Mechanical Systems Engineer - R&D

Scientis Search Ltd; Eynsham; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A growing optical technology company is seeking a Mechanical Systems Engineer to own the mechanical system development of precision hardware. This role combines system-level thinking with practical experience, leading complex projects from concept to production. The ideal candidate will have 6–10+ years of experience, a background in medical devices or related fields, and a strong understanding of design sensitivities. Join a multidisciplinary team focused on innovative technology development.

Qualifications

• 6–10+ years’ experience developing precision mechanical systems.
• Experience in medical devices, life science instrumentation, or consumer health technology.
• Proven experience leading development from concept to production.

Responsibilities

• Own the mechanical system architecture for complex products.
• Lead development of systems from concept to validated hardware.
• Define and manage system requirements for product performance.
• Drive integration of mechanisms and assemblies into cohesive systems.
• Identify and mitigate technical risks throughout development.

Skills

System-level thinking

Hands-on engineering experience

Tolerance-driven design

Technical risk management

Integration of mechanisms

Job description

Mechanical Systems Engineer – Precision R&D Systems

Oxfordshire

I’m working with a growing optical technology company developing a novel adaptive lens platform, with applications across AR/VR, machine vision, and regulated medical devices.

They are looking to hire a Mechanical Systems Engineer to take ownership of system-level mechanical development, someone who has led the delivery of complex, precision hardware systems and is still comfortable working hands‑on with the engineering.

The Role

This is a system-level role, but not a purely theoretical one.

You will be responsible for defining, developing, and integrating mechanical systems where performance depends on tight tolerances, interaction between sub-systems, and careful management of technical risk.

You’ll work closely with mechanical design, analysis, optics, and manufacturing teams ensuring that individual components come together into a coherent, high-performing product.

A key part of the role is maintaining a strong link between system-level thinking and physical reality understanding how design decisions translate into real-world performance.

Typical responsibilities include:

• Owning the mechanical system architecture for a complex, precision product
• Leading the development of systems from concept through to validated hardware
• Defining and managing system requirements, ensuring traceability through to final product performance
• Driving integration of mechanisms, sub-systems, and assemblies into a cohesive system
• Identifying, analysing, and mitigating technical risks (e.g. dFMEA, structured risk analysis)
• Working closely with design and analysis engineers to ensure system behaviour is well understood
• Supporting verification and validation activities, including interpretation of test results
• Contributing to key technical decisions across the development programme

What They’re Looking For

This role will suit someone who combines strong system-level thinking with practical engineering experience.

You are likely to have:

• ~6–10+ years’ experience developing precision mechanical systems in industry
• A background in industries such as medical devices, life science instrumentation, measurement systems, or consumer health technology
• Proven experience leading the development of complex hardware systems from concept through to production
• A strong understanding of:
• System architecture and interfaces
• Integration of mechanisms and assemblies
• Tolerance-driven design and system sensitivity
• Experience identifying and managing technical risk throughout development
• The ability to operate at both system and detail level — knowing when to step in and challenge design decisions

Importantly, you will still be hands‑on enough to engage meaningfully with the engineering, rather than operating purely at a process or documentation level.

This Role May Not Be a Fit If

• Your experience is primarily systems/process driven without ownership of physical product development
• You have not worked on precision or tolerance-sensitive systems
• Your background is mainly in large-scale, low-complexity, or highly standardised products
• You prefer coordination or programme roles over technical ownership
• Opto-mechanical systems or working with optical constraints
• Experience in regulated environments (e.g. ISO 13485)
• Understanding of tolerance analysis and GD&T at system level
• Ability to critically assess FEA and analytical outputs
• Experience supporting transition from development into manufacturing

The Environment

The team is multidisciplinary, technically strong, and focused on solving complex engineering problems.

It’s an environment suited to engineers who enjoy taking ownership, working collaboratively, and contributing to the development of genuinely novel technology.

If this aligns with your background, I’d be happy to share more detail.