Senior Mechanical Engineer (contract)

Microsoft; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 61,000 - 69,000; Full time

Job summary

Microsoft Research Cambridge is seeking a senior hands-on Mechanical Engineer to design, build, test, and refine precision mechanical systems for photonics and fibre-optic research. The role blends hardware design with real lab work, prototyping, and direct collaboration with researchers to address complex optical engineering challenges.

The ideal candidate has extensive hands-on experience creating hardware, testing in lab environments, and applying DFMA principles to improve manufacturability.

Qualifications

• 8+ years mechanical engineering experience.
• Hands-on hardware building and testing required.
• Experience with precision opto-mechanical systems is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design precision mechanical and opto-mechanical systems for optical experiments.
• Create detailed 3D CAD models and manufacturing drawings.
• Build prototypes using 3D printing, machining, laser cutting, and workshop tools.
• Assemble and align high-precision mechanical systems.
• Support fibre handling, positioning, and alignment hardware development.
• Conduct testing, debugging, and performance validation.
• Apply DFMA principles to improve manufacturability and assembly efficiency.
• Select suitable materials based on thermal, mechanical, and environmental requirements.
• Work closely with optics researchers to translate experimental needs into practical hardware.
• Manage multiple prototype developments simultaneously.

Skills

High accuracy mechanisms

Tight tolerance assemblies

Sub-micron alignment

Prototype assembly

Lab testing

DFMA mindset

Material selection

CNC readiness

Tools

SolidWorks

Autodesk Inventor

Job description

Please note that this is a contract role providing services to Microsoft through external staffing partners of Allegis Global Solutions (AGS). If you are selected for this role, you will be employed by AGS and will not be an employee of Microsoft.

Role Summary

Microsoft Research Cambridge is looking for a senior hands-on Mechanical Engineer to design, build, test, and refine precision mechanical systems used in advanced photonics and fibre-optic research. This is not a purely design-focused role. The ideal candidate will spend significant time designing hardware, building prototypes, troubleshooting in the lab, and working directly with researchers to solve complex optical engineering challenges. The environment is fast-moving and research-driven, so candidates must be comfortable with ambiguity, rapid iteration, and changing priorities.

Key Responsibilities

• Design precision mechanical and opto-mechanical systems for optical experiments
• Create detailed 3D CAD models and manufacturing drawings
• Build prototypes using 3D printing, machining, laser cutting, and workshop tools
• Assemble and align high-precision mechanical systems
• Support fibre handling, positioning, and alignment hardware development
• Conduct testing, debugging, and performance validation
• Apply DFMA principles to improve manufacturability and assembly efficiency
• Select suitable materials based on thermal, mechanical, and environmental requirements
• Work closely with optics researchers to translate experimental needs into practical hardware
• Manage multiple prototype developments simultaneously

Must-Have Skills (Non-Negotiable)

Core Engineering

• High accuracy mechanisms
• Tight tolerance assemblies
• Sub-micron alignment and positioning systems preferred

CAD Design

• Strong SolidWorks experience (preferred)
• Autodesk Inventor acceptable
• Creation of manufacturing drawings

Hands-On Engineering

• Prototype assembly
• Workshop/lab work
• Hardware debugging

Manufacturing Knowledge

• Machining
• Rapid prototyping
• Fabrication processes
• Supplier engagement

DFMA

• Design for Manufacture & Assembly
• Ability to simplify designs for manufacturing and assembly

Material Selection

• Metals, polymers, composites
• Thermal and mechanical considerations

Experience Building Real Hardware

• Candidates must have personally built and tested hardware
• Not only simulation/design work

Nice-to-Have Skills

Optics / Photonics

• Opto-mechanical engineering
• Optical alignment systems
• Free-space optics
• Fibre optics
• Waveguides

Manufacturing

• CNC programming
• Multi-axis machining
• CAM software

Simulation

• ANSYS
• FEA analysis
• Thermal analysis

Research Environment Experience

• University research labs
• R&D organizations
• Advanced technology development teams

Experience Level Guidance

• 8+ years mechanical engineering experience

Additional Details

• Location: Cambridge, England
• Duration: 8 months 26 days
• Pay Range: £332- £373 /day (PAYE)
• Shift Timings: Monday - Friday (business hours)
• Weekly Schedule: 40 hours

As a workplace, Allegis Global Solutions focuses on relationships - with each other, our clients and our candidates. In fact, serving others is one of our core values. We support open communication and recognize that giving constructive criticism can be even harder than receiving it. We appreciate the fearless and the passionate, who force us to be better. Everything we do sits on a pillar of diversity, equity and inclusion - diverse perspectives, backgrounds and ideas achieve innovation and make us successful.

Please note that we may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to screen, assess, or select applicants for this position. These tools may analyse application materials and assist our team in identifying candidates whose qualifications best match the requirements of the role. If you have questions about our use of AI in the hiring process, or would like more information, please contact us.

Pay Rate Range

332 - 373 GBP daily