving, ambiguous environments and to travel within the UK/Europe for testing and integration. * A genuine passion for system development, integration and testing and a collaborative, inclusive team approach. * Security-cleared or eligible to obtain UK defence clearance. Desirable * Prior experience leading Systems Engineering and authoring safety assurance documentation and risk management artefacts. * Experience integrating complex/custom payloads for partner or customer use (hardware, electrical and software interfaces). * Background in start-up or scale-up environments where rapid prototyping, iterative testing and pragmatic engineering decisions are typical.

The Exploration Company

Here at The Exploration Company, we are developing, producing, and operating Nyx, a modular and reusable space orbital vehicle that can eventually be refuelled in orbit and that can carry cargo - and potentially humans in the longer run. Key Responsibilities: * Technical Leadership * Work closely with the ECLSS Principal Engineer and other Nyx Crew team members to further the development of the Nyx Crew ECLS Systems. * Lead the development of ECLSS components and sub-systems from concept and requirement generation through Critical Design Review and eventual Flight Hardware delivery with the support and oversight of the ECLSS Principal Engineer. * Design and develop test rigs and test objectives for components and subsystems. Vehicle Architecture * Lead development, functional and risk-reduction testing for responsible components, and/or subsystems. * Develop and validate analytical models to predict system behavior and inform design decisions. * Conduct component trade studies and make recommendations that balance performance, cost, schedule, and risk. Program Execution * Plan, coordinate, and oversee development activities to achieve technical, schedule, and budget objectives. * Manage Product Lifecycle Management workflows, Bill of Materials configurations, and Interface Control Documents. * Identify and mitigate technical risks, resolve anomalies, and deliver qualified flight hardware aligned with program milestones. * Support the creation of detailed engineering documentation, including design reviews, test plans, test and analysis reports, and technical specifications. Team Leadership & Capability Development * Provide technical mentorship to lower level engineers and technicians. * Foster a culture of technical excellence, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Stakeholder, Supplier & Cross-Functional Management * Lead technical interactions with suppliers, development partners, and external stakeholders, including component selection, procurement, oversight, and acceptance activities. * Collaborate closely with subsystems, MAIT, and program teams to ensure successful system integration. * Communicate technical status, risks, and recommendations while ensuring alignment between propulsion activities and broader vehicle development objectives. Qualifications: * Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering (preferred) or Aerospace Engineering. * Minimum 10 years of experience in technical coordination of aerospace or spacecraft projects, from early development to qualification. * Experience in design processes, including concept development, trade studies, testing, and optimization for manufacturability and reliability. * Experience in developing and leading component testing campaigns, including test objective generation and test rig design and development. * Experience with 3D modeling software. * Experience with ECLSS systems, including pressure systems, air circulation systems, water systems and/or atmospheric monitoring & processing systems. * Experience with environmental testing, such as vibration, shock, thermal vacuum, etc. * Experience with ECSS and NASA standards is a plus. * Familiarity with tools like GitHub and Python is a plus. Skills and Behaviors: * Ability to effectively utilize oral and written communication to express technical concepts and recommendations. * Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams, suppliers, and stakeholders to ensure successful project execution. * Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail. * Strong organizing and prioritization of tasks. * Positive and flexible attitude to get the job done. * Demonstrates behaviors consistent with The Exploration Company’s core values of Vision, Competence, Integrity, and Passion. Why you should join us! What makes us special here at The Exploration Company and why we think you will enjoy working here is:   * We’re Agile - we make decisions fast whilst keeping our goals and systems in mind  * We’re Open and Collaborative - we are transparent about risks and obstacles, so that we can cooperate to overcome them   * We have a lot of Fun - we refuel our energy knowing we are democratising space. It’s a wonderful and rare opportunity, are YOU up for the challenge?   We'd love to hear from you if you wish to be a part of our journey. Please submit your CV now for immediate consideration and we will be in touch shortly.    The Exploration Company is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability status. Relocation assistance is provided for those willing to relocate including visa sponsorship where applicable.   All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check, which will be subject to the country, role, and project you applied for. By submitting your application, you acknowledge and agree that any offer of employment may be conditional upon successful condition of this check. The Exploration Company partners with Zinc Work Limited located in the UK (Zinc), a third-party provider, to ensure this process as efficient and transparent as possible. If applicable, you will receive an email from Zinc upon acceptance of your offer with a link to a secure portal where you can provide the required information to Zinc.

