Principal Mechanical Engineer

-; Southampton; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology company in Southampton is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to lead product development for innovative laser products. This role involves overseeing the entire product lifecycle, collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams, and driving design improvements. Candidates should have over 10 years of mechanical design experience, preferably with some expertise in optical systems. The position demands strong leadership, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. This role offers a dynamic work environment with exciting challenges.

Qualifications

• Greater than 10 years of experience in mechanical design of hi-tech equipment.
• Experience with optical systems or lasers is desirable.
• Ability to work in multi-disciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Oversee mechanical engineering activities within the department.
• Drive feasibility evaluations for product development ideas.
• Collaborate on projects with various stakeholders.
• Manage work allocation for mechanical team members.

Skills

Leadership in product development

Mechanical design expertise

Solidworks

Collaboration skills

Attention to detail

Finite element analysis or flow simulation

Resilience in dynamic situations

Education

Relevant engineering degree

Tools

Solidworks

Job description

Join us to Make an Impact

Innovation is in our DNA. We invented supercontinuum lasers and photonic crystal fibers and we constantly reimagine how our products can be used and improved. Our customers use our products in medical and life science research, quantum computing and space exploration.

We seek curious, creative and collaborative people to work in our cutting‑edge company. Can you see yourself working in teams and providing solutions for innovators?

If you wish to apply, please contact us with your CV / Résumé. If you have a cover letter, please save this in one document with your CV / Résumé as you are only able to upload one document.

Job Overview

Taking a leading role in overseeing mechanical engineering activities within the department. Taking ownership of the mechanical design for state‑of‑the‑art laser products and related equipment. Ensuring delivery of complete mechanical solutions within project timelines, budget and meeting technical requirements. Will oversee development from research/feasibility through to production release. Works within a multidisciplinary team creating successful products.

Primary Responsibilities

• Responsible for mechanical development for laser products throughout the entire product lifecycle.
• Explores the range of options for new concepts and designs.
• Will drive initial feasibility of these ideas and evaluation for product development.
• Forming new and innovative design concepts.
• Supporting prototype assembly and testing and driving design improvements.
• Ensuring product compliance and certification according to industry standards.
• Taking a lead in establishing and shaping the engineering best practices and processes within the department and aligning with other sites globally.
• Collaborates within projects responding to and addressing specifications or concerns.
• Interacting with project and product stakeholders and communicating information clearly across the organisation.
• Defining plans and co‑ordinating mechanical work packages.
• Ensuring documentation, Bill of Materials management and release of all work via company systems and contributing to identifying gaps and maturing these systems.
• Taking the lead on multiple mechanical work packages across several projects.
• Collaborating with the wider engineering team across multiple disciplines.
• Managing work allocation for mechanical team members, external contractors and suppliers.
• Identifying skills shortages within the team, facilitating recruitment and/or seeking external partners for support.
• Arranging training, mentoring and line management of other team members when required.

Key Interactions

• Engineering managers, project managers, Global System Integration Group, Commercial team, Operations, Finance, Mechanical, Optical and Electronics R&D teams.

Leadership Expectations

• Responsible for implementing department goals and objectives into team‑level goals and KPIs.
• Sets goals and KPIs.
• Responsible for team‑level human resource priorities and initiatives.
• Reports on progress of human resource initiatives.
• Advises on policy and monitors policy.
• Manages some human resource plans, KPIs and budgets.
• Guides management on organisational expectations.
• Accountable for identifying and addressing gaps in capability.
• Leads the mechanical team working practices and processes.
• Manages and takes ownership of the delivery of project work packages and improvement initiatives, including co‑ordinating the work of other engineers and external partners.
• Leads as an individual contributor and subject‑matter expert in collaboration with other disciplines.
• Can manage own projects when required.

Qualifications Required

A relevant engineering degree. Further specialist tertiary studies or equivalent experience.

Skills & Knowledge Required

Ability to lead product development in mechanics. Expert in mechanical design and drawing standards for precision machined and sheet metal parts. Some Solidworks expertise. Skilled at communicating and collaborating with management, other engineering disciplines and team members. High level of attention to detail and commitment to quality and reliability. Hands‑on practical skills and knowledge of state‑of‑the‑art manufacturing methods. Finite element analysis or flow simulation expertise advantageous. Strong organisational skills to be able to work on multiple concurrent activities. Collaboration and listening skills. Able to work with resilience in dynamic situations.

Experience Required

Greater than 10 years of experience in mechanical design of hi‑tech equipment over the complete product life cycle. Experience and knowledge of optical systems or lasers is desirable. Experience of working with external partners and in a multi‑disciplinary team. Global sized organisational experience.

Travel Expectations

Approximately 10% annually or less, mostly within Europe, potentially globally.

Personal Data Safety

NKT Photonics ("The Company") takes responsibility for the protection of your personal data. Accordingly, upon receiving your job application and additional material you choose to submit, the Company keeps a safe and secure environment and ensures confidentiality. You also have a role to play in keeping your personal data safe. We request you only submit personal data about yourself in your job application, CV / Résumé or other relevant material you choose to provide to us that is relevant for the specific job opening you are applying for. Please consider whether there is personal information you are about to submit, such as health information, information on family relations, information on trade union membership, etc. that is not necessary for our recruitment process or the job opening you are applying for. Please also be aware that certificates or other documents are not necessary for the vacancy. We urgently request you to redact/cross out such information before you submit your job application. Thank you. Read more about our processing of your personal data in the recruitment phase in our Privacy Policy.