Senior Mechanical Engineer (contract)

Cambridge Source: WhatJobs

£61,000–£69,000

Please note that this is a contract role providing services to Microsoft through external staffing partners of Allegis Global Solutions (AGS). If you are selected for this role, you will be employed by AGS and will not be an employee of Microsoft.

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

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

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

As a workplace, Allegis Global Solutions focuses on relationships - with each other, our clients and our candidates. In fact, serving others is one of our core values. We support open communication and recognize that giving constructive criticism can be even harder than receiving it. We appreciate the fearless and the passionate, who force us to be better. Everything we do sits on a pillar of diversity, equity and inclusion - diverse perspectives, backgrounds and ideas achieve innovation and make us successful.

Please note that we may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to screen, assess, or select applicants for this position. These tools may analyse application materials and assist our team in identifying candidates whose qualifications best match the requirements of the role. If you have questions about our use of AI in the hiring process, or would like more information, please contact us.