Direct Supervisor
R&D Manager
Direct Reports (number/type)
None
Decision-Making
Makes independent design decisions within project scope (component selection, materials, mechanical tolerances); escalates cost, schedule, or specification changes to R&D Manager
Short description of why this role exists (3-4 sentences)
ProPhotonix designs and manufactures LED illuminators and line-light products for the machine vision market, with approximately 70% of business in custom and OEM solutions. This role exists to lead the mechanical and product design of LED light engines — including associated manufacturing and assembly fixtures — from concept through to manufacture, ensuring designs meet thermal, electrical, and manufacturability requirements, and integrate correctly with the optical design. The Mechanical Design Engineer works closely with electronics and optical engineering, the Project Manager, production, and procurement to bring new and custom LED illumination products to market.
Main tasks (5-8 bullet points)
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Acts as the senior mechanical-design subject-matter expert for assigned projects, providing technical direction on design trade-offs, materials, tolerancing, thermal management, and manufacturability.
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Leads mechanical design reviews and contributes to risk assessments, design verification, and design-transfer activities.
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Identifies design, quality, cost, supply, and manufacturability risks early and recommends practical mitigation actions.
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Contribute to broader product design activities across the light engine and illuminator range, from initial concept through to production release
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Produce and maintain 3D CAD models, assembly drawings, and manufacturing documentation
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Support thermal management design of LED assemblies, including heat sink design, thermal interface materials, airflow considerations and water cooling solutions
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Lead or support DFM/DFA reviews with production and procurement to ensure designs are manufacturable and cost-effective
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Select materials and finishes appropriate for thermal and mechanical performance, including corrosion and galvanic compatibility considerations
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Support prototyping, testing, and validation of new designs, including environmental and reliability testing
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Provides mechanical-design input and supporting technical documentation for product compliance activities, including CE, RoHS, IEC 62471 and EMC requirements, working with Quality/Compliance and the relevant technical functions.
Area of Responsibility (e.g. region, business unit)
Prophotonix Cork, R&D Department
Impact (operational / strategic)
Operational: directly affects product performance, reliability, and manufacturability. Strategic: supports custom/OEM design wins that represent the majority of company revenue
Budget Responsibility (if applicable)
N/A
Key Internal Interfaces
Project Manager (day-to-day project interface for design timelines, milestones, and deliverables), Optical Engineer, Electronics Engineering, Production, Procurement, Quality/Compliance, Operations
Key External Interfaces
Component and material suppliers, contract manufacturers, test/certification bodies
Education / Experience
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Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related discipline required; Master's degree preferred
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10+ years Proven industry experience in mechanical/design engineering, ideally within electronics, optics, photonics, or precision manufacturing
Technical Skills
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Strong 3D CAD skills (SolidWorks essential), including tolerancing and drawing standards (GD&T)
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Practical understanding of manufacturing processes (machining, die casting, sheet metal, injection molding, aluminum extrusion design) and DFM principles
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Experience designing fixtures, jigs, and tooling for assembly, test, or production processes
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Ability to design for thermal performance in electronics/LED assemblies
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Desirable: experience with thermal modelling/simulation tools (e.g. SolidWorks Thermal, or similar)
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Desirable: working knowledge of electronics (PCB layout awareness, basic circuit understanding, component packaging constraints)
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Desirable: Awareness of optical design or optomechanical assemblies (lenses, reflectors, beam-shaping optics)
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Desirable: familiarity with LED technology and photonics
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Desirable: understanding of relevant compliance standards (CE marking, RoHS, EMC, IEC 62471)
Pension & Health insurance
Design the future
Are you looking to join a company that is on the move? A company that lets you carve out your niche and succeed? A company that gives you the tools, support, and freedom to thrive? A company with competitive benefits and a collaborative work environment? Then now is the time to join us!
If you are a high-energy, self-starter who enjoys making a significant contribution to an organization, each and every day, see our openings below.
