Mechanical Engineer / Design Engineer

HaloBraid; Bristol; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative robotics company in the UK is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to design and develop the world's first intelligent hair braiding robot. This role requires practical engineering skills and a collaborative spirit, as you build prototypes and improve designs using 3D CAD. Ideal candidates should have 2-4 years of relevant experience and a passion for creating user-centric devices. The position comes with a competitive salary and 28 days of holiday plus bank holidays.

Benefits

Competitive salary

28 days holiday + bank holidays

Collaborative office environment

Qualifications

• 2-4+ years of professional experience in mechanical or design engineering.
• Comfortable with 3D CAD tools and clear design communication.
• Hands-on, excited to build and iterate physical systems.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components using 3D CAD.
• Prototype and test mechanisms repeatedly to refine designs.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with various teams.

Skills

3D CAD (Onshape)

Hands-on mechanical design

Mechatronics knowledge

Collaborative communication

Tools

3D printing

CNC machining

Job description

HaloBraid is redefining haircare by building the world's first intelligent braiding robot, to reduce hair braiding appointment times from hours to minutes. We've proven the technology with a working prototype, completed thousands of braids in testing, and we're nearing the end of R&D. We're searching for a Mechanical Engineer who wants to help bring this future to life.

We're well funded by top tier hardware and consumer investors, recently closing an oversubscribed round to fuel our next stage of growth. You'll be on the forefront of invention, taking complex mechanisms from prototype to polished product, collaborating with industrial design, and shaping an entirely new category of robotics.

What You'll Do

• Design and develop mechanical components and sub-assemblies using 3D CAD (Onshape), from early concepts through production-ready designs
• Build, test, and iterate quickly—prototype mechanisms, run bench testing, and refine designs based on performance, reliability, and usability
• Support system-level development by integrating mechanical designs with motors, actuators, sensors, and embedded systems
• Apply DFM/DFA principles to improve manufacturability, cost, and robustness as designs move toward low- and mid-volume production
• Collaborate cross-functionally with industrial design, controls, and manufacturing partners to bring cohesive products to life
• Document designs and learn best practices for hardware development, testing, and release

Requirements

• 2-4+ years of professional experience in a hands mechanical or design engineering role
• Comfortable working in 3D CAD (Onshape preferred) and producing clear, well-communicated designs
• Hands‑on and practical—excited to build, test, fail fast and improve physical systems
• Interested in mechanisms and mechatronics, including motors, actuators, linkages, and precision machines
• Ability to understand customers and clients to create a user‑centric device
• A strong collaborator who communicates clearly and is open to feedback
• Motivated to grow quickly, take increasing ownership, and learn from experienced engineers
• Self‑motivated and driven to work on a world‑changing technology

Bonus If You Have…

• Familiarity with manufacturing processes such as injection moulding, CNC machining, sheet metal, or similar
• Experience with hands‑on rapid prototyping (3D printing, laser cutting, hand tools & basic machining)
• Exposure to at least part of the product development lifecycle, from R&D, concept through validation, pilot builds, or launch

Why HaloBraid?

• Defining a new category: Be part of the team building the world's first hair braiding robot to help stylists build their business
• Mission with meaning: Reduce a six‑hour process to minutes, transform stylist income, and reimagine hairstyling
• Backed by the best: Supported by top investors, advisors, and partners as we move from R&D to launch
• Culture that creates: Purposeful, efficient, supportive, and open to ideation and critique
• Impact without ceilings: If it's mission‑critical and unowned, it's yours

This role is based in the UK at the Paintworks in Bristol's creative quarter.

Benefits

We have an in‑person office and believe the best engineering breakthroughs happen together. We offer a competitive salary, 28 days holiday + bank holidays and a range of other benefits.