Senior Optical Hardware Engineer (Contract) – Cambridge

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

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.