Mechanical Design Engineer

ZEISS Group; Cambourne; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

ZEISS Group in Cambourne, United Kingdom, seeks a Mechanical Design Engineer to join its cutting-edge R&D team. You will develop high-precision mechanical systems for next-generation scientific instrumentation, taking concepts through prototype, testing, validation, and production release.

You will create 3D CAD models in SolidWorks, perform tolerance and thermal analyses, and contribute to DFMA/DFM activities.

Qualifications

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline.
• Experience in Mechanical Design or Product Development.
• Strong CAD experience, SolidWorks preferred.
• Experience designing precision assemblies.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes and product development methods.
• Experience producing engineering drawings and BOMs.
• Excellent problem-solving and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop complex mechanical components, assemblies, and system modules.
• Create 3D CAD models and technical drawings using SolidWorks.
• Perform tolerance stack-up analyses and stress calculations.
• Conduct thermal analysis and space envelope studies.
• Support prototype testing, validation, and production release.
• Lead engineering changes and DFMA activities.
• Generate BOMs and engineering documentation.
• Collaborate with suppliers and cross-functional teams.
• Present findings to stakeholders and international project teams.

Skills

SolidWorks

3D CAD

Tolerance analysis

Thermal analysis

DFM / DFA

Cross-functional teamwork

BOM creation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

ANSYS

Job description

Department: R&D Reporting To: Engineering Manager - R&D

About the Opportunity

We are seeking an ambitious and technically driven Mechanical Design Engineer to join a cutting-edge Research & Development team focused on the development of next-generation scientific instrumentation. This is an exciting opportunity to work on highly sophisticated, precision-engineered products where innovation, creativity, and engineering excellence come together. You will play a key role in developing complex mechanical assemblies and system modules, taking products from concept through design, prototype development, testing, validation, and production release. Working within a multidisciplinary engineering environment, you will collaborate closely with electronics, software, systems, manufacturing, and supply chain teams to deliver industry-leading solutions that push the boundaries of technology.

The Role

As a Mechanical Design Engineer, you will be responsible for the design and development of high-precision mechanical systems and assemblies used in advanced scientific and industrial applications. You will support projects throughout the entire product development lifecycle, contributing to both new product development and the continuous improvement of existing technologies.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop complex mechanical components, assemblies, and system modules.
• Create detailed 3D CAD models and technical drawings using SolidWorks.
• Perform engineering calculations and analyses including:
• Tolerance stack-up analysis
• Strength and stress calculations
• Thermal analysis
• Space envelope studies
• Design verification activities
• Support the assembly, testing, and validation of prototypes and development rigs.
• Investigate technical issues, perform root cause analysis, and implement design improvements.
• Work closely with manufacturing teams to support Design for Manufacture (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) activities.
• Lead engineering changes and support product release into production.
• Generate and maintain Bills of Materials (BOMs), engineering documentation, and technical reports.
• Collaborate with suppliers and external development partners throughout the design process.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and help shape engineering processes and methodologies.
• Present technical findings and project updates to internal stakeholders and international project teams.

What We're Looking For

Essential Requirements

• Degree qualified in Mechanical Engineering, Precision Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related discipline.
• Proven experience within a Mechanical Design or Product Development environment.
• Strong CAD experience, ideally using SolidWorks.
• Experience designing complex precision-engineered assemblies.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes and product development methodologies.
• Experience producing engineering documentation, drawings, and BOMs.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively within cross-functional teams.

Desirable Skills & Experience

Candidates with experience in any of the following industries are particularly encouraged to apply:

• Scientific Instrumentation
• Semiconductor Equipment
• Precision Engineering
• Medical Devices
• Optical & Photonics Systems
• Vacuum Technology
• Advanced Manufacturing Equipment
• Aerospace Engineering
• Robotics & Automation

Additionally, experience with the following would be advantageous:

• ANSYS or other simulation tools
• Vacuum technology
• High-voltage systems
• Electromechanical products
• New Product Introduction (NPI)
• Design for Manufacture (DFM)
• SAP R/3 or SAP S/4HANA
• Supplier management and technical liaison activities
• German language skills

Your ZEISS Recruiting Team

Kate Benyon, Lara Haslam, Suya Rolph