Head of Mechanical Engineering (Wearable Systems/PPE)

Location: London Office, Hybrid.

Department: R&D.

XYZ Reality is the creator of the world’s first engineering‑grade Augmented Reality solution for the construction industry. We develop a holographic headset/hardhat called The Atom and implement it on construction projects, using AR to keep projects on schedule and within budget.

We are looking for an experienced Head of Mechanical Engineering to lead the mechanical architecture, certification strategy and industrialisation of our wearable technology platforms. This senior technical leadership role will define and drive the company’s mechanical engineering strategy across product development, certification, manufacturing readiness and deployment. Working closely with the Head of R&D, Head of Hardware and Head of Production, the successful candidate will serve as the technical authority for mechanical engineering, wearable systems, PPE certification and product industrialisation, while leading and developing a growing mechanical engineering team.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Mechanical Engineering team, providing technical direction across all mechanical development activities and defining the engineering roadmap for current and future product generations.
• Own the system‑level mechanical architecture for wearable platforms – covering helmets, optics integration, electronics packaging, thermal management, batteries, sensors, ergonomics and manufacturability.
• Lead PPE certification programmes (ANSI Type I, ANSI Type II, EN397) – acting as the primary engineering interface to certification bodies and testing laboratories.
• Drive products from concept through prototype, certification, pilot production and full‑scale manufacture, leading DFM, DFA, DFT and DFR activities.
• Develop and manage relationships with helmet manufacturers, PPE suppliers, tooling suppliers, contract manufacturers and specialist engineering partners.
• Mentor, develop and grow the mechanical engineering team while establishing engineering standards, design practices and product development processes.

Required Qualifications

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Product Design Engineering or a related discipline.
• 10+ years of product development experience with significant exposure to helmet systems, PPE, safety equipment or other wearable products.
• Demonstrated experience leading products from concept through certification and production, with direct experience of ANSI Type I, ANSI Type II and EN397 programmes.
• Expert‑level CAD capability (SolidWorks or equivalent) and experience working directly with certification bodies, testing laboratories and external manufacturing partners.

Key Experience & Skills

• Wearable electronics integration & thermal management
• Injection moulding, tooling & production scale‑up
• Strong technical leadership & stakeholder management
• International compliance & certification programmes
• Hands‑on, practical approach to engineering challenges

Benefits

• 25 days annual leave plus public holidays
• Private healthcare with Vitality
• Christmas shutdown days (2–4 per year)
• Office located within a 5‑minute walk from Angel station
• Bi‑annual salary reviews
• Free lunch and community gatherings/drinks every other Thursday in the office
• Opportunity to make a real‑world impact on the construction industry

What We Have to Offer

• Health: Our health is so incredibly important that we provide excellent health coverage.
• Flexibility: We offer flexible, hybrid and remote working options for many positions.
• Holiday: We provide five weeks holiday plus additional Christmas days, ensuring rest is a key part of productivity.
• Events: Team building is key to performance; we get together often for fun.
• Culture: We have a start‑up culture where everyone rolls up their sleeves and gets stuck in. If you’re a problem‑solver, a team player and a forward‑thinker who isn’t afraid to push the limits of what’s possible, we want you on our team!