An optical technology company based in Oxfordshire is seeking an experienced Mechanical Engineer with a strong background in tooling and fixture design and development to join its growing R&D team. The successful candidate will apply their expertise to design and fabricate first-of-their-kind prototypes for the company’s novel optical platform.
This is an exciting opportunity for a hands-on, creative Mechanical Engineer with a strong background in Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DFX) to play a key role in the development of a next-generation adaptive lens technology set to transform the way we see the world.
About the Company
This company’s expertise sits at the intersection of ophthalmics and optics. They develop novel ophthalmic solutions for use across optical systems, AR/VR/XR, and machine vision applications. Recognised as trusted experts in adaptive lens technology, they partner with leading global consumer electronics and technology companies to develop new solutions that optimise how we see the world.
The company has developed a novel adaptive lens system that has the potential to transform visual performance in modern AR/VR/XR technologies. This breakthrough has generated significant interest across the consumer technology sector. As a result, the company is now entering the next phase of its R&D programme, scaling its technical capabilities and seeking talented engineers to join the team.
This is an excellent opportunity to join a fast-growing technology company, contribute to cutting-edge R&D, and play a key role in the development of a new technology with global impact. Above all, it is an outstanding place to work, combining innovation, collaboration, and technical excellence.
The Role
This is an exciting period of investment and growth. The company is scaling its team and facilities to support ambitious R&D activities and is seeking an experienced Mechanical Engineer to design and develop the tooling and fixtures required for the assembly of its brand-new optical platform.
You will be a key contributor, working closely with the Design and Production teams to develop critical equipment that supports the assembly of novel prototypes. As this is a completely new optical system, the role requires a high degree of creativity, with responsibility for developing first-of-their-kind assembly equipment and production processes.
Key Responsibilities
The Mechanical Engineer will:
* Design and develop tooling and fixturing
* Provide expertise in Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DFX)
* Contribute to the development of novel assembly and production processes
* Liaise with suppliers for the provision and manufacture of parts
Requirements
Education
* Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Design Engineering, or equivalent practical experience
Experience
Essential
* Proven experience taking product concepts through to production, including design iteration, refinement, and DFX considerations
* Experience in the design and development of jigs, tooling, and fixtures
* Experience developing novel assembly and production processes
* Solid understanding of:
* Machining processes (e.g. CNC, lathes & milling)
* Injection moulding
* Micro-moulding
* Metal stamping and forming
* Metal injection moulding
* Vacuum forming
* Knowledge of common joining processes, including:
* Adhesive bonding
* Ultrasonic welding
* Radio-frequency welding
* Heat staking
* Strong knowledge of materials and their properties, particularly polymers and metals
* Proficiency in CAD (essential), ideally SolidWorks
* Skilled and experienced at using mills and lathes to facilitate machining or modifying tooling and fixtures in-house as required.
* A flair for concept generation and ideation and ability to work and iterate designs at a quickly.
Desirable
* Competence in Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T)
* Experience or exposure to optics or opto-mechanical engineering, including alignment considerations, optical component mounting, or light-path constraints
* Experience taking designs into pilot production and optimising them for scalable manufacture
* Knowledge of, and ability to work to, ISO 13485 (medical device compliance), including documentation, standards adherence, and design-for-risk-management