Mechanical Engineer (NPI Team)

Location:                          Waterbeach, UK
Department:                     Engineering (NPI)
Reports to:                       Production Engineering Manager
Type:                                 Full-time, Permanent
 
Thermoteknix Systems Ltd, founded in 1982 and based in Cambridge, is a world leader in thermal imaging, night vision, and augmented reality systems. Our award-winning technologies are trusted by defence, security, and industrial customers in over 70 countries. With in-house R&D, cutting-edge innovation, and a global reputation for quality, we design and manufacture solutions that perform in the toughest environments.
 
Due to increasing market opportunities and an ever-growing product range, Thermoteknix is expanding its Engineering capacity by creating a New Product Introduction (NPI) team within R&D.

As a member of the new NPI team, you will be responsible for leading the mechanical aspects of transitioning products from development into scalable repeatable manufacturing. You will work closely with R&D, manufacturing, and quality teams, as well as drawing on your existing mechanical and process knowledge to ensure products are designed and validated for efficient production, assembly, and test.
 
Additionally, you will contribute to the improvement of existing products to improve production capability and ensure high levels of quality and reliability across a range of harsh environments and applications. 
 
Key Responsibilities
 

• Support design processes from the mechanical side, using engineering knowledge combined with tools such as DFMEA to ensure DFM/DFA is considered throughout the design phase
• Support mechanical workstreams within NPI projects, ensuring readiness for build and scale, and supporting the transition of products through to customer delivery
• Work alongside electrical and software engineers within the NPI team to design and develop electromechanical test jigs that optimise production throughput and ensure product quality
• Work alongside the manufacturing team to define and document mechanical build procedures, assembly instructions, and production workflows to establish repeatable manufacturing
• Provide a hands-on approach during NPI builds, supporting root cause investigation and resolution of mechanical failures or assembly issues within the engineering change process (ECN) framework
• Drive improvements in manufacturing readiness by identifying and implementing opportunities to streamline mechanical assembly processes and reduce build time
• Work alongside the quality department to support non-conformance investigations, and product quality improvements during NPI phases
• Contribute to the development of the new NPI team’s standards and processes

 
 
 Required Skills & Experience

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline
• Experience with 3D CAD (e.g. SolidWorks)
• Strong understanding of DFM/DFA, tolerance analysis, GD&T and material selection
• Ability to create and evaluate 2D technical manufacturing drawings to BS8888 
• Experience supporting products through prototype to production transition for low to medium volume products
• Experience creating technical documentation and releasing into a controlled change management system 
• Knowledge of mechanical manufacturing methods (machining, sheet metal, moulding, assemblies)
• Experience working cross-functionally in a fast-paced engineering environment

 
 
Desirable Skills & Experience

• Experience of assembly and testing of hand-held electromechanical devices within a lean manufacturing environment
• Experience designing jigs, fixtures, tooling, or mechanical test equipment
• Experience with design and assembly of optical products
• Experience designing products to military standards
• Understanding of engineering change control and quality systems (ISO9001)
• Experience setting up and managing SOPs within a production environment
• Experience working in controlled cleanroom environments

 

 Personal Attributes

• Hands-on, proactive, and solution-focused mindset
• Strong communication skills with engineering and production stakeholders
• Comfortable working between design and manufacturing environments
• Driven to improve processes and deliver manufacturing excellence
• Adaptable and motivated to help shape a new team and function

 Applicants must have the right to work in the UK at the time of application. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this role.