DATS Recruitment
Mechanical Design Engineer
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Principal Mechanical Design Engineer
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Location: Didcot (on-site)
Salary: £70,000 - £85,000 + Share Options
Are you an experienced Mechanical Design Engineer looking to play a key role in bringing cutting-edge technology from prototype to production?
We are seeking a Principal Mechanical Design Engineer to lead the development of advanced, high-performance laser systems used in manufacturing, energy, and defence applications. This is a unique opportunity to join a growing deep-tech organisation at an exciting stage of its journey, helping to transform proven laboratory technology into robust, manufacturable products deployed around the world.
The Opportunity
As Principal Mechanical Design Engineer, you will take ownership of the mechanical design and development of next-generation systems, working closely with multidisciplinary engineering and scientific teams. You will be responsible for critical design decisions, balancing performance, reliability, manufacturability, and cost while helping to shape the future direction of the product portfolio.
This is a hands-on leadership role offering significant technical influence, the opportunity to mentor engineers, and the chance to work directly with senior leadership on product strategy and development.
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Key Responsibilities
- Lead the mechanical design of advanced systems from concept through to build, test, manufacture, and deployment
- Own critical engineering decisions and technical trade-offs across performance, reliability, cost, and manufacturability
- Conduct and oversee structural, thermal, and dynamic analysis to validate and optimise designs
- Drive design for safety, compliance, and operational reliability
- Collaborate closely with optical, electrical, and systems engineers to deliver integrated solutions
- Support productisation activities, including modularity, serviceability, supplier engagement, and manufacturing readiness
- Contribute to design reviews, engineering standards, and best practices
- Mentor and support junior engineers while helping to develop a high-performing engineering culture
Essential Requirements
- Significant experience in mechanical design engineering within a complex engineering environment
- Strong CAD skills, ideally using Solid Edge or equivalent 3D CAD software
- Proven experience with structural design, FEA, and engineering analysis
- Experience taking complex equipment from prototype development through testing and into manufacture
- Strong understanding of engineering trade-offs and multidisciplinary project delivery
- Excellent technical communication, documentation, and stakeholder engagement skills
- A proactive approach to safety, quality, and compliance
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Desirable Experience
- Cryogenic systems and refrigeration design
- High or ultra-high vacuum systems
- High-pressure gas systems and pressure equipment standards
- Precision mechanisms and opto-mechanical assemblies
- Lifting and handling design considerations
- Fluid systems involving water or oil
- Engineering risk assessment methodologies such as FMEA or HAZOP
- Vibration and noise mitigation for precision equipment
What's on Offer?
- Competitive salary of £70,000 - £85,000 depending on experience
- Employee share option scheme
- Opportunity to work on advanced technology already proven in real-world applications
- Significant technical ownership and influence over product development
- Direct collaboration with senior leadership
- Career development opportunities within a rapidly growing engineering team
- Flexible working arrangements where compatible with laboratory and testing activities
Apply Now
If you are passionate about developing innovative technology and enjoy solving complex engineering challenges, we'd love to hear from you.
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