Mechanical Architect

MERITUS Talent are working with one of Europe's leading defence manufacturers for the recruitment of a Mechanical Architect to join their Stevenage office on a contract basis for an initial 6 month assignment, with extensions likely. The role falls INSIDE IR35, and is paying £60 per hour via an umbrella company.

We're looking for a senior-level Mechanical Architect to join our team working on next-generation missile systems. This is a hands-on technical role, responsible for leading the mechanical architecture of complex defence products from concept through to certification.

You'll be working on projects that are critical to national defence - involving challenging design work, system integration and compliance across high-performance missile platforms.

• Define and manage the mechanical architecture of missile systems across all variants

• Develop and own the Airframe Task Requirements Specification (TRS)

• Lead mechanical and thermal interface management across the missile

• Ensure architecture is modular and supports reuse across platforms

• Coordinate analysis and validation activities to support certification

• Interface with internal teams, subcontractors, and end customers

• Supervise engineers and manage technical delivery across your scope

• Own planning, budgeting and work statements for your area

• Degree-qualified in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering (or similar)

• Around 10+ years of experience in mechanical engineering, ideally in defence, missiles or aerospace

• Strong understanding of:

  • Missile mechanical systems and airframe design

  • Static and dynamic analysis

  • Environmental and thermal management considerations

• Experience managing compliance evidence for certification (e.g. Certificate of Design)

• Confident leading teams, influencing stakeholders, and managing suppliers

• Able to see the big picture while managing the detail

• Willingness to travel within the UK and Europe as needed

• You'll work on mission-critical defence tech in a highly respected team

• Flexible and hybrid working options, with every other Friday off

• Private health care, bonus schemes and strong career development support