Mechanical Design Engineer - Combustor

This is a key role within one of Europe’s fastest-scaling engineering startups in Cambridge, at a pivotal stage of growth. The company is developing next-generation micro-turbojet technology with direct impact on the aerospace and defence sectors, and is now expanding its turbomachinery team.

As a Mechanical Design Engineer, you will be responsible for the design and development of the engine’s hot section, with a focus on the combustor. You will work closely with specialists in turbomachinery, aerothermal performance and stress analysis, taking ownership throughout the full development lifecycle.

This is a hands-on engineering role where your designs move rapidly from concept to test. You will be responsible for designing, analysing and developing combustor hardware that goes directly into engine builds. Your work will span sheet metal design (including laser-cut profiles, forming and fabrication), producing detailed engineering drawings with GD&T, and supporting manufacturing partners to deliver high-quality hardware at pace.

You will carry out stress FEA on high-temperature components using ANSYS, contribute to thermal and flow analysis of the combustion system, and support both subsystem and full engine testing. This role offers end-to-end exposure - from initial design through to validation in live engine environments.

We’re looking for engineers who have:

A strong foundation in mechanical design (Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering degree)
Experience creating engineering drawings and applying GD&T
Proficiency in CAD (Siemens NX preferred, others considered)
Experience or interest in sheet metal design, fabrication, and precision components
Experience or interest in FEA (ANSYS preferred; CFD exposure is advantageous)
An interest in combustion systems, hot structures, or high-temperature materials
A proactive, self-starting mindset with the ability to take ownership and drive work forward