Mechanical Design Engineer
Likely
Sponsorship likelihood
This employer has issued visas recently
Not disclosed
Salary
Not disclosed by employer
£46,800
Going rate
Skilled Worker going rate
This role likely qualifies for a Skilled Worker visa
SOC 2122 (78% match) is an eligible occupation, with a going rate of £46,800, and Safran is a licensed sponsor. That is our reading of the rules. Whether they issue a Certificate of Sponsorship is still their call.
This could also be SOC 2126 (Aerospace engineers). We read the code off the advert, so it is our best guess, not the employer's.
New graduate or PhD holder? Pick one of the lower rates.
What each route needs for this job
| Occupation code | New entrant 70% of going rate | STEM PhD 80% of going rate | Relevant PhD 90% of going rate | Standard rate 100% of going rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2122 Mechanical engineers Most likely code | £33,400 | £37,400 | £42,100 | £46,800 |
2126 Aerospace engineers Also possible | £36,700 | £41,900 | £47,200 | £52,400 |
We use the lowest threshold across the plausible codes. Likelihood is Possible at most when the pay clears only a lower rate, or only under a less likely code. How the Home Office picks the code
About the role
Mechanical Design Engineer
Safran Seats - Cwmbran (South Wales)
Hybrid
Safran is an international high-technology group operating in the fields of aerospace (propulsion, equipment and interiors), space and defense. Its mission is to contribute sustainably to a safer world, where air transport becomes ever more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Present on every continent, the Group employs 110,000 people and generated €31.3 billion in revenue in 2025. Safran holds, either independently or through partnerships, leading global or European positions in its markets.
Safran was ranked second in the Aerospace & Defense sector in TIME magazine's ""World's Best Companies 2025"" ranking.
With more than one million seats installed across the fleets of the world's leading airlines, Safran Seats is one of the global leaders in passenger, crew, aircraft and helicopter seating, delivering innovative, high value-added solutions.
Safran - Here, we craft excellence together.
At Safran, excellence is a journey - and we'd love you to be a part of it. As a trusted global leader in aerospace, defence, and space, we are proud to be a company where diversity, innovation, and opportunity come together to shape a sustainable future where we can all succeed together through a shared vision.
We are looking for passionate individuals to join our Design Engineering team as a Mechanical Design Engineer at our Cwmbran site.
About the role:
As a Mechanical Design Engineer, your role will focus on supporting design activities from initial concept through to product manufacture. You'll be involved from the first concept sketch right through to final production, creating mechanical design solutions that meet high standards of quality and performance.
Depending on the project, you will take ownership of an entire system or focus on a specific module. In this role, you'll ensure that all mechanical design deliverables align with company standards as well as airframer, regulatory, and customer requirements.
Key Responsibilities:
* Responsible for the design and detail modeling of a variety of suite components in order to meet programme requirements.
* Produce designs to meet specified cost/weight targets.
* Be involved in communication with customers and suppliers.
* Participate in Design Reviews throughout each phase of the New Product Introduction process.
* Selection and applicatio
* Ensure the successful integration of each design element within the product as a whole.
* Check engineering packages.
* Participate in the validation of the product (using such methods as prototyping, test, DFMEA).
* Follow and contribute to the development of the Best Practice guidelines.
Why Safran?
A global presence: Be part of a global aerospace, defence & space business with over 100,000 Colleagues, across 300 sites in 30 countries.
Inclusive & empowering environment: We celebrate our differences and believe they make us stronger. We know that a fulfilling work environment is a key driver for innovative ideas and team success.
Innovation at the core: Join our mission to decarbonise aerospace and make the world a safer place. Your ambitions can take us further.
Mobility & training opportunities: We can support your ambitions with training, development, a personalised career plan and mobility opportunities. If you have big dreams, we'll support you to make them a reality.
A culture of excellence: Join a team that values collaboration, integrity, and continuous improvement. Whatever your background, together we aim for excellence.
Looking after the people who make Safran great is our priority. We offer a range of flexible benefits designed to support you-both in and out of work, including:
* 33 days holiday (including bank holidays)
* Industry leading pension scheme with salary sacrifice employer contributions up to 10%.
* Private medical cover (to include Digital GP and rapid access Physio with no excess) with ability to upgrade level of benefit and cover family members.
* Access to salary sacrifice benefits scheme including cycle to work and Octopus EV Scheme.
* 4 x Life Assurance.
* Interactive benefits platform including wide range of discretionary benefits including technology, retail benefits, income protection.
* Enhanced family friendly policies and benefits (enhanced maternity and paternity leave) and employee assistance programme
* Annual share save schemes.
* Option for hybrid and flexible working arrangements.
* Opportunities for career advancement and personal growth. Benefit from support through Safran University and our internal Training and Development Schools.
* Get involved in our corporate social responsibility activities from sustainability initiatives, charity and fundraising, volunteering days, or supporting STEM activities at local schools and colleges nurturing the next generation of talent.
What you'll bring:
Knowledge, Experience, Training and Qualifications
* Qualified to a minimum degree in a Mechanical / Aerospace / Structural Engineering field. Alternatively a HNC/HND or an equivalent qualification in Mechanical / Aerospace / Structural Engineering apprenticeship, with extensive experience in mechanical systems design, developing concept and detailing engineering solutions.
* Experienced user of CATIA V5 (or other 3D CAD packages) and Product Life Management (PLM) Systems.
* Understanding of the effective application of tolerances as well as OEM installation requirements.
* A working knowledge of these main methods of manufacture: sheet metal fabrication, plastics vacuum forming, CNC machining.
* Ability to read mechanical design drawings and specifications.
Competencies, Behaviours and Skills
* Strong problem-solving ability to support on complex programmes.
* Good communication skills to liaise with customers/airframers/suppliers and integrated programme team on a daily basis.
At Safran, we understand that diversity and inclusion make teams stronger and more effective, and as an organisation, we are committed to fair and equitable employment practices for everyone.
This description is the source posting as it read when we added it. We are not affiliated with Safran, so check their own site for the current details.
Where this offer sits in the market
Mechanical engineers (SOC 2122) · UK · ONS ASHE 2025 · basic pay · ~66k in sample- Middle half £38,896–59,800
- Median £48,516
- Going rate £46,800
- Threshold £41,700
- New entrant £33,400–42,100
Similar sponsored roles
See all UK visa jobsNo close matches live right now.
Browse more sponsored jobs at SafranAbout sponsorship for this role
Does this job guarantee visa sponsorship?
Not necessarily. Safran holds a sponsor licence, but sponsorship for a specific hire is always the employer's decision. Be upfront in your application that you'll require it.
What salary is needed for this role to be eligible?
The offer must clear both the general threshold and the SOC 2122 going rate of £46,800. New-entrant and shortage discounts can lower it.