Lead Mechanical Design

Lead Mechanical Designer – Bristol, GB (BS35 4GG). Business Unit: Plasma Technology. Job Function: Technical.

Due to an internal promotion, we have an opportunity for a Lead Mechanical Designer in our Mechanical Engineering Design team. This role is based at our brand-new, cutting‑edge manufacturing and development facility at Severn Beach, Bristol.

As a Mechanical Designer Team Leader, you will use your leadership and decision‑making qualities to lead, develop and manage a team of talented professional Design Engineers. You will support new product development, continuous improvement and lifecycle management of semiconductor manufacturing equipment. You will work closely with other designers, application process engineers and operations teams to deliver challenging engineering solutions such as working with extreme temperatures, high vacuum, fluid flow, safety compliance and precision control.

You do not need line manager experience if you can demonstrate your commitment to developing and improving people’s performance and building relationships across the business. Your emotional intelligence and support from your line manager will help you develop your career. This role offers the opportunity to learn more about how a business works while providing the flexibility for your unique capabilities to influence how this role continues to develop.

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• Develop and perform the management of your team, ensuring their continuing professional development. Act as a mentor across the Engineering Department.
  
• Deliver component and device conception and design, 3D solid models, detail drawings and modifications.
  
• Carry out Design Verification and Validation activities through calculation, simulation and prototype testing.
  
• Ensure all work complies with company standards and relevant regulatory and industry standards (e.g., BS, EN, Semi standards).
  
• Provide technical information required for the Technical File, manuals and other documentation.
  
• Collaborate with other designers and departments to ensure specifications are precise and complete.
  
• Work as a team with other departments to translate the technical requirements into structured modular designs.
  
• Lead problem‑solving and Root Cause Analysis activities on issues during manufacture, test or customer sites using structured problem‑solving techniques.
  
• Be empowered to propose and lead continuous improvement of both products and departmental processes.
  
• Lead engineering design projects to deliver quality solutions effectively and on time.
  
• Take responsibility and accountability for work packages/projects, timelines, reporting and escalation to the manager and stakeholders where necessary.
  
• Be proficient in 3D CAD (Solidedge), PLM software, Excel, Word and Outlook.
  
• General drawing office duties and admin, including maintenance of accurate, up‑to‑date drawings, Work Instructions and documentation.
  
• Take personal responsibility for prioritising health, safety and environmental protection.
  
• Alongside the manager, take ownership of personal and professional development.
  

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• Degree qualified in relevant discipline (preferred)
  

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• Experience in the design of mechanical systems and mechanisms.
  
• Experience in design verification and validation through calculation, simulation and prototype testing.
  
• Ability to lead and deliver work scopes and design projects with a cross‑disciplinary team.
  
• Knowledge of machined components, sheet metal fabrication, welding and other manufacturing and assembly methods.
  
• Strong problem‑solving and root cause analysis skills.
  
• Professional engineering drawing and design best practice.
  
• Commercial awareness of product costs, reliability and safety issues.
  

In addition to a competitive starting salary, structured career development opportunities and a good work‑life balance, Oxford Instruments offers 25 days annual leave, early finish on Fridays, private healthcare, a share incentive plan, a defined contribution Group Personal Pension Plan and a flexible benefits package that you can tailor to your own requirements.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin or disability. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and would ask you to get in touch if you are concerned about any barriers you feel you may be facing in your application process with us.

Oxford Instruments operates a Preferred Supplier List and does not accept unsolicited agency CVs. Please do not forward candidate details in response to this advert or to any Oxford Instruments employees or other company locations. Oxford Instruments is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited CVs.