Mechanical Engineer

Job Description:

Your Impact

Stop studying the future and start building it. At Leonardo, you will help create the next generation of modular secure infrastructure from our purpose-built NIGHTSHADE manufacturing centre at our Yeovil facility.

We do not expect you to know everything on day one, but we do expect you to bring curiosity, fresh perspectives and the drive to make a practical difference to the challenges faced by our defence customers.

As a Mechanical Engineer within our expanding Design Office, you will support the design, development, integration and qualification of NIGHTSHADE alongside our manufacturing and support teams. You will apply your engineering knowledge to real products, developing experience across structural design, mechanical integration, environmental systems and systems engineering, whilst working with colleagues from multiple engineering disciplines to deliver secure, resilient and deployable solutions.

Your work at Leonardo UK will see you contribute to solving customer problems in an innovative and team-centric environment. This role is primarily based at our Yeovil facility to support close collaboration with the Design Office, manufacturing and support teams. Flexible and hybrid working options may be available where compatible with the needs of the role.

Leonardo UK is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to join the Cyber & Security Solutions Division team. This role is focused on supporting the design and development of NIGHTSHADE, the next generation of modular secure infrastructure.

What you will do as a Mechanical Engineer

• •Contribute to the design of all mechanical aspects of the NIGHTSHADE product, including structural modifications to containerised infrastructure.
• •Support structural assessments and analysis activities to ensure compliance with performance, safety and certification requirements.
• •Design and develop mechanical solutions for walling systems, access arrangements, HVAC integration and supporting infrastructure.
• •Support the design of data cabinet load-spreading and mounting solutions to enable integration with customer ICT equipment.
• •Work closely with electronic, systems, manufacturing and other engineering disciplines to design and integrate system components.
• •Develop and maintain system, subsystem and component requirements, ensuring traceability throughout the engineering lifecycle.
• •Specify and support system verification and validation activities using agreed methods and evidence.
• •Contribute to equipment and system qualification and certification activities.
• •Produce and maintain engineering documentation including calculations, drawings, specifications, models and technical evidence.
• •Identify technical issues and risks within your area of responsibility, resolving routine problems independently and escalating more complex matters with clear recommendations.
• •Contribute to design reviews, continuous improvement activities and knowledge sharing across the NIGHTSHADE team.

What you’ll bring

We are looking for a Mechanical, Structural or Mechatronic Engineer with a strong engineering foundation and the ability to apply a structured, pragmatic approach to technical problems. You will be comfortable working independently on defined activities whilst collaborating closely with a multidisciplinary engineering team.

• •A degree, degree apprenticeship or equivalent experience in mechanical, structural, mechatronic or a closely related engineering discipline.
• •An understanding of mechanical engineering fundamentals, including structural analysis, material selection and mechanical design principles.
• •The ability to produce or interpret engineering drawings, calculations, specifications and technical documentation.
• •Experience, knowledge or an academic background in structural assessment and mechanical design.
• •An understanding of systems engineering principles, including requirements definition, decomposition, traceability, verification and validation.
• •The ability to analyse technical information and contribute to evidence-based engineering decisions.
• •Experience working collaboratively across engineering disciplines to support component and system integration.
• •An understanding of manufacturing processes and design-for-manufacture considerations.
• •A willingness to develop specialist knowledge and work towards greater technical independence and professional recognition

Core Areas (must have):

• •Relevant engineering qualification or equivalent demonstrable experience.
• •Sound understanding of mechanical engineering principles and structural design fundamentals.
• •Ability to work from defined requirements and contribute to detailed designs and technical documentation.
• •Structured problem-solving capability and the ability to communicate technical findings clearly.
• •Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary design, manufacturing and support environment.

Desirable:

• •Experience with containerised infrastructure, modular systems or deployable facilities.
• •Knowledge of HVAC systems and environmental control equipment integration.
• •Experience using CAD, simulation or structural analysis tools.
• •Knowledge of mechanical integration of ICT, network or electronic equipment.
• •Experience supporting verification, validation, qualification or certification activities.
• •Experience in defence, secure infrastructure, manufacturing or another regulated engineering environment.

This is not an exhaustive list, and we are keen to hear from you even if you might not have experience in all the above. The most important qualities are a strong engineering foundation, a good attitude and a willingness to learn.

Security Clearance

• This role is subject to pre-employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). You must also be eligible for National Security Vetting (NSV), which may include Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV).
• For more information, please visit: UK Security Vetting

Location

This role is based at our Yeovil facility and will require regular on-site working to support close collaboration with the NIGHTSHADE Design Office, manufacturing and support teams. Flexible and hybrid working options may be available where appropriate to the activities being undertaken.

Why join us

At Leonardo, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We offer a comprehensive, company-funded benefits package that supports your wellbeing, career development, and work–life balance.

• •Time to Recharge: Generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi-days each year.
• •Secure your Future: Award-winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
• •Your Wellbeing Matters: Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee-led networks.
• •Never Stop Learning: Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
• •Tailored Perks: Spend up to £500 annually on flexible benefits such as private healthcare, lifestyle discounts, and gym memberships.
• •Flexible Working: Flexible hours with hybrid working options.

For a full list of our company benefits please visit our website.

Leonardo is a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security. Headquartered in Italy, we employ over 53,000 people worldwide including 8,500 across 9 sites in the UK. Our employees are not just part of a team—they are key contributors to shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety.

Leonardo UK operates a grade-based salary framework with broad bands. The salary range shown reflects the approved grade band for this role, or a narrower hiring range published within that band, and is benchmarked against the external market. Exceptions above the standard range are managed through governance controls to protect internal equity.

At Leonardo we are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace. We believe that a diverse workforce spark