Head of Mechanical Engineering

SoCode Recruitment; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A technology recruitment firm in Cambridge is looking for a Head of Mechanical Engineering. This leadership role involves overseeing a team focused on the design and delivery of high-reliability hardware for life-saving products. Candidates should hold a degree in Mechanical Engineering, have proven experience leading teams, and a solid grasp of manufacturing methods. The role requires excellent project management and analytical problem-solving skills, with opportunities for innovation and collaboration across departments.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in mechanical engineering.
• Experience leading teams in a product-based environment.
• Solid understanding of manufacturing methods and processes.
• Solid knowledge of manufacturing methods, including injection moulding and volume production.
• Hands-on with 2D/3D CAD tools (Creo or SolidWorks) and mechanical simulation software (ANSYS).

Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical engineering team and oversee mechanical design delivery.
• Guide projects through all stages from concept to manufacture.
• Define and maintain engineering standards and best practices.
• Oversee development, testing and verification of mechanical systems.
• Ensure projects meet cost, schedule and quality targets.
• Define and maintain engineering standards, processes and best practice.
• Collaborate across engineering, manufacturing and supply chain.
• Track KPIs and drive continuous improvement.
• Identify opportunities for innovation in design methods and tools.

Skills

Team leadership

Mechanical design

Project management

Analytical problem-solving

Education

Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree (advantageous)

Tools

2D/3D CAD tools (Creo, SolidWorks)

Mechanical simulation software (ANSYS)

ANSYS

Job description

5 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants

This range is provided by SoCode Recruitment. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

Direct message the job poster from SoCode Recruitment

Recruitment Consultant @ SoCode -Mechanical Engineering & Design

Socode are working with a well-established technology business in Cambridge that designs and manufactures life-saving products used by customers around the world. As the company continues to scale its product portfolio and engineering capability, they’re now looking to appoint a Head of Mechanical Engineering to lead and evolve their mechanical function.

This is a senior leadership role with genuine technical depth, offering influence across product direction, team development, and delivery of complex, high-reliability hardware.

What will I be doing?

You’ll be responsible for the mechanical engineering capability across the business, leading a team of engineers working on devices used in harsh environments

The role blends people leadership with technical oversight. You’ll guide projects from early concept through design, validation, and into manufacture, while setting standards, improving processes, and building a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. You’ll work closely with electronics, manufacturing, quality, and programme teams to ensure mechanical solutions are practical, manufacturable, and delivered on time.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead, develop, and motivate the mechanical engineering team.
• Own mechanical design delivery across current and future product ranges.
• Provide technical direction on materials, mechanisms, enclosures, and structural design.
• Oversee development, testing, and verification of mechanical systems and components.
• Ensure projects meet cost, schedule, and quality expectations.
• Define and maintain engineering standards, processes, and best practice.
• Support cross-functional collaboration across engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain.
• Track performance through KPIs and use data to drive improvement.
• Identify opportunities for innovation in design methods, tools, and technologies.
• Support occasional travel as required (expenses covered).
• Degree-qualified in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related discipline (Master’s advantageous).
• Demonstrable experience leading mechanical engineering teams in a product-based environment.
• Strong background in the design and development of consumer or portable hardware products.
• Solid understanding of manufacturing methods, including injection moulding and volume production.
• Hands-on experience with 2D/3D CAD tools (Creo or SolidWorks) and mechanical simulation software (e.g. ANSYS).
• A confident, pragmatic leader who can influence across disciplines and challenge constructively.
• Well-organised, delivery-focused, and comfortable operating in a fast-moving environment.
• Analytical approach to problem solving with a track record of delivering complex projects.
• Experience defining and tracking KPIs and driving continuous improvement initiatives.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Not Applicable

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Engineering, Management, and Design

• Industries

  Telecommunications, Manufacturing, and Appliances, Electrical, and Electronics Manufacturing

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