Opto-Mechanical Engineer

Gerrell & Hard Ltd.; Southampton; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Gerrell & Hard Ltd. in the United Kingdom is seeking an Opto-Mechanical Design Engineer to join its Product Development team.

You will own the design and development of precision mechanical and opto-mechanical systems, supporting both existing products and next‑generation technologies in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment. You will design components using SolidWorks, produce drawings and documentation, integrate optical, thermal and electrical requirements, work with suppliers, and

Qualifications

• Experience designing precision mechanical or opto‑mechanical products in high‑tech environments.
• SolidWorks or similar 3D CAD package knowledge.
• Design for manufacture, assembly, serviceability and reliability.
• Engineering drawing standards (BS8888 or equivalent).
• Work with external suppliers throughout the design process.
• Lead small engineering or product improvement projects.
• Strong documentation and IT skills.

Responsibilities

• Design mechanical and opto‑mechanical components and assemblies using 3D CAD (SolidWorks preferred).
• Produce detailed engineering drawings, procurement specifications and technical documentation.
• Design products for manufacture, assembly, serviceability and reliability.
• Integrate optical, thermal and electrical requirements into product designs.
• Work closely with suppliers to develop components and ensure technical compliance.
• Support the introduction of new products and engineering changes into manufacturing.
• Lead small‑scale engineering projects to improve product performance and manufacturing processes.
• Investigate production, quality and supply chain issues, providing practical engineering support where required.
• Update Bills of Materials (BOMs) and engineering documentation.
• Carry out thermal analysis and support fluid flow studies where required.
• Assist with the design of production tooling, jigs and fixtures.
• Manage multiple design activities while delivering projects to agreed timescales.

Job description

An innovative engineering and manufacturing business is seeking an Opto-Mechanical Design Engineer to join its Product Development team. This is an excellent opportunity to take ownership of the design and development of precision mechanical and opto-mechanical systems, supporting both existing products and next‑generation technologies. Working within a collaborative, multidisciplinary engineering environment, you’ll play a key role in developing innovative products while also driving continuous improvements to quality, manufacturability, assembly and serviceability.

The Role

You’ll be responsible for the design and development of mechanical and opto‑mechanical components and assemblies, contributing throughout the product development lifecycle. Alongside new product development, you’ll lead smaller engineering projects focused on enhancing existing products and supporting manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities

• Design mechanical and opto‑mechanical components and assemblies using 3D CAD (SolidWorks preferred)
• Produce detailed engineering drawings, procurement specifications and technical documentation
• Design products for manufacture, assembly, serviceability and reliability
• Integrate optical, thermal and electrical requirements into product designs
• Work closely with suppliers to develop components and ensure technical compliance
• Support the introduction of new products and engineering changes into manufacturing
• Lead small‑scale engineering projects to improve product performance and manufacturing processes
• Investigate production, quality and supply chain issues, providing practical engineering support where required
• Update Bills of Materials (BOMs) and engineering documentation
• Carry out thermal analysis and support fluid flow studies where required
• Assist with the design of production tooling, jigs and fixtures
• Manage multiple design activities while delivering projects to agreed timescales

About You

You’ll have experience designing precision mechanical or opto‑mechanical products within a high‑technology engineering or manufacturing environment. You enjoy solving complex engineering challenges and working closely with colleagues across design, manufacturing and production to deliver practical, high‑quality engineering solutions.

Key Experience

• Mechanical or opto‑mechanical product design
• SolidWorks or a similar 3D CAD package
• Design for manufacture, assembly, serviceability and reliability
• Engineering drawing standards (BS8888 or equivalent)
• Work with external suppliers throughout the design process
• Lead small engineering or product improvement projects
• Strong engineering documentation and IT skills

Additional Advantageous Experience

• FEA or CFD analysis
• Engineering change management (ECR/ECO)
• CAD data management systems
• Designing precision products requiring high levels of cleanliness
• Hands‑on machining or mechanical assembly experience

What We’re Looking For

• Degree qualified in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline, or HNC/HND with relevant industry experience
• Strong communication and organisational skills
• A collaborative approach and the confidence to work across multidisciplinary teams
• A practical, hands‑on mindset with excellent problem‑solving skills
• Self‑motivated with strong attention to detail
• Comfortable managing changing priorities within a fast‑paced product development environment

This is an excellent opportunity to join a technically advanced engineering business where you’ll contribute to the development of innovative, precision‑engineered products while working alongside experienced multidisciplinary teams on projects from concept through to manufacture.