FULL-TIME | UK & ARCTIC | ENGINEERING
THE LAST FRONTIER
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
Drive materials choices, joinery, sealing, and reliability under thermal/mechanical stress
Lead cold-chamber and durability testing to ensure performance in sub-zero climates
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
3+ years in 3D CAD experience ( Siemens NX, SolidWorks)
A degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering with a portfolio of high-fidelity hardware dev
Experience with taking a product from concept design to production, with a strong grasp of DfMA.
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
BONUS SKILLS
Knowledge of environmental and reliability testing (e.g. thermal cycling, vibration, shock)
Familiarity of electrical systems to ensure a holistic approach to hardware design
Basic understanding of RF systems and components
Previous experience working within an R&D workshop
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
Skills Required
- At least 3 years of 3D CAD experience
- Proficiency with Siemens NX or SolidWorks
- Degree in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering
- Portfolio demonstrating high-fidelity hardware development
- Experience taking products from concept design to production
- Strong understanding of Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DfMA)
- Hands-on prototyping and testing experience
- Experience working with multidisciplinary engineering teams
- Readiness to operate in cold environments during prototype field testing
- Knowledge of environmental and reliability testing, including thermal cycling, vibration, or shock
- Familiarity with electrical systems
- Basic understanding of RF systems and components
- Previous experience in an R&D workshop
What We Do
Arctic Research and Development (ARD) develops mission-critical hardware, software, and intelligent autonomous systems for the Arctic, where autonomy, climate resilience, and national security intersect. Its work includes cold-hardened energy systems and autonomous surface and subsurface platforms designed for extreme polar conditions. The company serves government, research, logistics, and energy customers, aiming to enable reliable operations in the rapidly changing Arctic.
