A literal defrosting reveals a multi-trillion-dollar opportunity spanning energy, defence, logistics, research, and infrastructure. Founded by record-holding pioneers with decades of polar experience, we take calculated risks on hard problems that matter. We’re looking for a Lead Mechanical Engineer to own the design, build, and deployment of cold-hardened hardware — from field-ready energy systems to autonomous surface and sub-surface platforms. You’ll lead end-to-end design, push hardware and material limits, and take your work into the field — from the workshop to the Arctic.
Design, test, and deliver Arctic-ready hardware from cradle to deployment for ARD’s product-line Drive materials choices, joinery, sealing, and reliability under thermal/mechanical stress Lead cold-chamber and durability testing, along with Test Engineer, to ensure performance in sub-zero climates Integrate closely with electrical, software, and deployment teams (systems, software, GIS, RF) Travel to the Arctic for R&D field testing and meetings with industry reps.
A degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering with a portfolio of high-fidelity hardware dev~ Advanced in 3D CAD ( Siemens NX, SolidWorks, PDM)~ Hands-on prototype and testing experience, working alongside multi-disciplinary engineering teams~ Readiness to operate in safe but cold environments while conducting R&D prototype field tests.
Competitive compensation Real field exposure — travel to Arctic sites and Outposts when needed (genuinely, not as a gimmick) Small team, real ownership — you build matters and ships.
We’re building for one of the most demanding environments on Earth and we believe diverse teams build more resilient systems. We actively welcome applications from people who are underrepresented in engineering – whether that’s by gender, ethnicity, disability, or background. The role requires candidates to be present in the office near Cheltenham 5 days per week. Please do not apply if you are not willing to relocate, do not have a UK work permit/VISA already or are not already within commutable distance of Cheltenham….