The Exploration Company

Here at The Exploration Company, we are developing, producing, and operating Nyx, a modular and reusable space orbital vehicle that can eventually be refuelled in orbit and that can carry cargo - and potentially humans in the longer run. We are seeking an experienced AIT Thermal/ECLSS Team Leader to lead our dynamic AIT thermal/ECLSS team. In this role, you will be responsible for the planning and execution of thermal/ECLSS integration and testing for Nyx Earth, starting from sub-system level thermal and ECLSS test campaigns. You are requested to lead a small team. This is a unique opportunity to play a hands-on role in testing and qualifying critical space systems in a fast-paced, innovation-driven environment. You will report to the AIT Mechanical Principal Engineer. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: * Integration & Test Planning: Design and plan thermal EVT (environment test) campaign at system/capsule level. Design and plan all thermal/ECLSS activities at sub-system levels (cold plate qualification, Pressure Compartment System, Ventilation system, etc..) for system and sub-system level. Support the preparation of engineering drawings for manufacture of test bench components. Lead team and activities to have a succesful integration of the Thermal system in the Capsule. * Hardware Management: Define and manage flight hardware interfaces during integration (pipes, fittings, valves, MLI, heaters, sensors, harness routing, thermal fillers, etc.). Design the 3D setup of test activities and build test setup. Procure test parts and write/execute procedures for all test activities. * Test Execution: Plan, define, prepare, execute, and oversee thermal/ECLSS tests in coordination with internal and external test facilities. * Data Analysis & Reporting: Provide test results and generate comprehensive test reports. Support in correlate and validate models in collaboration with engineering team. * Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with the design office and systems engineering to ensure design meets flight qualification standards. Improve the processes and procedure with the lessons learned of the previous operations. Support the team in other factory setup as we are a growing company, the perimeter can evolve along the mission. * Compliance & Safety: Ensure all testing activities comply with spaceflight standards and internal quality/safety protocols. WHAT WE WOULD LOVE TO SEE FROM YOU: * A minimum of a MSc degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Thermal Physics, or related field. * Over 5 years of relevant experience in testing or integration in the aerospace sector. * Strong understanding of spacecraft thermal control systems, ECLSS systems, and test methodologies. * Hands-on experience with TVAC chambers, thermal cycling equipment, sensor systems and test bench setup, including pipe bending. * Familiarity with instrumentation (thermocouples, RTDs, thermal blankets, heaters, pressure sensors, actuators, etc.). * Experience in writing and executing test procedures and managing test campaigns. * Experience with CAD software preferably with Siemens NX * Experience in managing a small team. * Excellent problem-solving skills, autonomy, and attention to detail. * Fluency in English. Why you should join us! What makes us special here at The Exploration Company and why we think you will enjoy working here is:   * We’re Agile - we make decisions fast whilst keeping our goals and systems in mind  * We’re Open and Collaborative - we are transparent about risks and obstacles, so that we can cooperate to overcome them   * We have a lot of Fun - we refuel our energy knowing we are democratising space. It’s a wonderful and rare opportunity, are YOU up for the challenge?   We'd love to hear from you if you wish to be a part of our journey. Please submit your CV now for immediate consideration and we will be in touch shortly.    The Exploration Company is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability status. Relocation assistance is provided for those willing to relocate including visa sponsorship where applicable.   All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check, which will be subject to the country, role, and project you applied for. By submitting your application, you acknowledge and agree that any offer of employment may be conditional upon successful condition of this check. The Exploration Company partners with Zinc Work Limited located in the UK (Zinc), a third-party provider, to ensure this process as efficient and transparent as possible. If applicable, you will receive an email from Zinc upon acceptance of your offer with a link to a secure portal where you can provide the required information to Zinc.