Role Summary
Microsoft Research Cambridge is looking for a senior hands-on Mechanical Engineer to design, build, test, and refine precision mechanical systems used in advanced photonics and fibre-optic research.
This is not a purely design-focused role.
The ideal candidate will spend significant time designing hardware, building prototypes, troubleshooting in the lab, and working directly with researchers to solve complex optical engineering challenges.
The environment is fast-moving and research-driven, so candidates must be comfortable with ambiguity, rapid iteration, and changing priorities.
Key Responsibilities
- Design precision mechanical and opto-mechanical systems for optical experiments
- Create detailed 3D CAD models and manufacturing drawings
- Build prototypes using 3D printing, machining, laser cutting, and workshop tools
- Assemble and align high-precision mechanical systems
- Support fibre handling, positioning, and alignment hardware development
- Conduct testing, debugging, and performance validation
- Apply DFMA principles to improve manufacturability and assembly efficiency
- Select suitable materials based on thermal, mechanical, and environmental requirements
- Work closely with optics researchers to translate experimental needs into practical hardware
- Manage multiple prototype developments simultaneously
Must-Have Skills (Non-Negotiable)
- Core Engineering
- Precision Mechanical Design
- High accuracy mechanisms
- Tight tolerance assemblies
- Sub-micron alignment and positioning systems preferred
- CAD Design
- Strong SolidWorks experience (preferred)
- Autodesk Inventor acceptable
- Creation of manufacturing drawings
- Hands-On Engineering
- Prototype assembly
- Workshop/lab work
- Hardware debugging
- Manufacturing Knowledge
- Machining
- Rapid prototyping
- Fabrication processes
- Supplier engagement
- DFMA
- Design for Manufacture & Assembly
- Ability to simplify designs for manufacturing and assembly
- Material Selection
- Metals, polymers, composites
- Thermal and mechanical considerations
- Experience Building Real Hardware
- Candidates must have personally built and tested hardware
- Not only simulation/design work
Nice-to-Have Skills
- Optics / Photonics
- Opto-mechanical engineering
- Optical alignment systems
- Free-space optics
- Fibre optics
- Waveguides
- Manufacturing
- CNC programming
- Multi-axis machining
- CAM software
- Simulation
- ANSYS FEA analysis
- Thermal analysis
- Research Environment Experience
- University research labs
- R&D organizations
- Advanced technology development teams
Experience Level Guidance: Ideal 8+ years mechanical engineering experience
Additional Details
Location: Cambridge, England
Duration: 8 months 26 days
Pay Range: £332- £373 /day (PAYE)
Shift Timings: Monday – Friday (business hours)
Weekly Schedule: 40 hours