Mechanical Engineer

Permanent employee, Full-time · Cheltenham, UK

Our Mission

Arctic Research and Development (ARD) is building technology to unlock the last great frontier on Earth. An expanse 1.5 times the size of the US, the Arctic is becoming the epicenter of geopolitical tensions, climatic shifts, and economic opportunity. We cut through this complexity — while preserving the integrity of the planet’s most fragile wilderness.

Built by pioneers with 30+ years of polar experience, we know that autonomous systems are the key to operational success. Working at the fringes of technological capabilities, this is a company that takes big bets on hard problems. If you want to build and deploy ground-up technology with real-world impact - at an inflection point in history that won’t reappear - we want you at ARD.
The Role

We’re looking for Mechanical Engineers 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 work from first principles to engineer real-world solutions that operate where failure isn’t an option. 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.

Core Responsibilities
  • Design, test, and deliver Arctic-ready hardware from cradle to deployment for ARD’s product-line
  • Lead cold-chamber and non-destructive testing to ensure performance in sub-zero climates
  • Drive materials choices, joinery, sealing, and reliability under thermal/mechanical stress
  • Use first principles physics as the foundation for every decision
  • Integrate closely with electrical, software, and deployment teams (systems, software, GIS, RF)
  • Set QA standards to ensure our systems stay bulletproof in the harshest conditions
  • Travel to the Arctic for R&D field testing and meetings with industry reps
What We Value
  • 5+ years in 3D CAD experience ( NX, CATIA, SolidWorks, or similar)
  • A degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering with a portfolio of high-fidelity hardware dev and understanding of Product Lifecycle Management (PLM)
  • Confidence in simulation and analysis tools (ANSYS or similar) for thermal and stress modelling
  • Hands-on experience with NDE materials inspection/testing working with multi-disciplinary engineering teams, with the ability to explain technical nuances to clients
  • Readiness to operate in safe but cold environments while conducting R&D prototype field tests
What We Offer
  • Stock options and a competitive compensation
  • Mission-driven culture – focus on impact, not hours logged
  • Real field exposure – travel to Arctic sites and Outposts when needed
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