Mechanical Engineer; NPI Team

Company Profile

Location: Waterbeach, UK
Department: R&D – Production Engineering
Reports to: Production Engineering Manager
Type: Full-time, Permanent

Thermoteknix Systems Ltd, founded in 1982 and based in Cambridge, is a world leader in thermal imaging, night vision, and augmented reality systems. Our award‑winning technologies are trusted by defence, security, and industrial customers in over 70 countries. With in‑house R&D, cutting‑edge innovation, and a global reputation for quality, we design and manufacture solutions that perform in the toughest environments.

Thermoteknix is establishing a new Production Engineering team within R&D to transition products from development into robust, scalable manufacturing.

The Mechanical Engineer will play a role in ensuring mechanical aspects of new and existing products are optimised for manufacture, test, assembly, and long‑term production support. This role covers production process development, fixture and jig design, documentation, and continuous improvement of manufacturing capability.

• Support the structured transfer of products from R&D into engineering and manufacturing.
• Ensure mechanical designs are suitable for production through DFM/DFA reviews.
• Lead mechanical work streams within NPI projects, ensuring readiness for build and scale.
• Collaborate with design engineers to finalise manufacturable mechanical solutions.

• Design and develop mechanical assembly fixtures, test jigs, tooling, and support equipment.
• Define and document mechanical build procedures, assembly instructions, and production workflows.
• Establish repeatable and controlled manufacturing processes for mechanical sub‑assemblies.

• Drive improvements in manufacturing efficiency, quality, and repeatability for products already in production.
• Identify opportunities to streamline mechanical assembly processes and reduce build time.
• Support cost‑reduction initiatives through design refinement and improved production methods.
• Implement engineering change solutions to enhance manufacturability and reliability.

• Provide hands‑on engineering support when mechanical issues arise in production or test.
• Perform root cause analysis and corrective actions for mechanical failures or assembly problems.
• Work closely with manufacturing teams to troubleshoot and resolve build challenges quickly.
• Support concession management, non‑conformance investigations, and product quality improvements.

• Maintain clear and accurate mechanical production documentation, including:
  • Work instructions
  • Build and assembly procedures
  • Tooling drawings
  • Test fixture documentation
• Support configuration control and engineering change processes (ECN).

• Act as the mechanical interface between R&D, Production, Quality, Supply Chain, and Operations.
• Support supplier engagement for mechanical components and manufacturability improvements.
• Contribute to the development of the new Production Engineering team’s standards and processes.

• Degree (or equivalent experience) in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline.
• Experience in a production engineering, manufacturing engineering, or mechanical design role.
• Familiarity with CAD tools (e.g., Solid Works or similar).
• Strong understanding of mechanical manufacturing methods (machining, sheet metal, injection moulding, assemblies).
• Experience designing jigs, fixtures, tooling, or mechanical test equipment.
• Practical problem‑solving ability in a production environment.
• Strong documentation skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work cross‑functionally in a fast‑paced engineering environment.

• Experience supporting NPI from prototype through to volume manufacture.
• Knowledge of DFM/DFA principles and lean manufacturing practices.
• Experience in thermal imaging, electronics packaging, or ruggedised product design.
• Understanding of engineering change control and quality systems (ISO
  9001).

• Han…