Founding Mechanical Engineer

Founding Mechanical EngineerLocation: Cornwall, UK - with frequent national and international travel.Security clearance: You must be eligible for UK security clearance (UK national, or long-term UK resident).About the roleMeridian Defence is developing defence technology to address one of the fastest-growing challenges in modern warfare. As low-cost drones continue to reshape the battlefield, the need for scalable and cost-effective air defence has never been greater. As a key member of the founding engineering team, you'll lead the mechanical design and development of missile-related hardware, working closely with our core team to translate concepts into operational systems. You'll be involved throughout the entire product lifecycle, from early-stage architecture and prototyping through to testing, validation and deployment.What you will doDesign the airframe, structure and mechanical systems, and take them from concept to productionArchitect the system, weighing trade-offs across cost, weight, performance and risk to make decisionsBuild, assemble and integrate prototypes and development hardwareLead, plan and run the test and evaluation strategy, determining how best to prove each systemTake the hardware all the way through a live firing campaignGenerate ICDs, trade studies and requirementsWork across whatever the problem needs, this is a broad role, and you'll reach well beyond mechanicalWhat we are looking forThis is a senior role, we’re looking for someone exceptional who can run engineering, always building or learning something new, and values execution over theory. We're keen to speak with experienced engineers who can demonstrate:5+ years of engineering experience, with strong mechanical engineering fundamentals. You have experience designing and testing real-world hardwareA track record of excellence, inside and/or outside of workAdvanced CAD capability and experience delivering designs into manufactureAdvanced simulation capability across CFD and FEA, used to predict and de-risk performance ahead of testsA relentless work ethic, resourceful, you get things done.The ability to see the bigger picture and make smart calls about where to spend effortExperience with seekers, actuation, propulsion, GNC, aerodynamics, electromechanical systemsIn your spare time you've built and fired rockets, drones, robots, propulsion systems etcA defence background and familiarity with the regulatory landscapeA degree in an engineering discipline, a PhD is a plusWhy consider thisThis is a unique opportunity, you’d be part of the founding team with more ownership than you’ve ever had. You'll be able to shape the company from the start with the opportunity to take over from the founders to lead engineering as the company grows. That said, the work is demanding and the pace is high, this isn’t a 9-5. Testing takes place in Ukraine, so you'd need to be willing to travel there when required, and while we're based in Cornwall for now, that may change as we grow.In return, we offer a competitive salary and a meaningful stake in the company.