Design Engineer

Job description

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

Extra information

Status

Open

Education Level

Secondary School

Location

Oxford

Type of Contract

Full-time jobs

Published at

12-02-2026

Profession type

Design / Fashion

Full UK/EU driving license preferred

No

Car Preferred

No

Must be eligible to work in the EU

No

Cover Letter Required

No

Languages

English