Job Description:
The Mechanical Engineer position at Taylor Hobson is an exciting opportunity to join an innovative and forward-thinking Research and Development team working on high-precision metrology products used in some of the world’s most demanding engineering applications. This role offers the chance to contribute to the design, development, and support of advanced mechanical subassemblies used across a range of ultra-precision instruments.
This is a hands-on engineering role that will suit someone who enjoys practical problem-solving, turning ideas into robust designs, and working closely with cross-functional teams to bring products to life. You will use 3D CAD, engineering calculations, and sound design-for-manufacture principles to help develop solutions that are both innovative and practical.
For the right candidate, this role offers excellent scope for technical growth. You will receive mentoring from experienced engineers, gain training in SolidWorks and CAD simulation where needed, and build your knowledge of Taylor Hobson’s products through hands-on exposure to metrology, manufacturing, and product development activities. It is an ideal opportunity for an engineer looking to broaden their experience in a highly specialised precision engineering environment.
Key Responsibilities:
As a valued member of the R&D team, reporting to the Senior Mechanical Engineer, you will play an important role in supporting both new product development and the continuous improvement of existing designs.
- Support the design, specification, and validation of mechanical subassemblies based on system and functional requirements, contributing from concept development through to detailed design, engineering calculations, and product support.
- Work closely with manufacturing, purchasing, and external suppliers to help deliver components and assemblies on time, while ensuring design documentation is accurate, practical, and ready for manufacture and service.
- Contribute to the improvement of existing products, engineering processes, and validation methods by identifying opportunities to enhance design efficiency, assembly, performance, and repeatability.
- Collaborate with colleagues across R&D, Operations, and Business Development, gaining broad exposure to the product lifecycle and helping ensure engineering solutions meet both technical and business needs.
- Provide support for legacy products, engineering change activity, and selected project work, with opportunities over time to take on broader technical responsibility and contribute to a wider range of development activities.
Required Essential Skills:
- Experience in mechanical design and development of mechanical systems or subassemblies
- Good knowledge of manufacturing engineering, materials, methods, and processes
- Strong analytical skills, supported by practical problem-solving ability
Proficient in the use of the following tools:
- CAD (at least one of the following SW, NX, Catia, ProE or similar)
- MS Office or similar
Desirable Skills:
- Knowledge of drives and controls
- Experience of design of small mechanisms
- Experience in precision engineering, machine tools, optics, or similar high-accuracy industries
- Knowledge of fixtures, kinematic principles, or precision machined components and materials
- Exposure to product support documentation and validation planning
- Understand system requirements and translate them into effective mechanical solutions
- Suggest suitable manufacturing methods, assembly approaches, and validation techniques
- Produce supporting engineering documentation for manufacture and service
- Work effectively with cross-functional teams including Operations and Business Development
- Take part in design reviews and support less experienced engineers where appropriate
Required Personal Attributes:
- Confidence and intelligence, with the ability to support and guide junior engineers or contractors where required
- Flexible and open-minded approach to tasks, with a willingness to investigate problems thoroughly
- Collaborative, proactive, and comfortable working across technical disciplines
Qualifications Or Relevant Work Experience:
- Degree-level education in Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent experience, with around 3 years’ experience in a mechanical design or engineering role spanning concept development through to production support
- Sound understanding of engineering principles, including mechanisms, drives, controls, materials, and manufacturing methods
- Experience in product design and working alongside manufacturing engineering, quality systems, and component or process capability activities
- Experience in precision engineering is desirable but not essential
Future Development Opportunities:
This role offers genuine scope for progression, including support towards Chartered status and the opportunity to develop into a Senior Mechanical Engineer position over time. As your experience grows, you will have the chance to take on broader project involvement, increased design responsibility, and deeper technical ownership.
What we offer you
At Taylor Hobson, we are committed to creating an environment where engineers can thrive. Alongside a competitive package, we offer strong technical support, opportunities to develop your career, and the chance to work with knowledgeable colleagues in a highly specialised precision engineering business.
- A multi-disciplined environment with opportunities to learn with like-minded colleagues.
- 1pm Friday finish.
- Competitive salary and 25 days holiday including Christmas.
- Fantastic and supportive onboarding to ensure joiners are well integrated and comfortable at Taylor Hobson.
- Generous matched pension scheme.
- Life assurance.
- Option to join private health plan.
- Enhanced maternity pay.
- We are invested in developing your skills and will promote and encourage progression through the business.
- Mentoring and guidance for accreditation.
- Opportunity to get involved with charity and fundraising, which we are passionate about.
- Sports and Social Club – fun events and activities throughout the year including Christmas party.
- Perkbox – our rewards app offering discounts from a multitude of retailers, a GP service and a 24-hour Employee Assistance Program to ensure the health and wellbeing of our employees.
