At Zero Point Motion, we’re challenging the limits of what’s possible in inertial sensing. Our mission is to combine cutting-edge cavity optomechanics with MEMS and photonic integrated circuits (PICs) to deliver aerospace-grade precision to commercial markets. This is not business as usual. We’re rethinking sensor systems from the ground up -embracing cross-domain innovation, tackling the impossible, and delivering technology that transforms how the world navigates and interacts with data.

We're looking for a rare kind of mechanical hardware engineer, someone who doesn't just design in CAD, but wants to see that design function at its very best in the physical world. You're the person who sees a mechanical problem and instinctively starts sketching, printing, wiring, cutting. You’re the one who creates robust mechanical systems no matter whether the engineering is visible or behind the scenes

The experience you have:

• Independently designed, built and tested hardware in tight timeframes

• Exceptionally strong in CAD and mechanical design, with a track record of building high risk and ambitious test platforms under tight budgets and deadlines.

• Deeply comfortable with all kinds of tools, FDM/Resin printing, CAD (e.g. Fusion360, SolidWorks), manual fabrication, test equipment

• Exposure to more than one industry field in their career

Core Skills: 

• Embeds a design-for-manufacture mindset in everything you and others do

• Extensive experience in CAD software for designing jigs, enclosures, mounts and fixtures

• Intricate care in handling fragile and tiny components e.g silicon chips or similar

• Proven track record of keeping lab environments clean, safe and organised

• Able to learn quickly from first principles whilst executing rapid iterations

Bonus Knowledge: 

• Experience working with robotic systems for test automation.

• Familiarity with handling bare die and wafers

• Use of FEM software

• Vacuum systems

• Electronic integration

• Lab equipment automation

Personal Attributes:

• Delivery driven: you’re happy hacking together a working prototype today and refining it tomorrow

• Exceptionally careful and tidy in their work

• Comfortable in ambiguity, thrives in fast-moving, low-ego teams

• Curious and innovative, with a passion for solving complex technical challenges.

• Strong communicator and collaborator, able to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team.

Key Responsibilities

Hardware and CAD:

• Own the design and build of test setups, fixtures, jigs, and experimental hardware, designed for scalability and repeatability.

• Carefully perform testing using steady hands and attention to detail

• Model and track mechanical and thermal stability

• Take napkin sketches to physical rigs (‘zero to one’) using 3D printing, laser cutting, CNC, working with what we have in-house (3D printing) and external suppliers

• Collaborate closely with MEMS, optics, and electronics engineers to make ideas testable, and fast

• Rapidly iterate designs based on real-world failure, feedback, and validation data

• Bring order to chaos: document your builds, track changes, and help scale lab infrastructure

• Push our design-for-manufacture thinking forward as we move from prototype to product

• Example projects you might work on

• Design and build a miniature vacuum chamber for chip testing

• Build a test system for photodetector and laser-on-chip testing

• Rapidly iterate package designs

What the package for this role will look like:

• Competitive salary (shown in open roles)

• Generous company package including share options, Royal London pension, and sick pay

• Flexible working arrangements depending on role

Zero Point Motion is determined to foster belonging and empowerment at work. We are committed to providing a work environment where there’s a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination, and everyone is treated with respect. Equity, diversity and inclusion are central to our mission and we strongly encourage candidates of all different backgrounds and identities to apply. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us.