Senior Mechanical Engineer; Specials

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Location:

Leicester, LEC, GB, LE49JD

Business Unit:
Taylor Hobson

Posting Date:
Sep 2, 2026

Job Description:

The Senior Mechanical Engineer position at Taylor Hobson is an integral part of the company's innovative and forward-thinking Research and Development department. This position involves working new technology on range of ultra high-precision instruments, often designed to achieve nanometer accuracies, presents a valuable opportunity to expand your expertise within an innovative technology sector.

As a key member of the R&D team, reporting to Project lead/Principal Mechanical Engineer, the Senior Mechanical Engineer is responsible and accountable for:

• Deriving the mechanical performance specification of the mechanical assemblies using overall system functional requirements
• The design and validation, and timely manufacture of the assemblies using our onsite manufacturing capabilities and external supply chains
• Generate the necessary supporting documentation to introduce the product into manufacturing and service.
• Modification TH instrument/fixtures/accessories for customer applications to meet their specific requirements.

Define mechanical specifications for assemblies according to system requirements, carry out design, validation, and support for production for new products, and prepare necessary documentation for manufacturing and service introduction.

• Demonstrate a clear understanding of the overall project requirements and deliverables. Design solution concepts with design reviews which will include health and safety, risk assessments, and customer operating considerations.
• Demonstrate a clear understanding of the overall system performance requirements and derive the metrology error budgets for each of the main instrument functions
• Suggest mechanical solutions and manufacturing methods for above, supported by calculations and FEA analysis as appropriate.
• Suggest efficient methods of assembly and validation methods for above.
• Demonstrate a clear understanding of the evaluation plans and expected results with suggestions for life testing and servicing.
• Oversee more junior/sub-contract Mechanical Engineers within the business.
• Be able to take lead in Mechanical project design reviews.
• Work closely with Business Development and Operations on new and existing developments.

• Proven track record in product design
• Experience of design of small mechanisms
• Knowledge of drives and controls
• Sound knowledge of manufacturing engineering, materials, methods, and processes
• Demonstrable, thorough, analytical skills reinforced with practical problem-solving abilities

Proficient in the use of the following tools:

• CAD (at least on of the following SW, NX, Catia, ProE)
• MS Office or similar

• Experienced gained in the precision engineering/machine tool industry or Optics industry and production of product support documentation
• Knowledge of fixtures or Kinematic principles
• Knowledge of small precision machined manufacturing processes and materials.
• Some applied experience with math package e.g. MATLAB, Mathematica etc.

• Confidence and intelligence, with the ability to mentor more junior engineers and oversee contractors. Flexible approach to tasks provided and the ability to investigate problems with an open and enquiring mind.

• Degree Level education in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent with at least 5 years’ experience in design/mechanical engineer
  * role from concept through an end-to-end product lifecycle.
• Sound knowledge with proven track record of manufacturing engineering, materials, methods, processes, and quality systems

* Precision engineering role desirable but not essential

• Development to reach Chartered status
• Coachable with potential for Principal Mechanical Engineer within 5 years

• A multi-disciplined environment with opportunities to learn with like-minded colleagues.
• 1pm Friday finish.
• Competitive salary and 25 days holiday including Christmas.
• Fantastic and supportive onboarding to ensure joiners are well integrated and comfortable at Taylor Hobson.
• Generous matched pension scheme.
• Life assurance.
• Option to join private health plan.
• Enhanced maternity pay.
• We are invested in developing your skills and will promote and encourage progression…