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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design of innovative outdoor products from concept to production.
- Company: Join a dynamic outdoor products manufacturer with a focus on creativity and functionality.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work model, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by turning ideas into high-performance products in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical or Product Design Engineering and strong CAD skills required.
- Other info: Collaborative team culture with a passion for the outdoors and practical problem-solving.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 60000 £ per year.
Product / Mechanical Design Engineer (Opto-Mechanical Systems)
Overview
A growing technology company developing advanced sensing and instrumentation products is seeking a Product / Mechanical Design Engineer to join its multidisciplinary R&D team. The organisation builds next-generation hardware systems that combine mechanical, optical, and product-focused engineering, with a strong emphasis on hands-on development and rapid iteration.
This is an opportunity to join a fast-moving development environment where you’ll contribute directly to real-world products, working across concept, design, prototyping, and validation. The role is primarily based on-site to support collaboration and hands-on system development, with some flexibility for hybrid working where appropriate.
The Role
You will play a key part in the development of complex hardware products, with a particular focus on opto-mechanical systems and productised hardware. The role blends mechanical design, practical prototyping, and cross-disciplinary collaboration, working closely with engineers from adjacent domains.
You’ll be expected to take a systematic, hands-on approach to problem solving and to operate effectively in a dynamic, evolving product development environment.
Key Responsibilities
Design and develop mechanical and opto-mechanical hardware for product-focused systems
Produce detailed 3D CAD models, assemblies, and technical drawings
Support materials selection and manufacturing process decisions
Build and iterate prototypes using in-house and external fabrication methods (e.g. 3D printing, machining, laser cutting, cable assembly)
Contribute to system integration, testing, and validation activities
Create and maintain technical documentation including specifications, drawings, BOMs, and build instructions
Work closely with cross-functional teams to deliver robust, manufacturable product designs
Support continuous improvement of designs, processes, and documentation
Required Qualifications & Experience
Degree, HND, or equivalent industrial experience in Mechanical Engineering, Engineering, or a related discipline
Around 3+ years’ experience in product development within a multidisciplinary R&D or product development environment
Demonstrated experience developing opto-mechanical or precision hardware systems
Strong grounding in mechanical design principles, materials, and common manufacturing processes
Proficiency in 3D CAD (SolidWorks or similar), including complex assemblies and detailed drawings
Hands-on prototyping experience (e.g. SLA/FDM 3D printing, basic machining, laser cutting, cable assembly)
Comfortable working in a fast-paced, evolving development environment
Desirable Experience
Experience producing clear technical documentation (specifications, test procedures, build instructions, revision control, BOMs)
Background in a start-up, scale-up, or new product development environment
Exposure to product design or user-focused design considerations
Working knowledge of electronics, firmware, or adjacent engineering disciplines
What’s on Offer
Opportunity to work on cutting-edge, real-world hardware products
High-impact role in a growing, technology-focused organisation
Hands-on involvement across the full product development lifecycle
Collaborative, multidisciplinary engineering environment
Strong scope for technical growth and ownership
Design Engineer employer: Platform Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Platform Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the design and engineering fields. Attend industry events or join online forums where you can meet potential employers or colleagues. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your portfolio! Make sure you have a solid collection of your best work ready to share. Whether it’s through a personal website or a PDF, having tangible examples of your design projects can really set you apart during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those technical interviews! Brush up on your CAD skills and be ready to discuss your design process in detail. Practising common interview questions related to product development can help you feel more confident when it’s time to shine.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might just be the perfect fit for you. Plus, applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other candidates. So, what are you waiting for? Get your application in!
We think you need these skills to ace Design Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills: Make sure to highlight your 3D CAD skills and any relevant experience in product design. We want to see how your creativity and technical expertise can shine through in your application!
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Design Engineer role. We love seeing candidates who take the time to connect their experience with what we’re looking for.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured documents that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and passion for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Platform Recruitment
✨Know Your Design Tools
Make sure you’re well-versed in the CAD software mentioned in the job description, like Fusion 360 or SolidWorks. Bring examples of your previous work to showcase your skills and be ready to discuss how you’ve used these tools in past projects.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to discuss specific challenges you've faced in product design and how you overcame them. Think about times when you had to optimise designs for production or resolve issues with manufacturers, as this will demonstrate your practical problem-solving abilities.
✨Understand the Product Lifecycle
Familiarise yourself with the full lifecycle of product development, from concept to production. Be ready to talk about your experience in each phase and how you’ve contributed to driving innovation and improving product performance in your previous roles.
✨Passion for the Outdoors
Since the company focuses on outdoor products, express your enthusiasm for the outdoors and how it influences your design philosophy. Share any personal experiences or projects that highlight your passion for functional, well-built design in outdoor settings.
