Mechanical Engineer (PPE/Wearable Hardware Focussed)

Job description

Job title: Mechanical Engineer – Wearable Systems & Certification Location: Reading, UK (Hybrid) ABOUT XYZ REALITY ────────────────────────────── XYZ Reality are the creators of the world's first and only engineering-grade Augmented Reality solution, purpose built for the construction industry. Not only have we created this holographic technology, that sits within The Atom — a smart, site-safe headset/hardhat — but we implement it on projects, utilising the power of AR to ensure that all schemes are completed in line with delivery timescales and budgets. XYZ has grown to over 100 staff across the UK, US & Europe and is working with Mission Critical organisations & construction companies to successfully deliver major projects. THE ROLE ────────────────────────────── XYZ Reality is developing the next generation of wearable augmented reality products for the construction industry — helmet-mounted systems that must perform reliably in some of the most demanding industrial environments in the world. We are looking for a talented Mechanical Engineer to join our Hardware team and take a hands-on role in designing, certifying, and delivering these products. Working closely with our Senior Mechanical Engineer and a multidisciplinary R&D team, you'll be involved across the full product development cycle — from concept and prototyping through certification, manufacturing readiness, and production transition. This is a role for someone who is practical, detail-oriented, and passionate about building innovative physical products — someone who takes ownership, gets into the workshop as readily as they get into CAD, and wants to see their engineering make a real-world difference. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES ────────────────────────────── • Design and develop helmet-mounted AR systems and accessories using SolidWorks — producing 3D models, assemblies, engineering drawings, and full production documentation to a high standard. • Support ANSI Type II and EN397 certification programmes — designing for compliance from the outset, coordinating with certification bodies and testing laboratories, and supporting environmental, drop, impact, vibration, and ingress testing activities. • Integrate sensor systems, batteries, antennas, optics, cameras, and electronics into compact wearable platforms — with attention to thermal management, electronics packaging, and wearable ergonomics throughout. • Lead and support DFM and DFA activities — ensuring designs are manufacturable at scale, generating assembly instructions and engineering change documentation, and supporting production introduction and manufacturing transition. • Work with external suppliers, contract manufacturers, and certification laboratories — managing relationships, reviewing outputs, and ensuring components and systems meet design intent and regulatory requirements. • Collaborate closely with Hardware, Embedded, Production, Software, and R&D teams — participating in concept generation, design reviews, prototyping, and validation activities across the full development programme. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS ────────────────────────────── • Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Product Design Engineering, or a related discipline, with 3–5 years of product development experience from concept through prototype and into production. • Strong SolidWorks CAD experience — including 3D modelling, assemblies, engineering drawings, and manufacturing documentation — with a solid grasp of tolerance analysis, material selection, and mechanical design principles. • Practical, hands-on prototyping and workshop skills, with experience working across manufacturing processes including injection moulding, machining, sheet metal fabrication, and additive manufacturing. • Experience working with external suppliers and manufacturers, and comfortable operating within a fast-paced, multidisciplinary engineering team. Familiarity with PPE, wearable products, or certification standards (ANSI, EN397, CE, UKCA) is a strong advantage. KEY EXPERIENCE & SKILLS ────────────────────────────── • SolidWorks CAD — 3D design, assemblies & engineering drawings • ANSI Type II / EN397 certification & regulatory testing • Wearable product design — helmets, PPE & head-mounted systems • DFM / DFA & manufacturing transition support • Sensor, optics, battery & electronics integration into wearables • Hands-on prototyping, practical workshop & problem-solving skills BENEFITS ────────────────────────────── 🏝️ 25 days annual leave + public holidays 🩺 Private healthcare with Vitality 🎄 Christmas shutdown days on top of leave allowance (2–4 per year usually) 🏠 Hybrid working 🪙 Biannual salary reviews 🥳 Summer & Christmas staff parties 💰 Employee referral scheme 🚀 Make a real-world impact of revolutionising the construction industry