Socode are working with a well-established technology business in Cambridge that designs and manufactures life-saving products used by customers around the world. As the company continues to scale its product portfolio and engineering capability, they’re now looking to appoint a Head of Mechanical Engineering to lead and evolve their mechanical function.
This is a senior leadership role with genuine technical depth, offering influence across product direction, team development, and delivery of complex, high-reliability hardware.
What will I be doing?
You’ll be responsible for the mechanical engineering capability across the business, leading a team of engineers working on devices used in harsh environments
The role blends people leadership with technical oversight. You’ll guide projects from early concept through design, validation, and into manufacture, while setting standards, improving processes, and building a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. You’ll work closely with electronics, manufacturing, quality, and programme teams to ensure mechanical solutions are practical, manufacturable, and delivered on time.
Key responsibilities:
* Lead, develop, and motivate the mechanical engineering team.
* Own mechanical design delivery across current and future product ranges.
* Provide technical direction on materials, mechanisms, enclosures, and structural design.
* Oversee development, testing, and verification of mechanical systems and components.
* Ensure projects meet cost, schedule, and quality expectations.
* Define and maintain engineering standards, processes, and best practice.
* Support cross-functional collaboration across engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain.
* Track performance through KPIs and use data to drive improvement.
* Identify opportunities for innovation in design methods, tools, and technologies.
* Support occasional travel as required (expenses covered).
We’re looking for:
* Degree-qualified in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related discipline (Master’s advantageous).
* Demonstrable experience leading mechanical engineering teams in a product-based environment.
* Strong background in the design and development of consumer or portable hardware products.
* Solid understanding of manufacturing methods, including injection moulding and volume production.
* Hands-on experience with 2D/3D CAD tools (Creo or SolidWorks) and mechanical simulation software (e.g. ANSYS).
* A confident, pragmatic leader who can influence across disciplines and challenge constructively.
* Well-organised, delivery-focused, and comfortable operating in a fast-moving environment.
* Analytical approach to problem solving with a track record of delivering complex projects.
* Experience defining and tracking KPIs and driving continuous improvement initiatives.