Mechanical Engineer, Kinematic Systems and Mechanisms

The role

As Mechanical Engineer, Kinematic Systems and Mechanisms, you will own the design, analysis and validation of high-performance moving systems for Helsing's drone platforms, from deployment mechanisms and folding structures through to landing gears and robotic joints. Working across kinematic synthesis, multi-body dynamics, precision engineering and hands‑on prototype iteration, you will translate complex mechanical requirements into flight‑worthy, testable hardware.

• Own mechanism architecture from concept through tovalidatedhardware, performing kinematic synthesis, multi-body dynamics analysis, torque and force profiling and FEA to ensure every moving system meets structural, performance and weight requirements before design is committed
• Select and integrate electro‑mechanical actuators, precision bearings, gearboxes,linkagesand structural joints, applying advanced GD&T to ASME Y14.5 or ISO 1101 standards to control backlash,alignment and thermal expansion across complex moving assemblies
• Build and iterate functional mechanism prototypes hands‑on, evaluating kinematic behaviour and structural integrity under operationally relevant conditions, and design lifetime and fatigue test campaigns thatvalidateanalytical models and drive technical maturation
• Produce robust 3D models, 2D manufacturing drawings, kinematic analysis reports and design documentation that meet aerospace quality standards, ensuring full traceability from requirement through to verified design output
• Collaborate with systems, structures and avionics teams across design reviews and integration milestones, ensuring kinematicassembliesinterface correctly with the broader airframe and that mechanism reliability ismaintainedacross the full range of environmental and operational conditions

• Have designed and delivered complex kinematic mechanisms and moving systems for aerospace,droneor similarly demanding applications, withdemonstratedproficiencyin multi-body dynamics tools such as MSC Adams,Motion Solveor Solid Works Motion alongside FEA for structural validation
• Are proficient in 3D and 2D CAD and PLM workflows using Solid Works/PDM or Siemens NX/Teamcenter, and can apply advanced GD&T and statistical tolerance stack‑up analysis to control precision and fit in complex moving assemblies
• Have selected and integrated precision mechanical components, including bearings, gearboxes, ballscrewsand high‑strength fasteners, with a working knowledge of aerospace‑grade materials and manufacturing processes including CNC machining,composites and additive manufacturing
• Have set up test rigs and executed functional, environmental and lifetime test campaigns on kinematic systems, using physical test data to correlate and refine analytical models
• Act decisively with minimal guidance, own outcomes end‑to‑end and initiate solutions without waiting for direction

• Experience designing mechanisms for harsh or constrained operational environments, including consideration of wear, lubrication, friction,stiffnessand thermal compliance across extended service lifetimes
• Familiarity with Hardware‑in‑the‑Loop test environments and their application to kinematic system validation within iterative drone or UAV development programmes

• Competitive salary and VSOP options

• Relocation support
  : up to €2,500 and 4 weeks temporary accommodation

• Learning
  : €500/£450 yearly allowance

• Health & wellness
  : gym membership and mental health support (Nilo.health)

• Social
  : regular company events and monthly social allowances

• Enhanced parental leave
  : 22 weeks fully paid for primary caregivers & 6 weeks for secondary caregivers

• Family support: 5 days of paid family emergency leave, 100% remote work option during pregnancy and phased return to work

• A hands‑on onboarding program (affectionately labelled “Infraduction”), in which you will be building tooling and applications to be used across the company. This is your opportunity to learn our tech stack, explore the company, and learn how we get things done - all whilst working with other engineering teams from day one

Helsing is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability or gender identity. Please do not submit personal data revealing racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious or philosophical beliefs, trade union membership, data concerning your health, or data concerning your sexual orientation.