Principal Mechanical Design Engineer

Overview

Principal Mechanical Design Engineer
Location: Dunfermline
Job Type: Permanent

ABOUT US
Optos was founded in 1992 with the goal to make a patient-friendly device to quickly capture the entire retina. Our products are used in nearly 20,000 locations globally. Optomap® shows up to 82% (200°) of the retina in a single-capture, offering unrivalled clarity and leadership in this field.

Note: The original content included additional historical context and branding references which have been retained where relevant and condensed for clarity.

We are seeking an experienced Principal Mechanical Design Engineer to join our Optomechanical team within the Research and Development department, based in Dunfermline. In this senior role, you will provide technical leadership across the development of complex opto‑mechanical systems, driving innovation, setting engineering direction, and ensuring high‑quality delivery across multiple projects. You will play a key role in shaping our technology roadmap, guiding best practice, and mentoring engineers while contributing to the creation of next‑generation retinal imaging products.

• Lead system‑level architecture, technical strategy, and design development for opto‑mechanical solutions.
• Drive innovation and contribute to the creation of new technologies and product enhancements.
• Define design approaches and influence the wider technology roadmap and innovation strategy.
• Coordinate cross‑functional engineering activities and ensure effective project delivery.
• Oversee the transition of prototypes into product and clinical environments.
• Analyse and report experimental results to inform design decisions.
• Provide expert guidance on CAD methods, drawing standards, GD&T, and tolerance strategies.
• Review and approve drawings, BOMs, and documentation in line with PLM and quality processes.
• Lead design reviews, FMEA activities, and engineering quality improvements.
• Direct simulation, modelling, and validation activities.
• Own research programmes, validation strategies, and experimental frameworks.
• Lead root‑cause investigations and drive corrective and preventive actions.
• Optimise material selection and apply strong DFM principles across manufacturing methods.
• Advise on compliance, risk management, and complex technical challenges.
• Contribute to IP generation, patent strategy, and technical knowledge sharing.
• Collaborate with suppliers and internal stakeholders to deliver robust, manufacturable solutions.
• Mentor engineers and promote best‑practice engineering standards across the team.

• Degree‑level education in mechanical engineering, optomechanical engineering, or equivalent professional experience.
• Extensive experience in mechanical design, with expert technical capability in opto‑mechanical systems.
• Proven track record of delivering complex, multi‑disciplinary engineering projects.
• Extensive experience in motors and precision motion systems design and integration.
• Strong leadership, communication, and mentoring skills, with the ability to guide teams and influence technical direction.
• Hands‑on expertise with CAD tools, drawing standards, GD&T, tolerance analysis, and PLM‑based documentation control.
• Experience leading design reviews, FMEA activities, simulation, modelling, and validation processes.
• Extensive experience in thermal management of complex systems, including simulation, analysis, and performance evaluation.
• Strong understanding of DFM principles and material selection across a range of manufacturing methods.
• Experience driving innovation, contributing to technology roadmaps, and supporting IP generation and patent strategy.
• Familiarity with compliance, risk management, and technical governance within regulated or high‑precision environments.

At Optos, we offer a highly competitive compensation and benefits package.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, age or protected veteran status.