At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop innovative wearable AR systems 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 biannual salary reviews.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for hands-on prototyping and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real-world impact by revolutionising the construction industry with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical Engineering and 3-5 years of product development experience required.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
Location: Reading, UK (Hybrid)
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
XYZ Reality is developing the next generation of wearable augmented reality products for the construction industry — helmet-mounted systems that must perform reliably in some of the most demanding industrial environments in the world. We are looking for a talented Mechanical Engineer to join our Hardware team and take a hands-on role in designing, certifying, and delivering these products. Working closely with our Senior Mechanical Engineer and a multidisciplinary R&D team, you'll be involved across the full product development cycle — from concept and prototyping through certification, manufacturing readiness, and production transition. This is a role for someone who is practical, detail-oriented, and passionate about building innovative physical products — someone who takes ownership, gets into the workshop as readily as they get into CAD, and wants to see their engineering make a real-world difference.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Design and develop helmet-mounted AR systems and accessories using SolidWorks — producing 3D models, assemblies, engineering drawings, and full production documentation to a high standard.
- Support ANSI Type II and EN397 certification programmes — designing for compliance from the outset, coordinating with certification bodies and testing laboratories, and supporting environmental, drop, impact, vibration, and ingress testing activities.
- Integrate sensor systems, batteries, antennas, optics, cameras, and electronics into compact wearable platforms — with attention to thermal management, electronics packaging, and wearable ergonomics throughout.
- Lead and support DFM and DFA activities — ensuring designs are manufacturable at scale, generating assembly instructions and engineering change documentation, and supporting production introduction and manufacturing transition.
- Work with external suppliers, contract manufacturers, and certification laboratories — managing relationships, reviewing outputs, and ensuring components and systems meet design intent and regulatory requirements.
- Collaborate closely with Hardware, Embedded, Production, Software, and R&D teams — participating in concept generation, design reviews, prototyping, and validation activities across the full development programme.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Product Design Engineering, or a related discipline, with 3–5 years of product development experience from concept through prototype and into production.
- Strong SolidWorks CAD experience — including 3D modelling, assemblies, engineering drawings, and manufacturing documentation — with a solid grasp of tolerance analysis, material selection, and mechanical design principles.
- Practical, hands-on prototyping and workshop skills, with experience working across manufacturing processes including injection moulding, machining, sheet metal fabrication, and additive manufacturing.
- Experience working with external suppliers and manufacturers, and comfortable operating within a fast-paced, multidisciplinary engineering team. Familiarity with PPE, wearable products, or certification standards (ANSI, EN397, CE, UKCA) is a strong advantage.
KEY EXPERIENCE & SKILLS
- SolidWorks CAD — 3D design, assemblies & engineering drawings
- ANSI Type II / EN397 certification & regulatory testing
- Wearable product design — helmets, PPE & head-mounted systems
- DFM / DFA & manufacturing transition support
- Sensor, optics, battery & electronics integration into wearables
- Hands-on prototyping, practical workshop & problem-solving skills
BENEFITS
- 25 days annual leave + public holidays
- Private healthcare with Vitality
- Christmas shutdown days on top of leave allowance (2–4 per year usually)
- Hybrid working
- Biannual salary reviews
- Summer & Christmas staff parties
- Employee referral scheme
- Make a real-world impact of revolutionising the construction industry
Mechanical Engineer (PPE/Wearable Hardware Focussed) in Reading 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 Mechanical Engineer (PPE/Wearable Hardware Focussed) in Reading
✨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 Mechanical Engineer (PPE/Wearable Hardware Focussed) in Reading
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 Mechanical Engineer (PPE/Wearable Hardware Focussed) 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.
