Mechanical Design Engineer (Test rig)

Company Description

ALTEN is a global engineering and technology consultancy operating across over 35 countries worldwide. We partner with industry leaders across sectors including Aeronautics, Aerospace, Defence, Naval, Automotive, Energy, Rail, IT and many more to deliver innovative engineering solutions that drive technological advancement & support sustainable transformation.

Our teams of passionate and agile engineers work on cutting-edge projects that shape the future of technology and sustainability. At ALTEN, we empower talented engineers to innovate, solve complex challenges, and deliver impactful solutions that build tomorrow’s world—today.

Join us and start building tomorrow’s world today!

Job Description

As a Mechanical Design Engineer (Test Rigs), you will join our Bicester team to support our activities within the aerospace and electric propulsion sector. 

You will be responsible for the design and development of robust test rigs used to validate rotating machinery and propulsion systems. Working in a fast-paced engineering environment, you will support projects across the full lifecycle, from concept through to manufacturing and testing, ensuring high-quality and compliant design solutions

• Location: Bicester
• On Site: Hybrid
• Clearance: Clearable
• Experience Level: Mid to Junior

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and manufacture robust test rigs to meet defined requirements
• Carry out detailed design tasks using CAD software (NX) and manage data within Teamcenter/PDM
• Produce and release engineering drawings in line with BS8888 standards
• Collaborate across teams and adapt to evolving project priorities

Qualifications

Required Skills:

• Experience using CAD software (NX preferred) and PDM/Teamcenter systems
• Strong design for manufacture mindset supported by material science understanding
• Experience designing and building test rigs, ideally for rotating machinery
• Knowledge of mechanical fastening methods, flow systems, and power supply integration

Required Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, or equivalent military experience.
• Experience designing and building test rigs, ideally for rotating machinery (e.g. motors, controllers, batteries)
• Strong understanding of design for manufacture and material science principles

Desirable Skills:

• Experience with mechanical fastening methods, flow systems, and power supply integration
• Understanding of rotating machinery (rotor dynamics, bearings, thermal management)
• Ability to perform hand calculations to support engineering design decisions

Additional Information

Why join us? 

We bring together entrepreneurial, tech-driven people to deliver innovative solutions for leading companies.

At ALTEN, you’ll work on exciting projects, supported by ongoing learning, mentoring, and clear career development tailored to your goals.

Join a passionate team and help build tomorrow, today.

In short you get: 

• A personalised career path and a rewarding management style 
• A huge diversity of engineering projects and industries
• Private Medical Insurance
• Cycle & Tech Scheme 
• Employee assistance programme
• Life insurance & Pension Scheme
• Social atmosphere, regular gatherings & team buildings
• Flexible way of working (role dependent)

We are proud to support the Armed Forces Covenant & actively encourage applications from members of the Armed Forces community, including veterans, reservists, service leavers, and military spouses/partners. We recognise the value of military skills and experience and are committed to ensuring that no applicant is unfairly disadvantaged during our recruitment and selection processes. 

ALTEN is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and values the strength that comes from a global mix of backgrounds and perspectives. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of background or protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know. 

This role may require you to have or be willing to go through Security Clearance. As part of the onboarding process candidates will be asked to complete a Baseline Personnel Security Standard; details of the evidence required to apply may be found on the government website Gov.UK. If you are unable to meet this and any associated criteria, then your employment may be delayed, or rejected . Details of this will be discussed with you at interview.

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