Graduate Mechanical Engineer

Graduate Mechanical Engineer role to design, analyse and test Avionics enclosures for the Orbex Prime Launch vehicle. This position offers a unique opportunity to make meaningful contributions to Prime while collaborating with, and learning from, our experts in Avionics and Structures.  

Orbex

Orbex is a leading micro-launch company with our Prime vehicle being prepared to launch from our home spaceport, Sutherland Spaceport. We are well placed to be one of the first operational micro-launch companies in Europe with over €85m of project financing secured, a number of customers signed up, our launch licence application submitted, and backing from organisations including UKSA and ESA.

We are a rapidly growing company with staff located between our production and test facilities in Forres, Scotland and Copenhagen, Denmark. Working on cutting-edge advances in rocket fuel technology, Prime’s carbon footprint is up to 96% lower than comparable vehicles, leading to innovations in propulsion and tank structures. A state-of-the-art re-flight system means we can recover and reuse our technology, and innovations in separation mechanisms mean we leave no debris in space.

Having developed in-house production capability, we can 3D print complex engines, produce full-scale carbon composite fuel tanks, and have avionics and software testing labs in both Scotland and Denmark. Based in Forres, you will be right in the heart of this fast-paced cutting-edge company, gaining a unique insight into what it takes to build a new launch vehicle for a buoyant commercial market.

To work with Orbex You must be able to thrive in an international, diverse, and multicultural environment. Orbex is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is working towards a more diverse workforce in the aerospace industry.

Core Responsibilities:

• Design and Development: Using Solidworks, you will design and develop Avionics enclosures, ensuring they meet stringent requirements including high vibration loads and thermal shock. These are metallic secondary structures but still require working to reasonably tight tolerances.
• Structural Analysis: Perform Finite Element Analysis (FEA) or other fine element modelling to assess structural integrity and optimize designs for performance
• Testing: Conduct environmental vibration testing and analyze results to validate the integrity of the designs.
• Fixtures and fittings: You will take ownership of mechanical and structural aspects, including the selection, specification and procurement of bolts and fasteners.

Things you will learn:

• Compliance: Learn to work by ECSS (European Cooperation for Space Standardization) and Aerospace standards, ensuring designs adhere to industry best practices.
• Thermal Engineering: Apply knowledge of thermal engineering principles to contribute to the design process. We use Thermal desktop as our tool which you will learn to use from our engineers.
• Phase Change Material (PCM) and HeatSink: Develop expertise in PCM or HeatSink technologies to enhance and optimise the performance of avionics enclosures.
• Documentation: Create detailed design documentation, including drawings, specifications, and reports, to ensure transparency and facilitate collaboration.
• Continuous Learning: Actively engage with the expert teams here at Orbex to enhance your knowledge and skillset, we have a great team here who can enhance your personal and professional growth.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or above in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or a related field.
• Strong foundation in mechanical engineering principles.
• Good experience with Solidworks or other related CAD packages such as CATIA.
• Basic knowledge of FEA or fine element modeling.
• Theoretical knowledge of thermal engineering.

 

Desirable skills

• Experience with environmental vibration testing is a plus.
• Familiarity with Thermal desktop is desirable or other applied Thermal Engineering knowledge.
• Experience with Phase Change Material (PCM) or HeatSink is highly relevant.
• GD&T knowledge is desirable but not essential.

Attributes:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Detail-oriented with a focus on producing high-quality work.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Eagerness to learn and adapt in a fast-paced startup Space company.
• Orbex is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Location

This role is based in Forres at Orbex’s headquarters.

Orbex Forres is located at the foot of the Scottish Highlands, near Inverness. It's close to the spectacular coastline, wild beaches, and amazing wildlife of the Moray Firth, as well as being a short distance from the world-famous Loch Ness, and Aviemore ski resort.

If you enjoy adventurous outdoor pursuits in extraordinary natural environments, the coast and highlands around Forres offer an ideal location.

Mountaineering, rock climbing, abseiling, hiking, mountain biking, cycling, camping, sailing, surfing, motorbiking, and skiing are all within easy reach of our main UK factory, and many members of our team participate in adventure sports in the vast, beautiful settings of Sutherland.

If you enjoy drone flying, wildlife or landscape photography, some of the most spectacular vistas in the world are directly at your doorstep.

Benefits

For the right candidate, we offer an excellent benefits package that includes:-
 

• Salary of £32,000
• An equity stake in the company so you will really benefit from your hard work as the company grows and is successful. 
• Cycle to work Scheme
• 34 days of vacation per year (including public holidays)
• Our roles need to be on-site in Scotland due to the nature of the position, export controls and security, but we are happy to sponsor visas for you and your family and provide relocation assistance as required which includes a relocation allowance and 1 month of temporary accommodation in the local area.

Due to the nature of the role, you will be required to gain BPSS clearance which includes a criminal record check. This role is to be filled immediately.