Mechanical Design Engineer

What is the job?

As Mechanical Design Engineer, you will design products and ensure they go through the development cycle into production in a timely manner and with all the information required for continue manufacturability.   

Working Hours: Monday to Friday 8.00 am – 4.30 pm (Hybrid working available)

Department: Engineering

Interview process: 2 stage process following shortlisting – First stage: 1 Hour Teams interview Second stage: Onsite 3 Hour interview

Who we are?

Thorlabs is a global, industry leading optical technologies company. We are experts in the design and manufacture or a range of innovative photonics products. We use these products in manufacturing and research, from fibre optics to piezo motors. We are the gold standard with optics laboratories worldwide. There are now 22 facilities across the world in 9 countries. Here in Ely, we are responsible for the Motion Control and Optical Tables product line.

Where you will be working?

It's a hybrid role, working in our new purpose-built facility in Witchford, Ely as well as your home. Our purpose-built facility is just 12 miles from Cambridge, within the beautiful mediaeval city of Ely. There are train and bus links to Ely from Kings Cross and Liverpool Street London, and our site is within distance of Ely train station and Ely Bus station.

What is essential to us…

• Mechanical Engineering degree or equivalent experience or qualifications
• Experience in product development with proven record of released products.
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary project team to drive projects through to completion
• An understanding of machinery directive safety legislation and compliance regulations
• Experience with 3D and 2D modelling software, demonstrating a creative ability with attention to detail
• Experience of producing high quality manufacturing drawings containing full tolerance and detailed finishing specifications
• Experience with precision component design to micron level tolerances
• Strong grasp of materials selection for a wide range of mechanical assemblies
• Ability to multitask, time manage and work independently
• Ability to identify and resolve problems quickly

What we would like you to do/ to see…

• Design and improve mechanical mechanisms for precision motion control and vibration isolation systems
• Develop, assemble, test and evaluate theoretical designs following concurrence engineering approach
• Produce detailed specifications of the product from data analysis gathered from testing
• Brainstorm, discuss and review technical challenges with team members, sub-contractors, suppliers and manufacturing departments to find root cause and resolution to the problems
• Ensure Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA) is implemented in the design
• Ensure Design for Compliance is implemented in the design
• Make sure a product can be made reliably and will perform consistently in specified operating conditions
• Plan and oversee the product development and ensure deadlines are met
• Consider implications of issues such as cost creep, compliance, safety and time constraints and apply strategies to minimise them
• Work collaboratively with other departments to ensure complete knowledge transfer of products into production

What will you get?

At Thorlabs there are lots of opportunities for inhouse customised training and development that accelerates your career progression. We have free onsite parking, free refreshments, as well as an entertainment area in our large canteen for your enjoyment.

And the benefits are?

Competitive Salary to attract the best, plus an excellent benefits package including pension, health care, 25 days holiday plus public holidays.

Job Reference: THOR-VC-1621

This is a rolling campaign, so we will actively interview applicants. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

We welcome applications from persons who are over 18 years old.

*This is a legal requirement, further information is here School leaving age - GOV.UK )

All offers of employment are subject to eligibility to work in the UK.

We would encourage all internal applicants to inform their line managers of their interest in this position.

-Contributed Pension Scheme -Group Life Cover -Private Health Care -Group Income Protection & more.

Please apply through the Apply for this job button or send a copy of your CV along with a covering letter and your salary expectations to: Human Resources at Thorlabs Ltd, 204 Lancaster Way Business Park, Ely, Cambs, CB6 3NX or e-mail

We are Disability Confident Committed

In line with the requirements of the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006, all applicants must have a valid permission to enter or remain in the UK with no condition that prevents them from working in the UK. Documented evidence of such permission will be required from candidates as part of the recruitment process.