Mechanical Engineering Team Leader

Glasgow (Scotland, UK)

About this role

We're looking for a passionate and driven Mechanical Engineering Team Leader who thrives on variety, technical challenges and making a real impact, based in our Glasgow office, UK.

This is a unique opportunity to combine hands-on engineering with leadership, splitting your time between developing and empowering a talented engineering team and tackling complex technical challenges across exciting Cube Sat and small satellite projects.

You'll play a key role in delivering innovative spacecraft solutions, taking ownership of mechanical engineering activities from initial concept through to manufacture, assembly, integration and test. Working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, you'll have the autonomy to influence technical decisions, improve engineering practices and help shape the future of the team.

At AAC Clyde Space, you'll have the opportunity to work on technologies and missions that help customers around the world access valuable data and services from space.

Our Glasgow site brings together engineering, manufacturing, project delivery and operational expertise under one roof, creating a highly collaborative environment where ideas can quickly become reality. You'll have the opportunity to influence decisions, take ownership and contribute across the full mission lifecycle.

Whether you're developing new technology, improving existing products or supporting missions.

• Lead, mentor and develop a team of mechanical engineers, fostering a collaborative, high-performing and solutions-focused culture.
• Oversee mechanical engineering activities across multiple projects, balancing resources, priorities, schedules and technical deliverables.
• Provide technical direction, lead design reviews and ensure engineering quality and compliance.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, customers, suppliers and manufacturing partners to deliver integrated spacecraft solutions.
• Support project planning, cost estimation, commercial decisions and technical risk management.
• Champion continuous improvement in engineering processes, design methodologies and team capabilities.
• Take a hands-on role in the design and development of spacecraft structures, mechanisms and mechanical assemblies.
• Develop and review 3D CAD models, detailed engineering drawings and technical documentation.
• Undertake and oversee structural, thermal and vibration analyses to validate designs.
• Drive design optimisation for performance, mass efficiency and manufacturability.
• Define and support environmental testing, including vibration and thermal vacuum (TVAC) testing.
• Support spacecraft assembly, integration and test (AIT), resolving technical challenges throughout the product lifecycle.
• Ensure designs meet relevant industry standards, including ECSS and NASA requirements where applicable.

• Strong mechanical engineering background, ideally within the space sector or another highly regulated engineering environment.
• Experience leading engineers, technical projects or engineering work packages, with a passion for developing people.
• Proficiency in mechanical design, CAD and engineering analysis, with a practical, problem-solving mindset.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to make sound technical and commercial decisions.
• Strong organisational and prioritisation skills, comfortable managing competing demands in a dynamic, deadline-driven environment.
• A proactive, adaptable and resilient approach, with the drive to take ownership and deliver results.
• Familiarity with project planning tools, such as Microsoft Project, and standard Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience in spacecraft or small satellite design, manufacturing, integration and testing.
• Knowledge of space industry standards, processes and engineering practices.
• Experience building or developing engineering teams.
• Previous experience in a growing SME or similarly agile engineering environment.

AAC Clyde Space provides small satellite technologies and services that help governments, businesses and institutions access high-quality data from space. Covering satellite components, mission services and space-based data delivery, the company offers end-to-end solutions that turn space-based intelligence into real-world impact. Applications include weather monitoring, maritime safety, security and defence,…