Junior Mechanical Engineer

General Dynamics Mission Systems is helping shape the future of combat air power. As a global leader in mission-critical defence technologies, we deliver advanced solutions that enable military forces to dominate increasingly complex and contested operational environments. With more than 13,000 experts worldwide, we collaborate with governments, industry partners and academia to push the boundaries of innovation and deliver the next generation of defence capability. In the UK, General Dynamics is a recognised leader in advanced avionics, mission systems and secure communications. From our engineering centre in St Leonards-on-Sea, we are developing the intelligent, safety-critical technologies that will underpin future air dominance and support the ambitions of the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP). Boost your career at the absolute frontier of aerospace technology by joining our TEMPEST team, helping to deliver the UK’s 6th generation fighter aircraft. As an engineer on this critical multi-national project, you will actively design, build, and integrate the next generation of combat air capability. You will collaborate with industry-leading minds to pioneer breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, digital model based engineering, and truly next-generation computing. This is a rare opportunity to see your innovations directly shape the future of global defence, work with cutting-edge technologies, and fast-track your professional development on one of the most ambitious engineering ventures of the century. In this role you will: Support CAD and mechanical design Support testing and qualification activities Develop technologies that will shape combat aviation for decades to come. Work with world-leading engineers across industry, government and academia. Contribute to sovereign UK defence capability and international collaboration. Successful candidates should ideally possess: Degree level education or equivalent in a relevant engineering discipline. Demonstrated high levels of motivation, integrity, and professionalism Flexibility, innovation, and commitment to delivery in fast-paced environments Please note – As part of this hiring process, if successful the next stage will be an invitation to an Assessment Centre. This will be held on the either the 12th or 13th October 2026 at our Hastings Site. Closing date for all applications 29th September 2026. This role has a salary of up to £33,000 plus our flexible benefits package. We are open to this role being spent with time working from home and in the office (hybrid - typically 3 days working in office) on a weekly basis or fully in our offices. We pride ourselves in being a great place to work with a shared sense of purpose, offering impressive benefits: A compressed nine-day fortnight and compressed hours - which means every other Friday off. A personalized career development plan, alongside regular progress reviews - supporting and valuing your progression within the Company. A flexible working environment where your contributions are recognized and rewarded with flexible benefits We believe in maintaining a diverse workplace - inclusive of beliefs, cultural background, job experiences, thoughts and ideas. If who we are and what we do resonates with you, we welcome you to join our inclusive team! Our success is fuelled by our colleagues and the wide variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills they bring to the Company. We are a Disability Confident Employer, as such we offer an interview to disabled people who meet the minimum criteria for the job. Please email disabilityconfident@gd-ms.uk if you would like your application to be considered under the DC Scheme. All successful/appointed applicants must be able to obtain a level of UK Security clearance that is appropriate for the role and undertake suitable Right to work checks. Every application matters to us. We want you to know that each application we receive is reviewed by a real person—not just an algorithm. Our screening questions are also carefully considered to help us understand your experience and fit for the role. We appreciate the time you take to apply.