At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and innovation of cutting-edge opto-mechanical systems for retinal imaging.
- Company: Join Optos, a leader in retinal imaging technology with a mission to improve eye care.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, great benefits, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for mentorship and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in healthcare by shaping next-gen retinal imaging products.
- Qualifications: Degree in mechanical engineering and extensive experience in opto-mechanical design required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
- Principal Mechanical Design Engineer
Dunfermline - Permanent
ABOUT US
When a five-year-old boy was blinded after a regular eye exam failed to spot a retinal detachment, his father made it his life’s work to help eye care professionals by revolutionising retinal imaging.
Optos was founded by Douglas Anderson in 1992 with the goal to make a patient-friendly device to quickly capture the entire retina.
The experience of Douglas Anderson is a thread that runs through the company to this day and has resulted in our products being used in nearly 20,000 locations globally.
Optomap® shows up to 82% (200°) of the retina in a single-capture, offering unrivalled clarity and Optos is proud to be recognised as the leader in this field.
ROLE SUMMARY
We are seeking an experienced Principal Mechanical Design Engineer to join our Optomechanical team within the Research and Development department, based in Dunfermline.
In this senior role, you will provide technical leadership across the development of complex opto‑mechanical systems, driving innovation, setting engineering direction, and ensuring high‑quality delivery across multiple projects.
You will play a key role in shaping our technology roadmap, guiding best practice, and mentoring engineers while contributing to the creation of next‑generation retinal imaging products.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead system‑level architecture, technical strategy, and design development for opto‑mechanical solutions.
- Drive innovation and contribute to the creation of new technologies and product enhancements.
- Define design approaches and influence the wider technology roadmap and innovation strategy.
- Coordinate cross‑functional engineering activities and ensure effective project delivery.
- Oversee the transition of prototypes into product and clinical environments.
- Analyse and report experimental results to inform design decisions.
- Provide expert guidance on CAD methods, drawing standards, GD&T, and tolerance strategies.
- Review and approve drawings, BOMs, and documentation in line with PLM and quality processes.
- Lead design reviews, FMEA activities, and engineering quality improvements.
- Direct simulation, modelling, and validation activities.
- Own research programmes, validation strategies, and experimental frameworks.
- Lead root‑cause investigations and drive corrective and preventive actions.
- Optimise material selection and apply strong DFM principles across manufacturing methods.
- Advise on compliance, risk management, and complex technical challenges.
- Contribute to IP generation, patent strategy, and technical knowledge sharing.
- Collaborate with suppliers and internal stakeholders to deliver robust, manufacturable solutions.
- Mentor engineers and promote best‑practice engineering standards across the team.
- MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Degree‑level education in mechanical engineering, optomechanical engineering, or equivalent professional experience.
- Extensive experience in mechanical design, with expert technical capability in opto‑mechanical systems.
- Proven track record of delivering complex, multi‑disciplinary engineering projects.
- Extensive experience in motors and precision motion systems design and integration.
- Strong leadership, communication, and mentoring skills, with the ability to guide teams and influence technical direction.
- Demonstrated experience defining system‑level architecture, technical strategies, and design approaches.
- Hands‑on expertise with CAD tools, drawing standards, GD&T, tolerance analysis, and PLM‑based documentation control.
- Experience leading design reviews, FMEA activities, simulation, modelling, and validation processes.
- Extensive experience in thermal management of complex systems, including simulation, analysis, and performance evaluation.
- Strong understanding of DFM principles and material selection across a range of manufacturing methods.
- Experience driving innovation, contributing to technology roadmaps, and supporting IP generation and patent strategy.
- Ability to lead root‑cause analysis, implement corrective actions, and uphold engineering quality standards.
- Familiarity with compliance, risk management, and technical governance within regulated or high‑precision environments.
- Strong collaboration skills, with experience working closely with suppliers, cross‑functional teams, and internal stakeholders.
BENEFITS
At Optos, we offer a highly competitive compensation and benefits package.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, age or protected veteran status.
If you feel you have the necessary skills and experience and want to join a great team, please click on the button!
Principal Mechanical Design Engineer employer: Optos
Optos in Dunfermline is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration among highly skilled professionals. With a strong commitment to employee growth, you will have access to ongoing training and development opportunities while working on cutting-edge retinal imaging technologies that make a real difference in healthcare. Enjoy the unique advantage of being part of a team that prioritises compliance and quality, ensuring your contributions lead to meaningful advancements in medical imaging.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Mechanical Design Engineer
✨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 Optos.
✨Connect with Professors & Peers
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
When you land those interviews, make sure to talk about your hands-on projects or internships. Whether it's a design project or hands-on experience with CAD software, specific examples will make you stand out. Companies like Optos love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of Optos 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 Principal Mechanical Design Engineer
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 Optos and the Principal Mechanical 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 Optos
✨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 Optos.
✨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 Optos.
✨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 Optos, making you a more appealing candidate.
