Mechanical Design Team Leader

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Due to an internal promotion, we have an opportunity for a Team Leader in our Mechanical Engineering Design team. This role is based at our brand-new, cutting-edge manufacturing and development facility at Severn Beach, Bristol. As a Mechanical Design Team Leader, you will use your leadership and decision-making qualities to lead, develop and manage a team of talented professional Design Engineers.

You will support both new product development, continuous improvement and lifecycle management of semiconductor manufacturing equipment. You will work closely with other designers, applications process engineers, and operations teams to deliver challenging engineering solutions, such as working with extreme temperatures, high vacuum, fluid flow, safety compliance and precision control.

You do not need line manager experience if you can demonstrate your commitment to developing and improving people's performance and building relationships across the business. You may have heard the term ‘emotional intelligence’; this capability will ensure your success, with the support of your line manager, to develop your career. This role offers the opportunity to learn more about how a business works while providing the flexibility for your unique capabilities to influence how this role continues to develop.

• Develop and perform the management of your team, ensuring their continuing professional development. Act as a mentor across the Engineering Department.
• Deliver component and device conception and design, 3D solid models, detail drawings and modifications.
• Carry out Design Verification and Validation activities through calculation, simulation and prototype testing.
• Ensure all work complies with our company standards and relevant regulatory and industry standards (e.g. BS, EN, Semi standards).
• Provide technical information required for the Technical File, manuals and other documentation.
• Collaborate with other designers and departments to ensure specifications are precise and complete.
• Work as a team with other departments to translate the technical requirements into structured modular designs.
• Lead the problem-solving process and Root Cause Analysis activities on issues during manufacture, test or customer sites using structured problem-solving techniques.
• Be empowered to propose and lead continuous Improvement of both products and departmental processes.
• Lead (and, where applicable, coordinate activity on) Engineering Design projects to deliver quality solutions effectively and on time.
• Take responsibility and accountability for work packages/projects allocated and timelines, reporting and escalating to the manager and stakeholders where necessary.
• Be proficient in using 3D CAD (Solidedge), PLM software, Excel, Word and Outlook.
• General drawing office duties and admin, including maintenance of accurate, up-to-date drawings, Work Instructions and documentation.
• Take personal responsibility for and prioritise health, safety, and environmental protection.
• Alongside the manager, take ownership of personal and professional development.

• Degree qualified in relevant discipline (preferred)

• Experience in the design of mechanical systems and mechanisms.
• Experience in design verification & validation through calculation, simulation and prototype testing.
• Ability to lead and deliver work scopes and design projects with a cross‑disciplinary team.
• Knowledge of machined components, sheet metal fabrication, welding, and other manufacturing and assembly methods.
• Strong problem‑solving and Root Cause Analysis skills.
• Professional engineering drawing/design best practice.
• Commercial awareness of product costs, reliability and safety issues.

In addition to a competitive starting salary, Oxford Instruments also offers structured career development opportunities, a good work‑life balance, private healthcare, a share incentive plan, 25 days annual leave, half‑days on Fridays, a defined contribution Group Personal Pension Plan, and a flexible benefits package that you can tailor to your own requirements.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and would ask you to get in touch if you are concerned about any barriers you feel you may be facing in your application process with us.

Note to recruitment agencies:
Oxford Instruments operates a Preferred Supplier List, and we do not accept unsolicited agency CVs. Please do not forward candidate details in response to this advert, or to any Oxford Instruments employees or other company locations. Oxford Instruments is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited CVs.