I am a senior mechanical engineer with a passion for turning complex ideas into reliable, high‑quality products. I’ve led multidisciplinary teams across nuclear, automotive, aerospace, and defence domains, driving design reviews, risk management, and robust documentation. My hands‑on background spans concept to detailed design using a wide range of materials and manufacturing processes, with a focus on practical, manufacturable solutions. Known for clear communication and mentoring, I enjoy collaborating with customers and stakeholders to refine concepts, align on technical decisions, and deliver results on time and within budget. Outside of engineering, I’m motivated by problem solving, continuous learning, and applying advanced design and fabrication techniques to real‑world challenges.

David Henderson

I am a senior mechanical engineer with a passion for turning complex ideas into reliable, high‑quality products. I’ve led multidisciplinary teams across nuclear, automotive, aerospace, and defence domains, driving design reviews, risk management, and robust documentation. My hands‑on background spans concept to detailed design using a wide range of materials and manufacturing processes, with a focus on practical, manufacturable solutions. Known for clear communication and mentoring, I enjoy collaborating with customers and stakeholders to refine concepts, align on technical decisions, and deliver results on time and within budget. Outside of engineering, I’m motivated by problem solving, continuous learning, and applying advanced design and fabrication techniques to real‑world challenges.

Available to hire

I am a senior mechanical engineer with a passion for turning complex ideas into reliable, high‑quality products. I’ve led multidisciplinary teams across nuclear, automotive, aerospace, and defence domains, driving design reviews, risk management, and robust documentation. My hands‑on background spans concept to detailed design using a wide range of materials and manufacturing processes, with a focus on practical, manufacturable solutions.

Known for clear communication and mentoring, I enjoy collaborating with customers and stakeholders to refine concepts, align on technical decisions, and deliver results on time and within budget. Outside of engineering, I’m motivated by problem solving, continuous learning, and applying advanced design and fabrication techniques to real‑world challenges.

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Work Experience

Senior Mechanical Engineer (Contract) at Gattaca Projects
June 1, 2024 - November 1, 2025
Designed and implemented a containment system for a major nuclear application. Led FMEA reviews from concept through detailed design. Produced critical design documentation including risk assessments, compatibility matrices, MFDs, P&IDs, ICDs, Product Breakdown Structures, and technical baselines. Led design reviews and guided designers in the creation of accurate 3D models.
Senior Mechanical Engineer (Contract) at Cir o Aquila Nuclear
May 1, 2022 - June 1, 2024
Led HAZOP activities and contributed to high‑quality risk reporting. Chaired optioneering reviews, coordinating assurance bodies and clients. Conducted multidisciplinary design reviews and presented recommendations. Managed master data and assumptions list to maintain design integrity. Mentored junior engineers, driving quality and professional development. Evaluated peer design reviews to ensure compliance with standards.
Senior Mechanical Concept Engineer (Contract) at Qinetiq
June 1, 2021 - April 1, 2022
Directed development of an in‑wheel electric motor control system through design, manufacture, assembly, and testing. Collaborated closely with customers and stakeholders to refine concepts. Produced detailed technical reports supporting progress and decision‑making. Chaired project meetings to drive delivery and alignment. Managed logistics for major exhibition demonstrations in Singapore and the UK.
Senior Mechanical Design Engineer (Contract) at Gordon Murray Design
September 1, 2019 - February 1, 2021
Engineered chassis components including steering systems, anti‑roll bars, suspension links, and clevises. Managed steering system suppliers, ensuring delivery to ASIL‑D safety standards. Performed hand‑calculated FEA estimates to validate early designs. Implemented mass‑optimised design principles throughout. Working with Titanium, aluminum castings and Composite materials.
Senior Mechanical Design Engineer (Contract) at GDC Engineering
January 1, 2019 - September 1, 2019
Developed VIP interior trim for Boeing 777‑300ER, including ceilings, seating, bulkheads, toilets, and structures. Conducted drawing checking for quality assurance.
Senior Mechanical Design Engineer (Contract) at Airbus Defence and Space
January 1, 2018 - January 1, 2019
Designed coax routing and RF waveguide installations for satellite systems. Created equipment baseplates ensuring structural integrity and thermal performance. Coordinated with analysis and manufacturing teams to implement best practices. Supported successful transition of four satellites into orbit.
Project Engineer (Contract) at Rolls‑Royce Motor Cars
January 1, 2016 - January 1, 2018
Delivered bespoke high‑value customer projects across interior and exterior systems. Utilised injection‑moulding expertise for in‑car entertainment components. Ensured rigorous test execution and compliance with design targets.
Senior Mechanical Design Engineer (Contract) at Alexander Dennis
November 1, 2014 - December 1, 2015
Delivered chassis design for the E500 double‑decker bus project under tight timelines. Produced high‑quality, production‑ready designs from initial concept to delivered product.
Bespoke Design Engineer (Contract) at Rolls‑Royce Motor Cars
May 1, 2011 - November 1, 2014
Designed one‑off bespoke systems including a full centre console for a Phantom. Developed partition wall modifications and rear‑seat entertainment integrations. Worked with fabrication, wood, SLS, CNC, leather, and other premium materials.
Senior Mechanical Development Engineering Manager (Contract) at Quiet Revolution
September 1, 2009 - May 1, 2011
Led design department operations, ensuring timely and high‑quality delivery. Managed supplier engagement, cost control, and technical development. Gained significant experience with composites and CFD in wind turbine development.
Senior Mechanical Design Engineer (Contract) at Ricardo
January 1, 2009 - September 1, 2009
Designed composite closures for the Ocelot military vehicle. Coordinated with MOD to ensure compliance and value.
Senior Mechanical Design Engineer (Contract) at McLaren Cars Ltd
June 1, 2007 - July 1, 2008
Designed aluminium structures, plastics, and composite components. Trained in GD&T to BS8888 and ASME Y14.5M 1994. Applied advanced modelling methods for high‑performance automotive structures.
Senior Mechanical Design Engineer (Contract) at Jaguar Land Rover
September 1, 2006 - June 1, 2007
Developed aluminium and plastic components for cabin, boot, and sealing systems.
Senior Mechanical Design Engineer at Aston Martin (multiple roles)
January 1, 2000 - December 31, 2006
Senior Mechanical Design Engineer across Body Structures, BIW, and Chassis. Designed SMC panels, aluminium extrusions/castings, VAC‑formed parts, and injection‑moulded components. Delivered chassis, body and structural designs for multiple vehicle platforms.
Senior Mechanical Engineer (Contract) at Nissan UK
January 1, 2004 - August 1, 2004
Designed steel pressed panels for A‑pillar, B‑pillar, and body side structures.
Senior Mechanical Design Engineer (Contract) at Dana PTG
April 1, 1998 - April 1, 2000
Designed hydraulic power steering system integrations across multiple vehicles.
Senior Mechanical Design Engineer (Contract) at ABB Stahl (Sweden)
April 1, 1997 - April 1, 1998
Designed rotary compressor components using FEA and fluid dynamics.

Education

Higher National Diploma in Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering at Oxford Brookes University
January 11, 2030 - March 29, 2026

Qualifications

Private Pilot’s Licence – Helicopter
January 11, 2030 - March 29, 2026
Full UK & European Driving Licence (Clean)
January 11, 2030 - March 29, 2026

Industry Experience

Energy & Utilities, Manufacturing, Transportation & Logistics, Government, Professional Services