Mechanical Design Engineer

ZEISS Group; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 52,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

ZEISS Group in Cambridge is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer to join our R&D team. You will design high-precision mechanical systems and assemblies for advanced scientific instrumentation, taking concepts through prototype, testing, and production release.

You will collaborate with electronics, software, and manufacturing, perform analyses, support DFMA, and lead changes. A degree in mechanical engineering and solid CAD experience are essential; familiarity with BOMs and documentation is

Qualifications

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Precision Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field.
• Proven experience in mechanical design or product development.
• Strong CAD skills, especially SolidWorks, with detailed drawings.
• Experience producing engineering documentation, drawings and BOMs.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills; strong communication.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop complex mechanical components, assemblies, and modules.
• Create 3D CAD models and detailed engineering drawings in SolidWorks.
• Perform tolerance, strength, and thermal analyses for components.
• Support DFMA activities with manufacturing teams.
• Generate BOMs and engineering reports; support production release.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Communication

Team collaboration

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Precision Engineering, Mechatronics, or related

Tools

SolidWorks

Job description

Mechanical Design EngineerDepartment: R&DReporting To: Engineering Manager - R&DAbout the OpportunityWe 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 RoleAs 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 ResponsibilitiesDesign 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 analysisStrength and stress calculationsThermal analysisSpace envelope studiesDesign verification activitiesSupport 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 ForEssential RequirementsDegree 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 & ExperienceCandidates with experience in any of the following industries are particularly encouraged to apply:Scientific InstrumentationSemiconductor EquipmentPrecision EngineeringMedical DevicesOptical & Photonics SystemsVacuum TechnologyAdvanced Manufacturing EquipmentAerospace EngineeringRobotics & AutomationAdditionally, experience with the following would be advantageous:ANSYS or other simulation toolsVacuum technologyHigh-voltage systemsElectromechanical productsNew Product Introduction (NPI)Design for Manufacture (DFM)SAP R/3 or SAP S/4HANASupplier management and technical liaison activitiesGerman language skillsIf you're passionate about precision engineering, product development, and working on technology that makes a difference, we'd love to hear from you.Your ZEISS Recruiting Team:Kate Benyon, Lara Haslam, Suya Rolph