Mechanical Design Engineer

Location: Crawley, West Sussex, UK

About This Opportunity
Acron Aviation Training Systems play a key role on delivering the Acron Aviation Solutions mantra of ‘Creating Safer Skies’. From our computer-based solutions all the way to our state-of-the-art Full Flight Simulators (FFS), improving the training experiencing and creating safer skies is at the heart of everything we do. Our Fixed Training Devices (FTD) and FFS feature aircraft-specific flight decks, offering the form, fit, feel, and function of the actual aircraft.

We are looking for talented and driven individuals to join our team in Hardware Engineering team to support the development of mechanical and electrical systems for cutting-edge flight simulators. Based in Greater London with hybrid working opportunities available, these roles offer an exciting opportunity to work at the forefront of aerospace innovation, leading or contributing to the design, development, and delivery of advanced hardware solutions.

Whether you’re an experienced engineer or an established leader, you’ll play a critical role in creating high-performance products that support the future of aviation training and safety.

Our organisation operates in a unique marketplace where we deliver products and services to almost every continent, providing the underlying capability to many pilot training operations globally. The marketplace is competitive and requires individuals who are fast moving, customer orientated, and results driven. These opportunities have an important part to play in our transformation and as such roles will suit individuals that are highly motivated, hands on and want to implement change.

We are seeking dynamic individuals who embody our core values of agility, customer focus, ownership, and transparency. In this role, you will thrive in a fast-paced environment, moving quickly to adapt and make decisions that drive progress while always keeping the customer first. You’ll demonstrate accountability by owning your objectives from start to finish, ensuring high-quality outcomes that prioritize customer needs. We value honest, open communication, so speaking candidly and providing constructive feedback is essential. Above all, teamwork is at the heart of everything we do- working together to achieve shared goals, supporting colleagues, and contributing to a positive, collaborative workplace culture.

Our Values are an integral part of who we are. We seek candidates who share our values:

• Customer First
• Own It
• Move Fast
• Speak Candidly

What We Can Offer You

• Pension matched contributions up to 7%
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays & additional days for length of service
• Employee Assistance Programme including access to individual Mental Health & Wellbeing support system 24/7
• Group Income Protection
• Private Medical Insurance
• Life Assurance 4 x base salary
• Referral Bonus Scheme
• Digital GP
• Holiday Scheme – Buy & Sell up to 5 days holiday
• Discounts with cinemas, travel, major retailers, family days out and much more
• Onsite car park, incl. EV charging stations
• Staff restaurant

Key Responsibilities

• Lead or contribute to the design and development of mechanical and electrical hardware solutions for flight simulators with a mechanical bias, ensuring alignment with customer requirements and industry standards.
• Drive the development of innovative hardware capabilities, focusing on quality, performance, and reliability in aerospace environments.
• Oversee or support the creation of detailed technical specifications, schematics, and models for mechanical and electrical systems.
• Manage projects or work within cross-functional teams, collaborating with software engineers, systems engineers, and project managers to deliver integrated solutions.
• Ensure that all hardware components comply with aerospace industry standards and regulatory requirements, ensuring safety-critical operations.
• Conduct testing, validation, and troubleshooting of hardware systems to ensure they meet performance and reliability standards.
• Lead or support the evaluation of new technologies and materials, driving continuous innovation in the development of flight simulation products.
• Provide technical leadership or contribute to mentoring junior engineers, fostering a collaborative, knowledge-sharing environment.
• Engage with suppliers to manage the sourcing and integration of mechanical and electrical components.
• Ensure the delivery of projects on time, within budget, and in accordance with customer expectations.

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Proven experience in hardware engineering, with a focus on mechanical and/or electrical systems development including the ability to undertake hand calculations as well as use relevant analytical design toolsets including:
• Expertise in CAD tools and electrical design software for creating detailed technical drawings and models.
• Experience in using Creo/Pro-E or CATIA V5 would be a distinct advantage
• For mechanical engineers, structural analysis skills including Finite Element analysis using CAD tools, NASTRAN, Ansys or Abaqus would be a distinct advantage
• Familiarity with Product Lifecycle Management tools, including knowledge of Windchill or Teamcentre
• Familiarity with aerospace and European standards and regulations including relevant Mechanical and Electrical Standards
• Strong problem-solving skills with experience in hardware troubleshooting, testing, and validation.
• Demonstrated ability to lead or work within multi-disciplinary teams, with excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Experience in project management or leadership of engineering teams is highly desirable for senior roles.
• Flight simulation, avionics, or aerospace systems experience is a strong advantage, although design and development engineers from industries with transferable skills such as the wind energy or automotive sector would be welcome.

Please note: All candidates who wish to be considered for this vacancy must have the right to work in the UK.