Mechanical Architect

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!

We are seeking an Mechanical Architect to join our growing Space Engineering team, supporting the development of next-generation space systems and technologies.

This role offers the opportunity to take technical ownership of complex mechanical architectures, working within a multidisciplinary environment on highly challenging and cutting-edge projects.

• Location: London
• On Site: 1-2x a month
• Clearance: Clearable 
• Experience Level: Mid Level

Key Responsibilities:

• Defining and maintaining overall mechanical architecture and design strategies.
• Translating system requirements into mechanical design solutions.
• Managing mechanical interfaces across subsystems and equipment.
• Supporting trade studies, concept development, and design reviews.
• Ensuring compliance with customer, mission, and industry requirements.
• Performing design assessments, risk analysis, and requirement verification activities.
• Supporting integration, testing, and qualification activities.
• Collaborating with multidisciplinary engineering teams and stakeholders.

Required Skills:

• Proven experience working within the Space sector (essential).
• Extensive experience in mechanical architecture, mechanical systems engineering, or spacecraft mechanical design.
• Strong understanding of spacecraft structures, mechanisms, and mechanical assemblies.
• Experience managing mechanical interfaces within complex engineering programmes.
• Knowledge of the full product development lifecycle, from concept through qualification and delivery.
• Experience working within multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Proficiency with CAD tools and mechanical design methodologies.

Required Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, or equivalent military experience.

Desirable Skills:

• Experience with orbital, satellite, in-space transportation, or other advanced space platforms.
• Familiarity with ECSS standards and space industry best practices.
• Understanding of structural, thermal, and environmental requirements for space hardware.
• Experience supporting design reviews including PDR, CDR, and qualification activities.
• Knowledge of manufacturing, assembly, integration, and test processes within the space sector.
• Experience performing trade studies and technical risk assessments.
• Previous experience working within a consultancy or customer-facing engineering environment.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

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.