Job Title: Mechanical Engineer
Location: SaxaVord Spaceport, Unst, Shetland
Salary: Up to £50,000 dependent on experience.
Who we are:
SaxaVord Spaceport is the UK’s first fully licensed vertical launch spaceport, located on the island of Unst in Shetland — the most northerly inhabited island in the UK. We provide launch facilities, ground station services and operational infrastructure to support small satellite missions into polar and sun-synchronous orbits. Join us on our journey to deliver launch capability to the UK.
Role description:
As a Mechanical Engineer, you will be responsible for the design, maintenance and reliability of mechanical systems supporting spaceport infrastructure, with a particular focus on radar, antenna and tracking systems. This role does not include involvement in launch vehicles or launch systems.
Core responsibilities:
- Design and maintain mechanical structures for radar, antenna, tracking and communication systems, ensuring resilience to harsh weather and environmental conditions.
- Produce detailed engineering drawings, specifications and test procedures, and support installation, commissioning, and calibration activities.
- Develop solutions for cooling, weatherproofing, corrosion protection and environmental safeguarding of sensitive equipment.
- Lead maintenance strategies, inspections and fault finding for mechanical and structural assets to ensure high system reliability and availability.
- Work collaboratively with RF, electrical, software and civil engineering teams on integrated systems, site layouts and infrastructure projects.
- Manage contractor interfaces, support compliance, risk assessments, audits and ensure safe working practices across all mechanical activities.
Essential Skills & Experience
- Strong knowledge of structural mechanics, mechanical design and system reliability.
- Experience working with rotating systems, bearings, actuators and precisionalignment.
- Understanding of environmental engineering challenges, including wind loading, corrosion and thermal effects.
- Ability to diagnose mechanical issues affecting high precision or mission critical systems.
- Proficiency in CAD and engineering analysis tools such as SolidWorks, ANSYS or AutoCAD.
- Strong understanding of vibration, fatigue and structural integrity principles.
- Data driven approach to improving reliability and system performance.
- Effective collaboration with multidisciplinary teams (mechanical, electrical, RF, software and civil).
- Ability to interpret mechanical constraints and translate them into system level solutions.
- Strong documentation, reporting and technical communication skills.
Qualifications & Knowledge
- Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline (SCQF Level 9 equivalent).
- Excellent understanding of structural and mechanical engineering standards (ISO, BS,Eurocodes).
- Experience in industrial, infrastructure, aerospace or defence environments.
- Familiarity with regulated environments where safety and compliance are critical.
- Experience using precision metrology tools and diagnostic equipment.
- Knowledge of ISO 9001 and integrated management systems.
- Comfortable working in dynamic, fast paced or remote operational environments.
- Familiarity with spaceport, aviation or similar regulatory environments (desirable).
Other Requirements
- Full, clean driving licence.
- Willingness to undergo security vetting (BPSS and higher as required).
- Local knowledge of Shetland logistics or experience operating in remote or challenging locations (desirable).
Why SaxaVord Spaceport?
SaxaVord is at the forefront of the UK’s emerging space launch sector, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to nationally significant projects in a truly distinctive environment. As part of our team, you’ll play a key role in developing and maintaining mission critical systems that support safe and successful space operations. You’ll join a closeknit, highly skilled workforce where innovation, collaboration and safety are central to everything we do
Closing Date: Friday 8th May 2026.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible to HR@shetlandspacecentre.com