Research and Development Engineer

Overview

A growing technology company developing advanced sensing and instrumentation products is seeking a Product / Mechanical Design Engineer to join its multidisciplinary R&D team. The organisation builds next-gen hardware systems that combine mechanical, optical, and product-focused engineering, with a strong emphasis on hands‑on development and rapid iteration.

This is an opportunity to join a fast‑moving development environment where you'll contribute directly to real‑world products, working across concept, design, prototyping, and validation. The role is primarily based on‑site to support collaboration and hands‑on system development, with some flexibility for hybrid working where appropriate.

You will play a key part in the development of complex hardware products, with a particular focus on opto‑mechanical systems and productised hardware. The role blends mechanical design, practical prototyping, and cross‑disciplinary collaboration, working closely with engineers from adjacent domains.

You'll be expected to take a systematic, hands‑on approach to problem solving and to operate effectively in a dynamic, evolving product development environment.

• Design and develop mechanical and opto‑mechanical hardware for product‑focused systems
• Produce detailed 3D CAD models, assemblies, and technical drawings
• Support materials selection and manufacturing process decisions
• Build and iterate prototypes using in‑house and external fabrication methods (e.g. 3D printing, machining, laser cutting, cable assembly)
• Contribute to system integration, testing, and validation activities
• Create and maintain technical documentation including specifications, drawings, BOMs, and build instructions
• Work closely with cross‑functional teams to deliver robust, manufacturable product designs
• Support continuous improvement of designs, processes, and documentation

• Degree, HND, or equivalent industrial experience in Mechanical Engineering, Engineering, or a related discipline
• Around 3+ years experience in product development within a multidisciplinary R&D or product development environment
• Demonstrated experience developing opto‑mechanical or precision hardware systems
• Strong grounding in mechanical design principles, materials, and common manufacturing processes
• Proficiency in 3D CAD (Solid Works or similar), including complex assemblies and detailed drawings
• Hands‑on prototyping experience (e.g. SLA/FDM 3D printing, basic machining, laser cutting, cable assembly)
• Comfortable working in a fast‑paced, evolving development environment

• Experience producing clear technical documentation (specifications, test procedures, build instructions, revision control, BOMs)
• Background in a start‑up, scale‑up, or new product development environment
• Exposure to product design or user‑focused design considerations
• Working knowledge of electronics, firmware, or adjacent engineering disciplines

• Opportunity to work on cutting‑edge, real‑world hardware products
• High‑impact role in a growing, technology‑focused organisation
• Hands‑on involvement across the full product development lifecycle
• Collaborative, multidisciplinary engineering environment
• Strong scope for technical growth and ownership