Mechanical Design Development Engineer

G&H is a world leader in optical designing, testing and manufacturing. As experts in the technology of light, G&H works with customers to provide optical systems, assemblies, and components for demanding applications. Headquartered in Ilminster Somerset, UK with primary operations in the USA and Europe, G&H is recognised for the breadth of their acousto‑optic, electro‑optic, crystal‑optic, fibre‑optic, and precision optic products. G&H is recognised as the preferred source for OEMs in the life sciences, industrial, and aerospace and defence industries, with a history of quality and excellence that dates back over seventy‑five years. Our success is built on innovation, precision, and the talent of our people. We are committed to developing capability at every stage of a career, from apprenticeships and graduate pathways through to leadership development.

This position is based at our Optical Systems Innovation Hub in St Asaph, North Wales and focuses on mechanical system design and development of new imaging and sighting systems for Aerospace & Defence. You will be working with colleagues across the business including product management and business development to support new commercial opportunities as well as operations, supporting technology transfer to manufacture. This is an exciting opportunity to join a multidisciplinary team of design development engineers working on new cutting‑edge products and applications including advanced multi‑band sighting systems for increased situational awareness that will drive and deliver sustained revenue growth.

Responsibilities

• Provide mechanical systems engineering inputs from concept through testing and on to manufacture.
• Assist with requirements capture and specification definition, sensitivity analysis, reliability analysis as required.
• Work as part of a multi‑disciplinary team.
• Produce designs of mechanical assemblies, opto‑mechanical sub‑assemblies and mechanisms for electro‑optical systems.
• Interfacing with and managing sub‑contractors and suppliers.
• Prepare presentations and reports for both formal and informal design reviews.
• Support handover of product data packs from design through to production.
• Work with Business Development and Engineering teams to support new opportunities and generate solutions for customers.
• Drive products from design, to prototyping up to environmental qualification following internal or customer‑driven NPI.
• Adherence to all Company policies, management systems and standard operational procedures, including legal responsibilities in relation to Health, Safety, Environmental and Quality.
• Working positively to develop and foster good working relationships with colleagues and contracted personnel in order to maintain a culture of mutual respect and dignity.
• Promote and display the G&H values: Customer focus, Integrity, Action, Unity, Precision.

Performance Measures

• On time delivery, cost and quality expectations of projects within his / her responsibility.
• Delivery of solutions meeting legislative and operating quality systems.

Personal Attributes

• Results orientated.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Demonstrable problem‑solving skills.
• Positive, flexible approach to working with a ‘can do’ attitude.

Skills and Abilities

• Bachelor’s degree level in Mechanical engineering.
• At least 3-5 years’ mechanical design experience within a precision industry.
• Comprehensive knowledge of 3D CAD, component design, assembly creation and production of drawings in accordance with BS.8888.
• Experience of design of precision machines and mechanisms.
• Experience of packaging electronics into systems enclosures.
• Understanding of common engineering materials and finishing techniques.
• Create and maintain technical documentation that supports the product development process including product specifications, data packs, manuals and end user instructions.
• Knowledge of finite element techniques to predict and simulate performance of proposed designs.
• Ability to create and give presentations to customers and partners.
• Knowledge of Solidworks and PDM.
• Understanding of pneumatic and hydraulic systems.
• Some experience of opto‑mechanical design would be an advantage.
• Understanding of FMEA processes (including DFMEA and Hazard/Risk analysis).
• Understanding of qualification standards (e.g. MIL, STANAG, ESCC/ECSS).
• Knowledge or experience of the full design lifecycle, including taking designs from initial negotiations through requirements capture, sub‑system design, hardware design and test to final integration.

Why Join Us

• Competitive salary, based on experience.
• Company pension (6% contribution).
• Performance‑based company bonus scheme.
• Health Cash Plan.
• £500 referral bonus for successful employee referrals.

Notes: This job description is not intended to be exhaustive in every respect, but rather to clearly define the fundamental purpose, responsibilities and dimensions for the role. Therefore, this job description does not describe any individual role holder. In addition to the contents of this job description, employees are expected to undertake all other reasonable and related tasks allocated by their line manager. The Company is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants for employment. The Company does not discriminate in employment opportunity or practices on the grounds of gender, race, religion or belief, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by national laws under which the Company operates. Potential candidates should be aware that many of the employment roles at Gooch & Housego are subject to government security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities that you may have previously held and your place of birth, could restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All UK applicants must, as a minimum, be able to successfully complete security vetting to the UK government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard, which includes a criminal record check being performed. Many roles may also require higher levels of security vetting to be completed, where applicants must typically have been continuously resident within the UK for the past five to ten years.