Mechanical Group Leader

Join a business at the forefront of defence innovation, where precision engineering directly enables mission-critical surveillance, fire-control, and radar positioning systems used around the world. As Mechanical Group Leader at Chess Dynamics, you will have the opportunity to lead and inspire a talented team of engineers developing sophisticated electro-mechanical systems for some of the most demanding land and maritime environments.

As the Mechanical Group Leader at Chess Dynamics, you will play a critical role in overseeing and guiding a team of talented mechanical engineers. Your leadership, technical expertise and application of mechanical engineering design principles will drive the successful development, and implementation, of cutting-edge electromechanical systems. You will ensure that your team adheres to the highest standards of engineering excellence and compliance and engaging in tactical and strategic growth of the team as it evolves to meet business needs.

• Lead and mentor a team of Mechanical engineers, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment. Providing technical guidance and support to team members, assisting with complex problem-solving and decision-making
• Leadership and continuous improvement of mechanical team tools, training and processes
• Monitor and evaluate team performance, implementing continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity and quality. Engage in staff development to ensure all direct and indirect reports are appropriately supported with 1:1s, mentoring and personal development planning.
• Support the sales team function, derive mechanical requirements, propose concept solutions and provide plans and estimates for bid submission.
• Support Integrated Portfolio Teams (IPTs) in the resourcing and management of all aspects of mechanical design activity including identifying resource needs and lead recruitment activities for the Mechanical team.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including systems, software, electronics and electrical engineers, to ensure seamless integration system components.
• Provide input to engineering team goals and objectives and associated strategic planning.
• Keep the business up to date with latest technological advancements and industry trends, ensuring your team remains at the forefront of innovation.
• Ensure compliance with safety, regulatory, and defence industry standards throughout the development and deployment of systems design activities.

The Successful Applicant will:

• Minimum 2.1 Hons degree Mechanical Engineering or closely related discipline
• Extensive experience in design and successful project delivery of complex mechanisms and structures on multi-disciplinary projects (mechanical, electronics, software) of the full system lifecycle
• Several years experience in leadership roles of projects and personnel
• Have experience in design analysis and performance calculations (FEA, environmental, load bearing structures, etc)
• Experience of designing equipment for use in harsh environments
• in the preparation of bids and interfacing with customers for new business
• Demonstrable experience in innovation and new concept designs
• Demonstrable drive for continuous improvement
• Broad understanding and experience of manufacturing techniques such as machining, sheeting metal forming, casting, fabrication and moulding techniques.
• Experience of working with common electromechanical drive mechanisms (motors/gearboxes/ball screws…etc)
• Understanding of mechanical requirements driven by electrical and optical requirements and components
• Have experience of using Solid Works and Solid Works PDM
• Have previous experience in a similar level position in a ‘Senior’ level role, preferably in a small or medium-sized company and/or relevant business model.
• Extensive experience working with the Solid Works toolset and environment
• Chartered engineer with relevant professional institution
• Familiarity with Atlassian tool suite for task management (Jira/Confluence)

• Have the ability to liaise with customers verbally and in writing in an effective manner
• Have excellent stakeholder management and relationship building…