Principal Mechanical Design Engineer

Job description

Principal Mechanical Design Engineer Dunfermline Permanent ABOUT US When a five-year-old boy was blinded after a regular eye exam failed to spot a retinal detachment, his father made it his life’s work to help eye care professionals by revolutionising retinal imaging. Optos was founded by Douglas Anderson in 1992 with the goal to make a patient-friendly device to quickly capture the entire retina. The experience of Douglas Anderson is a thread that runs through the company to this day and has resulted in our products being used in nearly 20,000 locations globally. Optomap® shows up to 82% (200°) of the retina in a single-capture, offering unrivalled clarity and Optos is proud to be recognised as the leader in this field. ROLE SUMMARY We are seeking an experienced Principal Mechanical Design Engineer to join our Optomechanical team within the Research and Development department, based in Dunfermline. In this senior role, you will provide technical leadership across the development of complex opto‑mechanical systems, driving innovation, setting engineering direction, and ensuring high‑quality delivery across multiple projects. You will play a key role in shaping our technology roadmap, guiding best practice, and mentoring engineers while contributing to the creation of next‑generation retinal imaging products. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Lead system‑level architecture, technical strategy, and design development for opto‑mechanical solutions. Drive innovation and contribute to the creation of new technologies and product enhancements. Define design approaches and influence the wider technology roadmap and innovation strategy. Coordinate cross‑functional engineering activities and ensure effective project delivery. Oversee the transition of prototypes into product and clinical environments. Analyse and report experimental results to inform design decisions. Provide expert guidance on CAD methods, drawing standards, GD&T, and tolerance strategies. Review and approve drawings, BOMs, and documentation in line with PLM and quality processes. Lead design reviews, FMEA activities, and engineering quality improvements. Direct simulation, modelling, and validation activities. Own research programmes, validation strategies, and experimental frameworks. Lead root‑cause investigations and drive corrective and preventive actions. Optimise material selection and apply strong DFM principles across manufacturing methods. Advise on compliance, risk management, and complex technical challenges. Contribute to IP generation, patent strategy, and technical knowledge sharing. Collaborate with suppliers and internal stakeholders to deliver robust, manufacturable solutions. Mentor engineers and promote best‑practice engineering standards across the team. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Degree‑level education in mechanical engineering, optomechanical engineering, or equivalent professional experience. Extensive experience in mechanical design, with expert technical capability in opto‑mechanical systems. Proven track record of delivering complex, multi‑disciplinary engineering projects. Extensive experience in motors and precision motion systems design and integration. Strong leadership, communication, and mentoring skills, with the ability to guide teams and influence technical direction. Demonstrated experience defining system‑level architecture, technical strategies, and design approaches. Hands‑on expertise with CAD tools, drawing standards, GD&T, tolerance analysis, and PLM‑based documentation control. Experience leading design reviews, FMEA activities, simulation, modelling, and validation processes. Extensive experience in thermal management of complex systems, including simulation, analysis, and performance evaluation. Strong understanding of DFM principles and material selection across a range of manufacturing methods. Experience driving innovation, contributing to technology roadmaps, and supporting IP generation and patent strategy. Ability to lead root‑cause analysis, implement corrective actions, and uphold engineering quality standards. Familiarity with compliance, risk management, and technical governance within regulated or high‑precision environments. Strong collaboration skills, with experience working closely with suppliers, cross‑functional teams, and internal stakeholders. BENEFITS At Optos, we offer a highly competitive compensation and benefits package. EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, age or protected veteran status. If you feel you have the necessary skills and experience and want to join a great team, please click on the Apply button!