At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and build innovative actuation systems using cutting-edge technology.
- Company: Join Photonic Muscle, a pioneering company in robotics and automation.
- Benefits: Flexible contract options, hands-on experience, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for rapid career growth in an exciting field.
- Why this job: Be part of a team creating real-world solutions with light-driven artificial muscles.
- Qualifications: Mechanical Engineering or Mechatronics experience with strong hardware development skills.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
Cheltenham, UK | Mechanical / Mechatronics | Fractional to Full-Time
Photonic Muscle is developing light-driven artificial muscles for robotics, wearables, automation and physical AI.
We are moving from materials IP into real products and working demonstrators, and we're looking for a hands-on
Product Development Engineer to join our R&D activity in
Cheltenham .
This is not a role centred around presentations and theoretical concepts.
We want someone who enjoys building hardware: designing mechanisms, making prototypes, testing them, finding out what doesn't work and rapidly improving them.
What you'll work on
You'll design and build complete actuation systems around Photonic Muscle technology, including:
- Mechanical mechanisms and load paths
- CAD and rapid prototyping
- Thermal behaviour and packaging
- Integration of LEDs, sensors and simple electronics
- Force, stroke, thermal and cycle-life test rigs
- Compact, presentation-quality demonstrators
- Prototype integration into existing products and mechanisms
Mechanical execution is the core of the role, but you should be comfortable working across disciplines to make a complete prototype function.
- We're looking for
- Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics or equivalent practical experience
- Approximately
- 2–5+ years of hands-on hardware development
- Strong mechanical design fundamentals
- Experience designing and building real mechanisms
- CAD capability — ideally
- Solid Works
- Rapid prototyping experience, including 3D printing and basic fabrication
- Good understanding of materials, compliant mechanisms and thermal behaviour
- Enough electronics/control knowledge to integrate complete prototypes
Experience with soft robotics, artificial muscles, SMA, wearable robotics, haptics, miniature mechanisms or thermally driven actuation would be particularly relevant.
More important than years of experience is evidence that you can actually build things.
The contract
This is a flexible contract opportunity and could be
- A defined development project
- A fixed number of days per week
- An initial development sprint
- Fractional through to effectively full-time
- The work will be based around Cheltenham
We work quickly, with a strong bias toward physical results.
Photonic Muscle — building the new physics of motion.
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Design Engineer in Cheltenham employer: Ironmonger360
At Photonic Muscle, we pride ourselves on being an innovative employer that fosters a dynamic and collaborative work culture in Cheltenham. Our team is passionate about hands-on development, offering employees the chance to engage in meaningful projects that push the boundaries of technology. With flexible contract options and a focus on rapid prototyping, we provide ample opportunities for personal and professional growth, making us an ideal place for those looking to make a tangible impact in the field of robotics and automation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Engineer in Cheltenham
✨Get Your Hands Dirty at Engineering Events
Join local engineering meetups or industry conferences related to mechanical engineering. Whether it's a workshop or a career fair, these events are goldmines for networking and getting a foot in the door. Plus, you can showcase your passion and enthusiasm directly to potential employers like Ironmonger360.
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Tap into your university’s resources—professors often have connections in the industry. Don’t be shy to ask about potential openings or recommendations. Your classmates might also know of companies hiring. Often, it’s who you know that gets you in front of the right people!
✨Highlight Your Projects and Practical Experience
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✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of Ironmonger360 and apply directly through there. It shows initiative and interest in their specific values. Plus, you'll often find openings that aren't advertised on job boards, giving you a better chance to land that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Design Engineer in Cheltenham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Expertise:In mechanical engineering, it’s vital to highlight your technical skills and projects. Make sure to include relevant software proficiency (like CAD tools) in your CV. If you've worked on specific engineering projects, detail your key contributions — we want to see how you’ve applied your skills in a practical setting!
Focus on Problem-Solving Examples:Employers in mechanical engineering love to see how you handle challenges. Use your cover letter to share specific instances where you’ve solved a complex problem or improved a design. This will show us you're not just knowledgeable but also capable of applying that knowledge effectively.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Include any relevant certifications or training that can set you apart from the competition. Whether it's coursework from your degree, a recognised certification, or extra training in new technologies, we love to see candidates who continuously improve their skill set. This tells us you're serious about your career in engineering!
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don’t forget to customise your CV for Ironmonger360 and the Design Engineer role specifically. Pull examples from your experience that align with the job description — it shows us you've done your research and are genuinely interested in becoming part of the team. We recommend applying through our website to ensure your application gets to the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ironmonger360
✨Brush Up on Your CAD Skills
Since mechanical engineering often involves design processes, be ready to showcase your proficiency in CAD software like SolidWorks or AutoCAD. Bring along a digital portfolio or even some sketches that demonstrate your design capabilities — it’s a great way to show what you can bring to the table at Ironmonger360.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions that test your understanding of engineering principles and problem-solving skills. You might get hypothetical scenarios where you need to design a component or troubleshoot a mechanical system. Practising these types of questions will give you the confidence to tackle whatever comes your way!
✨Show Your Team Spirit
As a full-time mechanical engineer, collaboration is key! Be ready to share examples of past team projects or any experiences where you contributed to solving a complex problem with others. Demonstrating your ability to work in a team will resonate well with the interviewers at Ironmonger360.
✨Discuss Your Future Goals
Since this is a full-time position, your long-term vision is important. Be open about your career aspirations, whether it’s mastering a specific tool or leading projects. This shows that you're committed not just to learning but also to growing with Ironmonger360, making you a more appealing candidate.
