Mechanical Design Engineer

Carl Zeiss Microscopy Limited; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

ZEISS, a leader in scientific instrumentation, seeks a Mechanical Design Engineer to join its R&D team. You will design high-precision mechanical systems, develop complex assemblies, and collaborate with electronics, software, and manufacturing to drive products from concept to release.

You will contribute across the product lifecycle, perform analyses, generate documentation, and ensure manufacturability while pushing the boundaries of technology in a multidisciplinary environment.

Qualifications

• Degree in Mechanical/precision engineering or related field.
• Strong CAD experience, preferably SolidWorks.
• Experience designing complex precision assemblies.
• Experience producing engineering drawings and BOMs.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop complex mechanical components and system modules.
• Create detailed 3D CAD models and technical drawings using SolidWorks.
• Perform tolerance, strength, thermal and space envelope analyses.
• Support prototypes, testing, and production release.
• Lead design changes and support DFM/ DFA activities.
• Generate BOMs and engineering reports; collaborate with suppliers.

Skills

SolidWorks

3D CAD

Documentation & BOMs

Problem-solving

Cross-functional teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related

Tools

ANSYS

Job description

Mechanical Design Engineer

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

Diversity and Inclusion

Diversity is a part of ZEISS. We look forward to receiving your application regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, philosophy of life, disability, age, sexual orientation or identity.

Company Culture

Step out of your comfort zone, excel and redefine the limits of what is possible. That’s just what our employees are doing every single day – in order to set the pace through our innovations and enable outstanding achievements. After all, behind every successful company are many great fascinating people. In a spacious modern setting full of opportunities for further development, ZEISS employees work in a place where expert knowledge and team spirit reign supreme. All of this is supported by a special ownership structure and the long-term goal of the Carl Zeiss Foundation: to bring science and society into the future together. Join us today. Inspire people tomorrow.