Mechanical Engineer / Design Engineer in Bristol

HaloBraid is redefining haircare by building the world's first intelligent braiding robot, to reduce hair braiding appointment times from hours to minutes. We have proven the technology with a working prototype, completed thousands of braids in testing, and we are nearing the end of R&D. We are searching for a Mechanical Engineer who wants to help bring this future to life.

You will be on the forefront of invention, taking complex mechanisms from prototype to polished product, collaborating with industrial design, and shaping an entirely new category of robotics.

• Design and develop mechanical components and sub-assemblies using 3D CAD (Onshape), from early concepts through production-ready designs.
• Build, test, and iterate quickly - prototype mechanisms, run bench testing, and refine designs based on performance, reliability, and usability.
• Support system-level development by integrating mechanical designs with motors, actuators, sensors, and embedded systems.
• Apply DFM / DFA principles to improve manufacturability, cost, and robustness as designs move toward low- and mid-volume production.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with industrial design, controls, and manufacturing partners to bring cohesive products to life.
• Document designs and learn best practices for hardware development, testing, and release.

• 2-4+ years of professional experience in a hands-on mechanical or design engineering role.
• Comfortable working in 3D CAD (Onshape preferred) and producing clear, well-communicated designs.
• Hands-on and practical - excited to build, test, fail fast and improve physical systems.
• Interested in mechanisms and mechatronics, including motors, actuators, linkages, and precision machines.
• Ability to understand customers and clients to create a user-centric device.
• A strong collaborator who communicates clearly and is open to feedback.
• Motivated to grow quickly, take increasing ownership, and learn from experienced engineers.
• Self-motivated and driven to work on a world-changing technology.

• Familiarity with manufacturing processes such as injection moulding, CNC machining, sheet metal, or similar.
• Experience with hands-on rapid prototyping (3D printing, laser cutting, hand tools & basic machining).
• Exposure to at least part of the product development lifecycle, from R&D, concept through validation, pilot builds, or launch.

• If you want to change an industry with breakthrough hardware and leave a mark on both engineering and culture at HaloBraid, this is the place for you.
• Defining a new category: Be part of the team building the world's first hair braiding robot to help stylists build their business.
• Mission with meaning: Reduce a six-hour process to minutes, transform stylist income, and reimagine hairstyling.
• Backed by the best: Supported by top investors, advisors, and partners as we move from R&D to launch.
• Culture that creates: Purposeful, efficient, supportive, and open to ideation and critique.
• Impact without ceilings: If it’s mission-critical and unowned, it’s yours.

This role is based in the UK at the Paintworks in Bristol's creative quarter.

We have an in-person office and believe the best engineering breakthroughs happen together. We offer a competitive salary, 28 days holiday + bank holidays and a range of other benefits.