Mechanical CAD Designer – Space Sector (Permanent)

About the Company

Our client is an innovative European space technology company developing and commercialising a next-generation propulsion system for nano- and microsatellites.

Built on more than a decade of advanced research and development, the company’s proprietary technology delivers exceptional performance and is positioned to address growing demand within the commercial space sector.

Having successfully validated multiple prototypes and completed its first in-orbit demonstration, the business is entering an exciting scale-up phase with ambitious production targets over the coming years. The engineering team is expanding to support the transition from development into serial production.

The Opportunity

Our client is seeking an experienced Mechanical CAD Designer to join its growing engineering team and contribute to the design and development of advanced space propulsion systems.

Working within a collaborative and fast-paced engineering environment, you will be part of the Mechanical & Thermal Engineering team, working closely with Propulsion and Avionics engineers throughout the product development lifecycle.

The role is based in Palaiseau, France.

Key Responsibilities

CAD Design

• Design innovative mechanical architectures with consideration for weight, compactness, structural integrity, thermal performance, manufacturability, assembly and maintenance.
• Produce detailed 3D CAD models for components, assemblies, complete systems and associated tooling.
• Integrate packaging constraints, material selection and manufacturing processes into designs.
• Coordinate manufacturing releases and collaborate with suppliers and machining partners.
• Support prototyping, assembly, integration and environmental testing activities.

Technical Analysis & Validation

• Verify that CAD models meet system requirements relating to structural loads, dimensional tolerances and thermal performance.
• Work alongside structural and simulation engineers to support vibration and thermal analysis activities.
• Participate in engineering design reviews including Preliminary Design Reviews (PDR) and Critical Design Reviews (CDR).
• Manage interfaces between mechanical, electrical and thermal subsystems to ensure successful integration.

Documentation & Configuration Management

• Produce engineering documentation including:
  • 2D manufacturing drawings
  • Bills of Materials (BOMs)
  • Parts lists
  • Technical justification documentation
• Maintain design records and contribute to engineering best practice documentation.
• Ensure configuration management and traceability through Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems.

Innovation & Continuous Improvement

• Keep up to date with developments in additive manufacturing, advanced materials and modern CAD/CAM technologies.
• Identify opportunities to improve product performance while reducing manufacturing cost and development time.

Candidate Profile

Experience

• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in Mechanical CAD Design and technical drafting.
• Strong experience using a professional CAD package (SolidWorks preferred).
• Experience working with PLM systems such as 3DEXPERIENCE, Windchill or Teamcenter.
• Good understanding of manufacturing processes including:
  • CNC machining
  • Welding
  • Surface treatments
• Experience designing products within highly constrained mechanical environments.
• Knowledge of space industry standards would be advantageous.
• Experience with additive manufacturing / 3D printing is beneficial.

Industry Background

Applicants should ideally have experience in one or more of the following sectors:

• Space
• Aerospace
• Defence
• Automotive
• Medical Devices

Personal Attributes

The successful candidate will be:

• Able to work independently and take ownership of technical tasks.
• Detail-oriented with a methodical approach to engineering.
• Pragmatic and solutions focused.
• Proactive, bringing ideas during concept and architecture development.
• A collaborative team player who enjoys working in an innovative, entrepreneurial environment.
• Passionate about space technology and advanced engineering.

What’s on Offer

• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge propulsion technology for the space industry.
• Join a rapidly growing engineering business transitioning into production.
• Work alongside a highly skilled multidisciplinary engineering team.
• Excellent technical challenges with genuine opportunities for career development and professional growth.