Mechanical Design Engineer

Product / Mechanical Design Engineer (Opto-Mechanical Systems) Overview A growing technology company developing advanced sensing and instrumentation products is seeking a Product / Mechanical Design Engineer to join its multidisciplinary R&D team. The organisation builds next-generation hardware systems that combine mechanical, optical, and product-focused engineering, with a strong emphasis on hands-on development and rapid iteration. This is an opportunity to join a fast-moving development environment where you’ll contribute directly to real-world products, working across concept, design, prototyping, and validation. The role is primarily based on-site to support collaboration and hands-on system development, with some flexibility for hybrid working where appropriate. The Role You will play a key part in the development of complex hardware products, with a particular focus on opto-mechanical systems and productised hardware. The role blends mechanical design, practical prototyping, and cross-disciplinary collaboration, working closely with engineers from adjacent domains. You’ll be expected to take a systematic, hands-on approach to problem solving and to operate effectively in a dynamic, evolving product development environment. Key Responsibilities * Design and develop mechanical and opto-mechanical hardware for product-focused systems * Produce detailed 3D CAD models, assemblies, and technical drawings * Support materials selection and manufacturing process decisions * Build and iterate prototypes using in-house and external fabrication methods (e.g. 3D printing, machining, laser cutting, cable assembly) * Contribute to system integration, testing, and validation activities * Create and maintain technical documentation including specifications, drawings, BOMs, and build instructions * Work closely with cross-functional teams to deliver robust, manufacturable product designs * Support continuous improvement of designs, processes, and documentation Required Qualifications & Experience * Degree, HND, or equivalent industrial experience in Mechanical Engineering, Engineering, or a related discipline * Around 3+ years’ experience in product development within a multidisciplinary R&D or product development environment * Demonstrated experience developing opto-mechanical or precision hardware systems * Strong grounding in mechanical design principles, materials, and common manufacturing processes * Proficiency in 3D CAD (SolidWorks or similar), including complex assemblies and detailed drawings * Hands-on prototyping experience (e.g. SLA/FDM 3D printing, basic machining, laser cutting, cable assembly) * Comfortable working in a fast-paced, evolving development environment Desirable Experience * Experience producing clear technical documentation (specifications, test procedures, build instructions, revision control, BOMs) * Background in a start-up, scale-up, or new product development environment * Exposure to product design or user-focused design considerations * Working knowledge of electronics, firmware, or adjacent engineering disciplines What’s on Offer * Opportunity to work on cutting-edge, real-world hardware products * High-impact role in a growing, technology-focused organisation * Hands-on involvement across the full product development lifecycle * Collaborative, multidisciplinary engineering environment * Strong scope for technical growth and ownership