At a Glance
- Tasks: Design cutting-edge mechanical systems for advanced semiconductor manufacturing.
- Company: Join Oxford Instruments, a leader in micro- and nano-scale engineering tools.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible benefits, and 25 days annual leave.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of innovation, impacting industries like medical devices and electric vehicles.
- Qualifications: Experience in mechanical design and strong problem-solving skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
We are excited to announce an opportunity to join our Mechanical Engineering Design team at our brand-new, cutting-edge manufacturing and development facility in Severn Beach, Bristol. This is your chance to work at the forefront of innovation, contributing to advanced semiconductor manufacturing equipment that supports breakthroughs across medical devices, electric vehicles, and quantum technologies.
The Role
As a Senior Mechanical Designer, you will play a critical role in new product development, continuous improvement, and lifecycle management. You’ll collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to solve complex engineering challenges, including systems involving high vacuum, extreme temperatures, fluid flow, safety compliance, and precision control.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver high-quality mechanical designs, including 3D models, detailed drawings, and product modifications
- Conduct design verification and validation through calculation, simulation, and prototype testing
- Ensure compliance with company, regulatory, and industry standards (BS, EN, SEMI)
- Produce and maintain accurate technical documentation, including manuals and technical files
- Collaborate across teams to ensure clear, complete, and manufacturable design specifications
- Translate technical requirements into structured, modular design solutions
- Lead problem-solving and root cause analysis across manufacturing, testing, and customer challenges
- Drive and contribute to continuous improvement across products and processes
- Lead design projects to deliver solutions on time and to quality
- Take ownership of assigned work packages, ensuring effective communication with stakeholders
- Maintain accurate drawings, work instructions, and documentation
- Uphold health, safety, and environmental best practices
About You
You are a proactive and technically strong engineer with:
- Experience in mechanical system and mechanism design
- Proven capability in design verification & validation (calculation, simulation, testing)
- Experience leading or contributing to projects within cross-functional teams
- Knowledge of manufacturing processes including machining, fabrication, welding, and assembly
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, including root cause analysis
- Proficiency in 3D CAD (e.g. Solid Edge), PLM systems, and standard engineering tools
- A solid understanding of engineering best practices and commercial considerations
- Ability to analyse data and make informed engineering decisions
- Degree qualified (preferred) or HNC/equivalent accepted
About Us
At Oxford Instruments Plasma Technology, we develop world-leading tools for engineering micro- and nano-scale structures. Our technologies enable innovation across industries, helping customers push the boundaries of science and technology.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary
- 25 days annual leave + half-day Fridays
- Private healthcare
- Share incentive plan
- Pension scheme
- Flexible benefits tailored to your needs
- Structured career development opportunities
- A collaborative environment with excellent work-life balance
Apply now and be part of something extraordinary.
Senior Mechanical Designer in Bristol employer: Oxford Instruments
At Oxford Instruments Plasma Technology, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work environment at our state-of-the-art facility in Severn Beach, Bristol. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our structured career development opportunities, competitive benefits including private healthcare and a share incentive plan, and a strong emphasis on work-life balance, making it an ideal place for innovative minds to thrive and contribute to groundbreaking advancements in technology.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Mechanical Designer in Bristol
✨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 Oxford Instruments.
✨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 Oxford Instruments love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of Oxford Instruments 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 Senior Mechanical Designer in Bristol
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 Oxford Instruments and the Senior Mechanical Designer 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 Oxford Instruments
✨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 Oxford Instruments.
✨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 Oxford Instruments.
✨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 Oxford Instruments, making you a more appealing candidate.
