At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the mechanical engineering team to innovate wearable technology for the construction industry.
- Company: Join XYZ Reality, pioneers of engineering-grade Augmented Reality solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days leave, private healthcare, hybrid work, and fun office events.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for mentorship and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real-world impact by revolutionising safety in construction with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical Engineering and 10+ years in product development required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Job title: Head of Mechanical Engineering (Wearable Systems & PPE)
Location: London, UK (Hybrid - 3 days per week in-office)
ABOUT XYZ REALITY
XYZ Reality are the creators of the world's first and only engineering-grade Augmented Reality solution, purpose built for the construction industry. Not only have we created this holographic technology, that sits within The Atom — a smart, site-safe headset/hardhat — but we implement it on projects, utilising the power of AR to ensure that all schemes are completed in line with delivery timescales and budgets.
XYZ has grown to over 100 staff across the UK, US & Europe and is working with Mission Critical organisations & construction companies to successfully deliver major projects.
THE ROLE
We are seeking an experienced Head of Mechanical Engineering to lead the mechanical architecture, certification strategy, and industrialisation of our wearable technology platforms. This is a senior technical leadership role responsible for defining and driving 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 company's 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 experience in 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
- Impact protection systems & structural safety design
- 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 + public holidays
- Private healthcare with Vitality
- Christmas shutdown days on top of leave allowance (2–4 per year usually)
- Office located within a 5‑minute walk from Angel station
- Hybrid working
- Biannual salary reviews
- Summer & Christmas staff parties
- Free lunch bought in and after‑work gathering/drinks every other Thursday in the office
- Employee referral scheme
- Make a real‑world impact of revolutionising the construction industry
Head of Mechanical Engineering – Wearable Systems, PPE employer: XYZ Reality
XYZ Reality is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in London where innovation thrives. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, you will have access to professional development opportunities and a collaborative culture that values your insights. Enjoy comprehensive benefits including private healthcare and generous annual leave, making it a rewarding place to advance your career in the construction data field.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Mechanical Engineering – Wearable Systems, PPE
✨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 XYZ Reality.
✨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 XYZ Reality love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of XYZ Reality 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 Head of Mechanical Engineering – Wearable Systems, PPE
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 XYZ Reality and the Head of Mechanical Engineering – Wearable Systems, PPE 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 XYZ Reality
✨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 XYZ Reality.
✨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 XYZ Reality.
✨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 XYZ Reality, making you a more appealing candidate.
