At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design of innovative LiDAR tools for real-time mapping.
- Company: Exciting robotics start-up backed by £4M funding.
- Benefits: 25 days holiday, share options, and training in robotics.
- Other info: Hybrid work model with excellent growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a fast-paced environment and make a real impact in tech.
- Qualifications: 5+ years CAD experience and a degree in relevant engineering fields.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 65000 £ per year.
Want to lead hardware development at a cutting-edge robotics start-up? Do you thrive in fast-paced, hands-on product environments? Ready to design LiDAR-enabled tools that map the real world in real time? We’re partnered with a high-growth UK-based start-up spun out of a leading university research institute. The company is developing handheld LiDAR and SLAM-based systems for real-time spatial mapping—already used across construction, geospatial, and critical infrastructure sectors. Backed by £4M in funding and preparing for Series A, they’re hiring a Lead Product Design Engineer to lead hardware development and scale production operations.
Responsibilities
- Lead mechanical design across R&D and production
- Drive CAD development (SolidWorks) and prototyping (3D printing, injection moulding)
- Manage supplier relationships, compliance, and certification
- Scale operations from small batch to high-quality production
- Collaborate closely with electronics and firmware teams
- Mentor a small but growing hardware team
Requirements
- 5+ years of CAD/mechanical design experience (SolidWorks ideal)
- Degree in Mechanical, Mechatronics or Product Design Engineering
- Experience designing and producing end-user physical products
- Manufacturing, assembly, and procurement experience
- Basic electronics knowledge (PCBs, sensors, firmware)
- Strong ownership mindset and appetite for startup pace
Bonus if you have:
- Leadership experience in hardware teams
- Experience with sensors (LiDAR, cameras, GPS)
- Background at companies like Dyson, Siemens, aerospace, robotics, or automotive
Location: Oxford (hybrid, 3–4 days onsite)
Benefits:
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays
- Share options scheme
- Annual performance and salary review
- Training in robotics and spatial AI
Please apply if interested.
Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Engineering and Research
Industries: Software Development and Construction
Lead Product Design Engineer employer: Harnham Search & Selection
Join a dynamic and innovative robotics start-up in Oxford, where you'll lead the charge in developing cutting-edge LiDAR technology. With a strong focus on employee growth, the company offers 25 days of holiday, share options, and training in robotics and spatial AI, all within a collaborative and fast-paced work culture that values hands-on experience and creativity. This is an exceptional opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a high-growth environment backed by significant funding.
Contact Details:
Harnham Search & Selection Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Product Design Engineer
✨Get Involved with Mechatronics Communities
Dive into the mechatronics community! Attend local meetups or workshops, where you can connect with professionals and learn about upcoming opportunities. Joining forums or social media groups specific to mechatronics can also help you tap into the job market in a more focused way.
✨Showcase Your Skills through Projects
Work on personal or collaborative projects that highlight your mechatronics skills. Whether it's building a robot or developing a smart device, these projects can serve as fantastic talking points during interviews and even make their way into your portfolio. Trust us, employers love to see practical evidence of what you can do!
✨Research Potential Employers
Before applying to roles like the one at Harnham Search & Selection, do a bit of homework. Understand their projects and technologies they are using. Tailor your application to reflect how you can contribute specifically to their goals and challenges. Even mentioning specific projects during interviews can impress.
✨Connect Directly with Hiring Managers
When you find a job opening that excites you—like the Lead Product Design Engineer at Harnham Search & Selection—consider reaching out directly to the hiring manager. A quick and polite message expressing your enthusiasm and a bit about your background can set you apart from the crowd. Who knows, it might just catch their eye!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Product Design Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the field of mechatronics, it's crucial to highlight your technical competencies. Make sure your CV lists relevant skills like programming languages, control systems, and any software you’re proficient in. Don’t forget about any projects you’ve successfully completed that illustrate your hands-on experience!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got certifications in areas like robotics or automation, definitely mention them! These can set you apart from other candidates and show your commitment to ongoing learning. We want to see that you’re not just relying on your degree but actively expanding your knowledge in mechatronics.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, don’t just repeat your CV; tell us why you're passionate about mechatronics! Share your motivations for wanting to work at Harnham Search & Selection and how you can contribute to the team. Highlight any specific experiences that led you to pursue a full-time role in this exciting field.
Tailor Your Application for the Role:Make sure to tailor every application to the specific role of Lead Product Design Engineer. Mention how your particular experiences and education align with the requirements listed in the job description. We appreciate when candidates take the time to connect their skills to our needs at Harnham Search & Selection!
How to prepare for a job interview at Harnham Search & Selection
✨Master Your Technical Skills
In mechatronics, they’ll likely throw some technical questions your way, so make sure you're up to speed on the fundamentals. Brush up on your knowledge of robotics, control systems, and automation technology. Think about practical applications of these concepts too—real-world examples can really set you apart!
✨Showcase Your Projects
Prepare a portfolio that highlights your hands-on projects, whether from uni or personal work. This could include anything from robotics systems you've built to programming projects. Being able to talk through your thought process and problem-solving methods will show them that you not only know your stuff but can also apply it practically.
✨Prepare for Teamwork Scenarios
Since full-time roles can often involve collaboration, be ready to discuss how you've worked in teams before. Think about experiences where you’ve tackled complex projects, clarified roles, or resolved conflicts. It's important to demonstrate that you're not just a technical whizz, but also a team player.
✨Understand Industry Trends
Keep an eye on emerging technologies and recent advancements in mechatronics. If you’re aware of the latest in AI within engineering, for example, you can ask insightful questions or reference how you’d adapt your skills to new developments. This shows not only your passion for the field but also that you’re prepared for the future!
