Mechanical Design Engineer

About AllFocal Optics

AllFocal Optics is a photonics hardware company developing advanced Maxwellian optical stacks to improve visual comfort and performance across consumer, automotive and defence applications. Our optical components enable more comfortable, immersive visual experiences in digital displays and pass-through optical devices.

We have two vacancies for the role of Mechanical Design & Industrialisation Engineer, at different experience levels. Both positions will help bring our technology from tabletop experiments to working prototypes and production. One vacancy is suited to a graduate or junior engineer with CAD and practical project skills; the other is suited to an experienced engineer ready to lead industrialisation and shape how our products are manufactured.

Key Responsibilities

• Turn tabletop experiments and benchtop setups into functional, robust and well-presented prototypes and product demonstrators.
• Design mechanical parts, enclosures and assemblies using SolidWorks or equivalent CAD, including solid and surface modelling.
• Build and refine prototypes using 3D printing and other rapid-prototyping methods.
• Design practical mounts, fixtures and optical setups to support experiments and testing.
• Prepare drawings and assembly information, and improve designs through testing and feedback.
• Work closely with optical, mechanical and electronics engineers to develop products that are practical to build and use.
• Document design, prototyping, testing and assembly processes clearly, and keep work instructions and records up to date so builds can be repeated and knowledge shared across the team.

Minimum Skills and Experience

You will focus on CAD and hands-on prototyping, with guidance from the wider engineering team as you develop your experience.

• A degree in mechanical engineering, product design or a related subject, or equivalent practical experience.
• Experience using 3D CAD, preferably SolidWorks, including solid and surface modelling through coursework or practical projects.
• Experience of turning an idea / tabletop experiments into a design or physical prototype, with a basic understanding of how parts fit and assemble.
• An interest in hands-on fabrication and rapid prototyping; experience with 3D printers is an advantage.
• A practical approach to solving problems, attention to detail and a willingness to test, learn and improve.
• Ability to explain your ideas clearly and work well with others.

Desirable Skills and Experience

For the senior vacancy, we are looking for experience taking prototypes into manufacture. You will have the opportunity to own the industrialisation journey, establish the pilot production line and influence the processes and supplier relationships that support future production.

• Experience taking hardware from prototype through pilot builds to mass production readiness.
• Applying design for manufacture and assembly principles to improve reliability, build consistency, cost and ease of assembly.
• Working with foundries, tooling partners and manufacturing suppliers to select suitable processes and resolve production challenges.
• Setting up pilot lines, including jigs, fixtures, assembly methods and clear work instructions.
• Maintaining product quality during scale-up through inspection, testing and practical problem-solving, while preserving optical and mechanical performance.
• Leading design improvements, preparing designs for manufacturing handover and sharing practical knowledge with colleagues.

Other useful skills for either vacancy include subdivision modelling; concept rendering with SolidWorks Visualize or similar tools; enclosure design for technical hardware; a basic understanding of electronics; and workshop, laboratory or startup experience.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary
• Equity options program for long-term growth.
• Pension scheme and additional benefits.
• Exciting opportunity to thrive in a fast-paced startup environment.
• Support for professional development and career growth.
• Visa sponsorship available for the right candidate.