At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop innovative optical systems for next-gen adaptive lenses.
- Company: Join a cutting-edge optical technology company in Oxfordshire.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, collaborative environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a team redefining visual technology and making a global impact.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical Engineering and experience in precision product design.
- Other info: Exciting R&D phase with strong investment and career advancement opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
An innovative optical technology company based in Oxfordshire is seeking an experienced Mechanical Design Engineer to join its expanding R&D team. The successful candidate will bring strong expertise in the hands-on design and development of precision, complex systems, supporting novel research initiatives and contributing directly to the development of a next-generation adaptive lens system. This is a rare opportunity to join a well-funded, highly creative organisation that is poised to redefine the way we see the world.
About the Company
Operating at the intersection of ophthalmics and advanced optics, the company develops cutting-edge ophthalmic solutions for use across optical systems, AR/VR/XR platforms, and machine vision applications. Widely recognised as leaders in adaptive lens technology, they collaborate with major global consumer electronics and technology brands to create innovative solutions that enhance visual performance. Their proprietary adaptive lens system has the potential to significantly transform visual capability within modern AR/VR/XR technologies. Following strong interest from the consumer technology sector, the company is now entering an exciting new phase of its R&D programme — scaling both its technical capabilities and engineering team to support continued innovation. This is an exceptional opportunity to join a fast-growing technology business, contribute to genuinely cutting-edge development, and play a pivotal role in bringing a globally impactful technology to market. The company offers an outstanding working environment built on innovation, collaboration, and technical excellence.
The Role
With continued investment and expansion, the company is growing its team and facilities to support ambitious R&D goals. They are seeking an experienced Mechanical Design Engineer with a proven track record in the hands-on design and development of precision products and systems. You will play a central role in advancing the company’s novel lens system, working closely with multidisciplinary teams to take innovative concepts from early-stage development through to production. This role requires someone who is genuinely passionate about detailed, hands-on design work and excited by the challenge of developing precision, small-scale products.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and develop company systems and component parts
- Act as a key interface between analysis and design teams
- Design and develop systems incorporating mechanisms and moving components
- Apply Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T) and conduct detailed tolerance analysis
- Perform analytical calculations and simulations to support design decisions
- Take a hands-on approach to prototyping — designing, building, and testing to enable rapid iteration
- Provide expert input on materials selection
- Advise on best-practice manufacturing techniques and production readiness
Requirements
Education
- Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Design Engineering, or equivalent practical experience
Experience
Essential
- Proven experience taking product concepts through to production, including design iteration, refinement, and design for manufacturing and assembly (DFX) considerations
- Experience designing small but ideally micro-mechanisms
- Solid understanding of:
- Injection moulding
- Micro-moulding
- Metal stamping and forming
- Metal injection moulding
- Vacuum forming
- Adhesive bonding
- Ultrasonic welding
- Radio-frequency welding
- Heat staking
Desirable
- Experience or exposure to optics or opto-mechanical engineering, including alignment considerations, optical component mounting, or light-path constraints
- Practical experience with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and/or the ability to perform hand calculations
- Ability to translate product requirements into clear, complete engineering specifications
- A flair for rapid concept generation and ideation
- Experience taking designs into pilot production and optimising them for scalable manufacture
- Knowledge of, and ability to work to, ISO 13485 (medical device compliance), including documentation, standards adherence, and design-for-risk-management
Mechanical Design Engineer in Witney employer: Scientis Search Ltd
Contact Detail:
Scientis Search Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Mechanical Design Engineer in Witney
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your design projects, prototypes, and any hands-on work you've done. This will give potential employers a tangible sense of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and being ready to discuss your design process. Practice common interview questions and think about how your experience aligns with the company's innovative projects.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our cutting-edge team.
We think you need these skills to ace Mechanical Design Engineer in Witney
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for mechanical design shine through! We want to see that you're genuinely excited about the opportunity to work on innovative projects like our adaptive lens system.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience that aligns with the job description. We love seeing how your skills in precision design and development can contribute to our R&D goals, so don’t hold back!
Be Specific: In your cover letter, be specific about your hands-on experience with design processes and tools like CAD. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so share examples of your past projects that demonstrate your expertise.
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’re considered for this exciting opportunity to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Scientis Search Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your mechanical design principles, especially around precision systems and GD&T. Be ready to discuss your past projects in detail, focusing on how you took concepts from design to production.
✨Show Your Passion
This role is all about hands-on design work, so let your enthusiasm shine through! Talk about what excites you about developing innovative optical technologies and how you’ve tackled challenges in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some deep dives into your technical knowledge, especially regarding materials selection and manufacturing techniques. Brush up on injection moulding and micro-mechanisms, and be prepared to explain your thought process during design iterations.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Demonstrate your interest in the company by asking questions about their R&D goals and the specific challenges they face with their adaptive lens system. This shows you’re not just looking for a job, but are genuinely interested in contributing to their mission.