Mechanical Engineer - Micro Mechanisms & Precision Systems

Job Description Mechanical Engineer Micro-Mechanisms & Precision SystemsAn innovative optical technology company based in Oxfordshire is seeking a Mechanical Engineer specialising in the design and development of micro-mechanisms and precision mechanical systems to join its growing R&D team.This role is ideal for a creative, hands-on mechanical engineer who enjoys ideation, early-stage concept development, and detailed mechanism design, and who is motivated by solving complex engineering challenges at very small scales.You will play a key role in the development of a next-generation adaptive optical platform, working from first principles and early concepts through prototyping, testing, and transition into scalable manufacture.About the CompanyThe company operates at the intersection of ophthalmics, optics, and advanced mechanical engineering, developing novel adaptive lens technologies for applications across AR/VR/XR, machine vision, and next-generation optical systems.Its proprietary adaptive lens technology has generated significant interest from leading global consumer electronics and technology companies. As a result, the business is entering an exciting new phase of growth, expanding its R&D capability and investing in both facilities and talent.The culture is collaborative, technically ambitious, and strongly focused on engineering excellence an environment where innovative ideas are encouraged, explored, and realised.The RoleAs a Mechanical Engineer with a focus on micro-mechanisms and precision systems, you will contribute across the full product development lifecycle. The role places strong emphasis on concept generation, mechanism architecture, and detailed mechanical design, alongside hands-on prototyping and testing.You will work on mechanisms at watch-scale and below, helping to define how the system works mechanically as well as how it is manufactured, assembled, and scaled.This is a high-ownership role offering genuine influence over technical direction and design decisions.Key ResponsibilitiesYou will:Generate and develop early-stage concepts for micro-mechanisms and precision systems, exploring multiple design approaches and architecturesDesign micro-mechanisms and precision mechanical assemblies (e.g. bearings, gears, threads, linkages) for optical and opto-mechanical applicationsTranslate high-level functional requirements into robust, detailed mechanism designsBuild, assemble, and test prototypes to validate performance and rapidly iterate designsIntegrate mechanical systems into complex optical platformsSelect appropriate materials, balancing performance, reliability, and manufacturabilityApply DFM/DFA principles and advise on best-practice manufacturing techniquesWork closely with suppliers and manufacturing partners to realise designsContribute to technical documentation, risk management, and design reviews in a regulated development environmentRequirementsEducationDegree in Mechanical Engineering, Design Engineering, or equivalent practical experienceEssential Experience & SkillsProven experience taking mechanical products from concept through to productionStrong capability in ideation, concept development, and mechanism synthesisExperience designing precision mechanical systems and/or micro-mechanismsA hands-on approach to prototyping, testing, and iterative developmentSolid understanding of manufacturing processes, including:Injection moulding and micro-mouldingMetal stamping and formingMetal injection mouldingVacuum formingKnowledge of joining processes such as:Adhesive bondingUltrasonic weldingRadio-frequency weldingHeat stakingStrong materials knowledge, particularly polymers and metalsProficiency in CAD (SolidWorks preferred)Experience working within ISO 13485 or similar regulated design environmentsDesirableCompetence in GD&T and experience performing tolerance analysisExposure to optics or opto-mechanical design, including alignment or mounting considerationsExperience with FEA and/or analytical hand calculationsAbility to translate product requirements into clear engineering specificationsExperience supporting pilot production and optimising designs for scale-upWhy Join?Work on genuinely novel technology with global impactStrong emphasis on creative engineering and early-stage design thinkingHigh ownership role with involvement from concept to productionCollaborative, technically driven cultureOpportunity to grow with a fast-scaling technology company

Created: 2026-03-07