Mechanical Engineer - Hydraulics

Company Description

ALTEN is a global engineering and technology consultancy operating across over 35 countries worldwide. We partner with industry leaders across sectors including Aeronautics, Aerospace, Defence, Naval, Automotive, Energy, Rail, IT and many more to deliver innovative engineering solutions that drive technological advancement & support sustainable transformation.

Our teams of passionate and agile engineers work on cutting-edge projects that shape the future of technology and sustainability. At ALTEN, we empower talented engineers to innovate, solve complex challenges, and deliver impactful solutions that build tomorrow’s world—today.

Join us and start building tomorrow’s world today!

Job Description

As a Mechanical Engineer - Hydraulics, you will join our Bristol team to support our activities within the aerospace engineering sector. 

You will support the development, analysis, and validation of hydraulic and electro-hydraulic systems used in aerospace applications. Working within a multidisciplinary engineering team, you will be responsible for analysing system performance, supporting testing activities, and investigating technical issues related to hydraulic components and assemblies.

• Location: Kent (Gillingham) 
• On Site: Hybrid (3 days per week on site) 
• Clearance: BPSS required 
• Experience Level: Junior to Mid - Level (2-5 years of experience) 

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the development and analysis of hydraulic and electro-hydraulic systems
• Evaluate the performance of solenoid valves and hydraulic components
• Process, analyse, and interpret test data to support engineering investigations
• Develop engineering calculations and analytical models using MATLAB and Mathcad
• Support laboratory and system-level testing activities
• Assist with troubleshooting and root cause analysis of hydraulic system issues
• Produce technical reports and present findings to engineering stakeholders
• Collaborate with design, systems, and test teams throughout the product development lifecycle

Qualifications

Required Skills:

• Strong understanding of solenoid valves and electro-hydraulic components
• Mechanical engineering background with knowledge of hydraulic systems
• Experience in engineering data processing and analysis
• Proficiency in MATLAB and Mathcad
• Ability to support testing, troubleshooting, and performance evaluation activities
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Good communication and technical reporting skills

Required Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, or equivalent military experience.
• Experience working with hydraulic systems in an engineering environment
• Understanding of engineering analysis and product validation methodologies

Desirable Skills:

• Experience within aerospace, defence, or other highly regulated industries
• Knowledge of hydraulic actuation systems and control technologies
• Experience interpreting test data and generating engineering recommendations
• Familiarity with requirements verification and validation processes
• Exposure to system modelling and simulation techniques

Additional Information

Why join us? 

We bring together entrepreneurial, tech-driven people to deliver innovative solutions for leading companies.

At ALTEN, you’ll work on exciting projects, supported by ongoing learning, mentoring, and clear career development tailored to your goals.

Join a passionate team and help build tomorrow, today.

In short you get: 

• A personalised career path and a rewarding management style 
• A huge diversity of engineering projects and industries
• Private Medical Insurance
• Cycle & Tech Scheme 
• Employee assistance programme
• Life insurance & Pension Scheme
• Social atmosphere, regular gatherings & team buildings
• Flexible way of working (role dependent)

We are proud to support the Armed Forces Covenant & actively encourage applications from members of the Armed Forces community, including veterans, reservists, service leavers, and military spouses/partners. We recognise the value of military skills and experience and are committed to ensuring that no applicant is unfairly disadvantaged during our recruitment and selection processes. 

ALTEN is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and values the strength that comes from a global mix of backgrounds and perspectives. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of background or protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know. 

This role may require you to have or be willing to go through Security Clearance. As part of the onboarding process candidates will be asked to complete a Baseline Personnel Security Standard; details of the evidence required to apply may be found on the government website Gov.UK. If you are unable to meet this and any associated criteria, then your employment may be delayed, or rejected . Details of this will be discussed with you at interview.