Mechanical Design Engineer - Automation

Didcot
10 months ago
Applications closed

Related Jobs

View all jobs

Mechanical Design Engineer

Mechanical Design Engineer

Mechanical Design Engineer

Mechanical Design Engineer

Mechanical Design Engineer

Mechanical Design Engineer

We are working on behalf of an industry-leading company specializing in cutting-edge vision technology and inspection systems. With a global reputation for innovation, quality, and precision, this dynamic organisation has been at the forefront of the high-tech sector since 2000. They design and deliver world-class industrial automation systems from their headquarters at the prestigious Harwell Science and Innovation Campus near Oxford.

This is your chance to join a company trusted by blue-chip manufacturers worldwide, with hundreds of systems installed globally. Be part of a team that is shaping the future of vision technology and factory automation.

The Role

As a Mechanical Design Engineer, youll work within a talented engineering team to design everything from small retro-fit camera systems to large-scale industrial automation machinery. This role offers a blend of creativity, problem-solving, and technical expertise in a fast-paced, innovative environment.

Key Responsibilities

  • Develop mechanical designs for industrial automation systems using SolidWorks under the guidance of the Design Manager.

  • Create pneumatic designs, including concepts, drawings, and schematics.

  • Specify components for automation systems and generate renders for sales and marketing.

  • Produce designs that meet global standards.

  • Collaborate with the Applications Engineering team to deliver projects on time.

  • Support hands-on mechanical builds of systems as required.

    Required Skills & Expertise

    Essential:

  • A minimum of 3 years of industrial automation or special-purpose machine design experience.

  • Proficiency in 3D CAD software, preferably SolidWorks.

  • Degree-qualified in Mechanical Engineering or a related field (2:1 or above).

  • Logical problem-solving skills and high attention to detail.

  • Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage deadlines and priorities.

  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

  • Team-oriented with a willingness to collaborate.

    Desirable:

  • Experience with machine vision systems or vision technology integration.

  • Familiarity with rendering software (e.g., Blender, SolidWorks Visualize).

  • Experience with 3D printing.

  • Full UK driving licence.

    Benefits

  • Company pension

  • 25 days annual leave + bank holidays

  • Health insurance

  • Training budget

  • Free on-site parking

    This is a fantastic opportunity to join a company at the forefront of innovation in vision technology. If youre passionate about mechanical design and want to make an impact in the field of industrial automation, this role could be the perfect fit for you.

    Must have the right to work in the UK.

    All applications are responded too

Subscribe to Future Tech Insights for the latest jobs & insights, direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

How Many Robotics Tools Do You Need to Know to Get a Robotics Job?

If you’re pursuing a career in robotics, it can feel like the list of tools you should learn never ends. One job advert asks for ROS, another mentions Gazebo, another wants experience with Python, Linux, C++, RobotStudio, MATLAB/Simulink, perception stacks, control frameworks, real-time OS, vision libraries — and that’s just scratching the surface. With so many frameworks, languages and platforms, it’s no wonder robotics job seekers feel overwhelmed. But here’s the honest truth most recruiters won’t say explicitly: 👉 They don’t hire you because you know every tool — they hire you because you can apply the right tools to solve real robotics problems reliably and explain your reasoning clearly. Tools matter — but only in service of outcomes. So the real question isn’t how many tools you should know, but which tools you should master and why. For most robotics roles, the answer is significantly fewer — and far more focused — than you might assume. This article breaks down what employers really expect, which tools are core, which are role-specific, and how to focus your learning so you look capable, confident, and ready to contribute from day one.

What Hiring Managers Look for First in Robotics Job Applications (UK Guide)

Robotics is one of the most dynamic, interdisciplinary fields in technology — blending mechanical systems, embedded software, controls, perception (AI/vision), modelling, simulation and systems integration. Hiring managers in this space are highly selective because robotics teams need people who can solve real-world problems under constraints, work across disciplines, and deliver safe, reliable systems. And here’s the reality: hiring managers do not read every word of your CV. Like in many tech domains, they scan quickly — often forming a judgement in the first 10–20 seconds. In robotics, those first signals are especially important because the work is complex and there’s a wide range of candidate backgrounds. This guide unpacks exactly what hiring managers look for first in robotics applications and how to optimise your CV, portfolio and cover letter so you stand out in the UK market.

The Skills Gap in Robotics Jobs: What Universities Aren’t Teaching

Robotics is no longer confined to science fiction or isolated research labs. Today, robots perform critical tasks across manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, agriculture, defence, hospitality and even education. In the UK, businesses are embracing automation to improve productivity, reduce costs and tackle labour shortages. Yet despite strong interest and a growing number of university programmes in robotics, many employers report a persistent problem: graduates are not job-ready for real-world robotics roles. This is not a question of intelligence or dedication. It is a widening skills gap between what universities teach and what employers actually need in robotics jobs. In this article, we’ll explore that gap in depth — what universities do well, where their programmes often fall short, why the disconnect exists, what employers really want, and how you can bridge the divide to build a thriving career in robotics.