Aerospace Engineer (Hardware Focused)

At LiveLink Aerospace, we are disrupting the status quo. We design, build, and deploy next-generation aerospace technologies at pace. We don’t believe in bureaucratic silos; we believe in agile engineering, rapid prototyping, and getting high-performance hardware into the air. If you want to own your designs from the initial sketch to the physical flight test, this is where you belong.

We are looking for a skilled, versatile Aerospace Engineer with a strong foundation in mechanical and/or electronic hardware. Based full-time in our Havant facility, you will be the driving force behind bringing our physical systems to life.

This role is inherently dynamic, requiring a balance between precision engineering at a desk and hands-on execution in the workshop or field. You won't just be pushing pixels on a CAD screen—you will be fabricating, testing, iterating, and deploying complex aerospace hardware.

Your week-to-week will look like a mix of:

• Design & Iteration: Developing structural components, enclosures, or electronic layouts.
• Prototyping & Production: Utilising workshop machinery, 3D printers, and soldering stations to build physical prototypes and production-ready units.
• Environmental & Rig Testing: Putting hardware through its paces against vibration, thermal stress, and impact.
• Flight Operations: Heading out into the field to install, troubleshoot, and evaluate your hardware during live flight trials.

Key Responsibilities

• Hardware Development: Lead the mechanical and structural design of aerospace components, ensuring they meet strict weight, aerodynamic, and environmental constraints.
• Prototyping & Assembly: Actively participate in the physical build process, including mechanical assembly, PCB integration, and wiring harnesses.
• Testing & Validation: Design and execute rigorous physical test plans (thermal, structural, and vibration) to validate hardware before flight.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with software and systems teams to seamlessly integrate hardware components with onboard electronics and firmware.
• Supply Chain & Production Support: Assist in sourcing materials, components, and manufacturing processes to ensure smooth transitions from prototype to production.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Education: A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, or a closely related STEM discipline.
• Proven CAD Experience: Strong proficiency in 3D CAD modeling software (e.g., SolidWorks, Fusion 360, or Inventor) and creating manufacturing drawings.
• Hands-on Workshop Skills: Practical experience using workshop tools, fabricating prototypes, and a solid understanding of electronics/soldering.
• Testing Mindset: Experience setting up test rigs, collecting physical data, and diagnosing hardware failures.
• Adaptability: A thrives-under-pressure mindset, comfortable shifting gears between high-level design and dirty-hands building.

Bonus Points For:

• Experience with lightweight composite materials or CNC machining.
• Familiarity with PCB design tools (e.g., Altium, KiCad) and electronic troubleshooting.
• Knowledge of aerospace standards, environmental sealing (IP ratings), or vibration isolation.