An optical technology company based in Oxfordshire is seeking an experienced Mechanisms Engineer to join its growing R&D team. The successful candidate will apply their expertise in micro-mechanisms to design and develop precision components for the company’s novel optical platform.
This is an exciting opportunity for a hands-on, creative mechanical/mechanisms engineer to play a key role in the development of a next-generation adaptive lens technology set to transform the way we see the world.
About the Company
This company’s expertise sits at the intersection of ophthalmics and optics. They develop novel ophthalmic solutions for use across optical systems, AR/VR/XR, and machine vision applications. Recognised as trusted experts in adaptive lens technology, they partner with leading global consumer electronics and technology companies to develop new solutions that optimise how we see the world.
The company has developed a novel adaptive lens system that has the potential to transform visual performance in modern AR/VR/XR technologies. This breakthrough has generated significant interest across the consumer technology sector. As a result, the company is now entering the next phase of its R&D programme, scaling its technical capabilities and seeking talented engineers to join the team.
This is an excellent opportunity to join a fast-growing technology company, contribute to cutting-edge R&D, and play a key role in the development of a new technology with global impact. Above all, it is an outstanding place to work, combining innovation, collaboration, and technical excellence.
The Role
This is an exciting period of investment and growth. The company is scaling its team and facilities to support ambitious R&D activities and is seeking an experienced Miro-Mechanisms Engineer specialising in the design and development of micro-mechanisms (e.g. micro bearings, threads, gears, and linkages), on a watch level component scale (or smaller). You will play a key role in the development of the company’s novel lens system, contributing from early concept through to production.
Key Responsibilities
The Mechanisms Engineer will:
- Design and develop micro-mechanisms for precision optical applications
- Integrate micro-mechanisms into the company’s optical systems
- Be hands on, designing, building and testing prototypes to support iterating designs.
- Provide expertise in materials selection
- Advise on best-practice manufacturing techniques
- Liaise with suppliers for the provision and manufacture of mechanisms
Requirements
Education
- Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Design Engineering, or equivalent practical experience
Experience
Essential
- Proven experience taking product concepts through to production, including design iteration, refinement, and design for manufacturing and assembly (DFX) considerations
- Experience designing micro-mechanisms
- Solid understanding of:
- Injection moulding
- Micro-moulding
- Metal stamping and forming
- Metal injection moulding
- Vacuum forming
- Knowledge of common joining processes, including:
- Adhesive bonding
- Ultrasonic welding
- Radio-frequency welding
- Heat staking
- A flair for rapid concept generation and ideation
- Strong knowledge of materials and their properties, particularly polymers and metals
- Proficiency in CAD (essential), ideally SolidWorks
- Knowledge of, and ability to work to, ISO 13485 (medical device compliance), including documentation, standards adherence, and design-for-risk-management
Desirable
- Competence in Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T) and proficient in undertaking and documenting tolerance analysis.
- Experience or exposure to optics or opto-mechanical engineering, including alignment considerations, optical component mounting, or light-path constraints
- Practical experience with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and/or the ability to perform hand calculations
- Ability to translate product requirements into clear, complete engineering specifications
- Experience taking designs into pilot production and optimising them for scalable manufacture
- Knowledge of, and ability to work to, ISO 13485 (medical device compliance), including documentation, standards adherence, and design-for-risk-management
