Mechanical Design Engineer – Photonic Hardware
On-site · Daresbury, England, United Kingdom
Job Summary
Mechanical Design Engineer to support the development of next-generation photonic hardware systems in an R&D setting focused on mechanical and thermal design, prototyping, and validation of high-specification hardware for optical quantum computing. Responsibilities include developing enclosure and internal layout solutions for controlled environments, designing robust mechanisms for precision assemblies, supporting thermal management and environmental control, performing mechanical and thermal analyses, planning and conducting validation activities, collaborating with photonics and systems teams, and coordinating with suppliers for fabrication and assembly. Desired experience includes CAD and engineering drawings, precision hardware design, thermal/structural modelling, and ability to move across design-build-test-debug cycles; preferred background includes high-performance optical, photonic, cryogenic, vacuum, or scientific instrumentation systems and experience with environmentally controlled, repeatable hardware suitable for manufacturing transfer.
Required Qualifications
- Degree, apprenticeship-based qualification, or equivalent practical experience in mechanical engineering, physics, engineering science, hardware design or a related discipline
- Around 1–2 years of relevant post-degree or post-PhD experience, or equivalent hands-on experience in a demanding engineering environment
- Experience contributing to the design, build and validation of precision hardware or experimental systems
- Good mechanical design skills, including CAD and production of engineering drawings
- Experience with mechanical and/or thermal modelling, analysis or simulation
- Experience working with precision assemblies, fragile components or tightly constrained mechanical systems
- Strong practical engineering skills, with the ability to move between design, build, test and debugging
- Ability to work effectively with multidisciplinary teams and external partners
- Clear written and verbal communication skills
- Equivalent hands-on route into engineering, for example through apprenticeship or technician-to-engineer progression
Additional Requirements
- Not specified in the provided text.
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