Head of Mechanical Engineering

The One Group; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 81,000 - 99,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private health and dental care

Onsite restaurant subsidy

Enhanced pension contribution

Flexible working hours

Employee assistance programme

Free onsite parking

Regular social events

Job summary

The One Group is seeking an experienced Head of Mechanical Engineering to lead a growing mechanical team. You will own end-to-end development, drive robust design and validation, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure products meet customer needs in real-world use.

We expect a strong track record in leading engineering groups, CAD proficiency (Creo/SolidWorks) and simulation (ANSYS). This is a full-time, office-based role with overseas travel when required.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership within a complex mechanical engineering environment.
• Experience developing plastic-enclosed consumer devices or healthcare equipment.
• Strong CAD and validation knowledge for high-performance products.

Responsibilities

• Own and lead the mechanical engineering function to deliver exceptional products.
• Mentor and develop the mechanical team, driving high performance.
• Oversee end-to-end mechanical development across a diverse portfolio.
• Champion robust design and validation including submersion, vibration and drop tests.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align mechanical with product goals.
• Maintain standards, processes, KPIs and best practices.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Structured & organised

Analytical thinking

Cad Creo/SolidWorks

ANSYS

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Creo

SolidWorks

ANSYS

Job description

Head of Mechanical Engineering

If you are an experienced Mechanical Engineering Leader who thrives on solving real-world problems and you care just as much about developing people as you do developing great products, then this could be the role for you.

This is a key leadership position within a growing technology business, where you will guide the mechanical function responsible for designing and delivering high-performing, durable products used globally across diverse environments, from concept to validation, from process to people.

Strengthening the team’s cohesion and ways of working will be central to this role, calling for the maturity and emotional intelligence to navigate complex dynamics, build trust and set clear expectations as the department continues to evolve.

What you will be doing:

• This role takes ownership of the Mechanical Engineering function, ensuring the team has the clarity, capability and support needed to deliver exceptional products.


• You should expect to:


• Lead and develop the mechanical engineering team, setting direction, mentoring, coaching and creating a culture of high performance and continuous improvement.


• Oversee end-to-end mechanical development across a diverse product portfolio.


• Champion robust design and validation, including submersion testing, vibration, drop testing, plastics/materials selection, and the realities of delivering reliable products that meet customer needs.


• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure mechanical requirements integrate seamlessly with broader product goals.


• Maintain high standards of process, documentation, KPIs and engineering best practice.


• Balance delivery with strategic thinking, identifying opportunities to optimise, innovate and improve.

This is a fully office-based role with occasional long-haul and short-haul overseas travel.

What we need from you:

• You will be a technically strong Mechanical Engineering Leader with a deep understanding of how to build products that perform reliably in real-world use.


• You will also be an excellent people manager with a demonstrable track record of leading and motivating engineering teams.


• Proven leadership experience within a complex mechanical engineering environment.


• Extensive background developing complex, plastic-enclosed products such as handheld consumer devices, wearables or medical/healthcare equipment, including plastics, injection moulding and high-volume manufacture.


• Strong knowledge of validation for demanding environments, including submersion, drop, vibration, shock and durability testing.


• Proficiency in CAD (e.g. Creo, SolidWorks) and mechanical simulation tools (e.g. ANSYS).


• Someone who is structured, organised and able to deliver at pace without compromising on quality.


• A collaborative leader who sets high standards, communicates clearly and brings others with them.


• A calm, analytical thinker with the tenacity to push through complex challenges.


• A degree in Mechanical Engineering.


• Full UK driving licence.

What you can expect in return:

• Salary up to £90,000, depending on experience


• Private health and dental care


• Subsidised onsite restaurant


• Enhanced pension contribution


• Flexible working hours


• Employee assistance programme


• Free onsite parking


• Regular social events