Who we are
Helsing is a defence AI company. Our mission is to protect our democracies. We aim to achieve technological leadership, so that open societies can continue to make sovereign decisions and control their ethical standards.
As democracies, we believe we have a special responsibility to be thoughtful about the development and deployment of powerful technologies like AI. We take this responsibility seriously.
We are an ambitious and committed team of engineers, AI specialists and customer-facing programme managers. We are looking for mission-driven people to join our European teams – and apply their skills to solve the most complex and impactful problems. We embrace an open and transparent culture that welcomes healthy debates on the use of technology in defence, its benefits, and its ethical implications.
The role
As Lead Mechanical Engineer, you will take ownership of the mechanical architecture of Helsing's marine robotics systems, guiding a small team of engineers from concept through to delivery. Working alongside electronic engineers, roboticists, and production specialists, you will set the technical direction for mechanical design, prototyping, testing, and industrialisation. Your decisions will shape the robustness, scalability, and performance of systems that operate in some of the most demanding environments on earth, directly advancing Helsing's mission to protect our democracies.
The day-to-day
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Lead the mechanical design of parts and full assemblies, from early-stage concept through to production-ready documentation, ensuring form, fit, and function across the system
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Set the technical direction for hydrodynamic performance and energy efficiency, translating requirements into validated design choices that enhance the manoeuvrability and reliability of underwater systems
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Mentor and guide a small team of mechanical engineers, reviewing their work, supporting their development, and maintaining consistency across all technical decisions
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Define and execute validation and qualification test programmes, ensuring designs meet rigorous standards for the underwater maritime environment
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Produce and maintain comprehensive design documentation in line with ASME/ISO drawing standards and company quality guidelines, using 3D/2D CAD and PLM tools
You should apply if you
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Have designed and delivered mechanical systems for underwater robotics, ROVs, AUVs, or similarly demanding marine applications, taking work from requirements through to validated hardware
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Have guided or mentored engineers in a technical setting, providing clear direction and ensuring the quality and consistency of the team's output
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Are proficient with 3D/2D CAD and PLM tools such as SolidWorks/PDM or Siemens NX/Teamcenter, and apply ASME/ISO drawing standards rigorously in your work
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Understand the physical and environmental constraints of the underwater maritime domain, including pressure, corrosion, and hydrodynamic considerations
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Communicate clearly and precisely in English, both in written documentation and in cross-disciplinary collaboration
Note: We operate in an industry where women, as well as other minority groups, are systematically under-represented. We encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet all the listed qualifications; ability and impact cannot be summarised in a few bullet points.
Nice to Have
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Practical knowledge of hydrodynamics and CFD, with experience applying simulation to inform design decisions
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Familiarity with underwater actuators and sensor systems, including brushed and brushless motors, servomotors, or magnetic coupling
Join Helsing and work with world-leading experts in their fields
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Helsing’s work is important. You’ll be directly contributing to the protection of democratic countries while balancing both ethical and geopolitical concerns
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The work is unique. We operate in a domain that has highly unusual technical requirements and constraints, and where robustness, safety, and ethical considerations are vital. You will face unique Engineering and AI challenges that make a meaningful impact in the world
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Our work frequently takes us right up to the state of the art in technical innovation, be it reinforcement learning, distributed systems, generative AI, or deployment infrastructure. The defence industry is entering the most exciting phase of the technological development curve. Advances in our field of world are not incremental: Helsing is part of, and often leading, historic leaps forward
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In our domain, success is a matter of order-of-magnitude improvements and novel capabilities. This means we take bets, aim high, and focus on big opportunities. Despite being a relatively young company, Helsing has already been selected for multiple significant government contracts
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We actively encourage healthy, proactive, and diverse debate internally about what we do and how we choose to do it. Teams and individual engineers are trusted (and encouraged) to practise responsible autonomy and critical thinking, and to focus on outcomes, not conformity. At Helsing you will have a say in how we (and you!) work, the opportunity to engage on what does and doesn’t work, and to take ownership of aspects of our culture that you care deeply about
What we offer
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Competitive salary and VSOP options
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Relocation support: up to €2,500 and 4 weeks temporary accommodation
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Learning: €500/£450 yearly allowance
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Health & wellness: gym membership and mental health support (Nilo.health)
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Social: regularly company events and monthly social allowances
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Enhanced parental leave: 22 weeks fully paid for primary caregivers & 6 weeks for secondary caregivers.
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Family support: 5 days of paid family emergency leave, 100% remote work option during pregnancy and phased return to work
These are the core benefits across all locations, there may be additional benefits in certain locations.
Helsing is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability or gender identity. Please do not submit personal data revealing racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious or philosophical beliefs, trade union membership, data concerning your health, or data concerning your sexual orientation.
Helsing's Candidate Privacy and Confidentiality Regime can be found
here.