Design Engineer in Nottingham

Founded in 2020, Cerca Magnetics Limited’s (Cerca) goal is to make a real difference to people’s lives through technological advances. Working in partnership with The University of Nottingham and Magnetic Shields Limited, we have commercialised the world’s most advanced wearable functional brain scanner. Our device measures the magnetic fields within the brain using Optically‑Pumped Magnetometers (OPMs) and due to its lightweight design can be worn by both adults and children whilst allowing them to move during a scan. Following initial research‑market sales, we are continuing to develop our technology and engineering capability as we progress toward future regulated medical‑device applications.

Description of the role: As a Design Engineer, you will help develop mechanical and physical product solutions for Cerca’s wearable OPM‑MEG system. You will support the full product development lifecycle, from early concept generation through to detailed design, prototype build, testing, design transfer and product improvement. This is a hands‑on role for someone who enjoys solving complex engineering problems, working across disciplines, and creating robust designs suitable for manufacture, assembly, inspection, usability and long‑term reliability. The role is suited to a capable engineer who has experience working through structured product development processes and is ready to take ownership of design activities within a growing, innovative engineering company.

Key role focus areas:

• Product design & development: Develop mechanical and physical product solutions for Cerca’s wearable OPM‑MEG system, taking concepts through detailed design, prototype build, testing and release.
• Full lifecycle design ownership: Produce and maintain 2D/3D CAD models, manufacturing drawings, design specifications, tolerance analysis, material specifications and design‑for‑manufacture outputs.
• Requirements & design inputs: Work with engineering, research and commercial teams to understand product requirements and translate them into clear, practical design solutions.
• Design evaluation & testing: Develop and support test plans, test procedures, design evaluations, prototype testing, inspection activities and technical reports to demonstrate that designs meet requirements.
• Design for Manufacture & Assembly: Apply DFMA principles to ensure designs are practical, repeatable, cost‑effective and suitable for low‑volume or scalable manufacture.
• Supplier & manufacturing support: Work with internal teams and external suppliers to assess manufacturing feasibility, resolve technical issues and support build activities.
• Engineering documentation: Create and maintain clear design documentation, including drawings, specifications, calculations, test reports and design rationale.
• Product improvement: Support design changes, problem‑solving activities and continuous improvement as products and processes evolve.
• Cross‑functional collaboration: Work closely with engineers, scientists, software specialists, manufacturing, quality and commercial colleagues to deliver integrated product solutions.

Required skills & experience:

• Engineering degree (e.g., BSc/HND in Mechanical Engineering) or equivalent experience.
• Demonstrable experience in product or mechanical design engineering, including concept development, 3D CAD, detailed drawings, prototyping, testing and design improvement.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD software, ideally Onshape, Siemens NX or similar.
• Ability to produce high‑quality engineering documentation, including design specifications, manufacturing drawings, calculations, test plans, test reports and design rationale.
• Good understanding of Design for Manufacture and Assembly, including tolerance analysis, material selection, manufacturing processes and supplier engagement.
• Experience designing with a range of materials and manufacturing processes, balancing performance, durability, weight, cost and manufacturability.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with confidence working across technical, manufacturing and supplier‑facing activities.
• Self‑motivated, pragmatic and comfortable working in a small, fast‑moving engineering team.

Desirable (nice to have):

• Experience with FEA or other analytical tools, structural analysis, tolerance stack‑up analysis or mathematical modelling.
• Experience with advanced manufacturing techniques, low‑volume manufacturing, specialist materials or precision assemblies.
• Experience in magnetic shielding, sensing, low‑noise environments, neuroimaging, scientific instrumentation or complex electromechanical systems.
• Familiarity with quality documentation practices or working within a structured QMS under ISO 9001.

What you will bring to Cerca:

• Product development ownership — the ability to take ideas from concept into robust, documented and manufacturable designs.
• Practical engineering judgement — balancing technical performance, manufacturability, usability, cost and reliability.
• Attention to detail — producing clear, accurate design outputs that support manufacture, testing and future development.
• Problem‑solving ability — approaching complex technical challenges with creativity, structure and pragmatism.
• Collaborative energy — working closely with engineers, scientists, software specialists, manufacturing colleagues and suppliers to deliver effective solutions.
• Passion for impact — helping make advanced brain‑imaging technology more accessible, usable and impactful.

In line with the Equality Act 2010, Cerca understands and appreciates the importance of equality, diversity and inclusion, both in work and in life. We therefore actively encourage applications from all backgrounds, as we believe a more diverse team is a more successful team! We look forward to hearing from you.