Development 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

Working Arrangements & Location

• Full-time role (part-time considered at a minimum of 0.8 FTE)

• Flexible and hybrid working considered, but the role is primarily on-site due to the hands-on nature of the work and collaboration needs

• Based in an Oxford-area engineering and laboratory environment

• Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK

Salary & Benefits

• Salary dependent on experience, with a typical range in the mid-£30k to £50k bracket

• Employee share or incentive scheme

• Optional compressed working pattern (e.g. 9-day fortnight)

• Flexible working arrangements where possible

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

• Annual training and development allowance

• Company pension contributions (matched up to a set percentage)

• Travel-to-work or similar support schemes

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