Mechanical Design Engineer (Mid-level)

LAYER, a leading design agency shaping the future of physical and digital experiences, is looking for a Mechanical Design Engineer with 3+ years of industry experience (after internships) to join our growing London studio.
LAYER collaborates with pioneering brands—including Bang & Olufsen, Samsung, Google, and BMW—to develop cutting-edge products that redefine how we live, work, and interact. From smart devices and VR/AR technology to technical furniture and next-generation communication tools, we create innovative solutions for a rapidly evolving world.
Our approach to projects requires a diverse range of skills. For this role, we are looking for a technical problem solver with 3+ years experience in mechanical design, technical product development, and design/engineering for manufacture. Experience working in an agency environment or as part of a multi-disciplinary team with industrial designers is preferable. The successful applicant(s) will be proactive and agile with a positive attitude and desire to learn new skills on the job to become an integral team member.
As an agency working across different sectors each project is different and requires continual learning and upskilling. The successful candidate should have the willingness and ability to self-learn new skills and generate new technical knowledge in order to adapt to each new challenge.
We offer competitive salary, bonus scheme, a dynamic studio environment, mentorship, studio social events, and have half-days on Fridays so you can maximise your weekends!
Fluency in English is a prerequisite – other languages are beneficial.
This is not a remote role, and will be based full time in the London studio. Please only apply if you live in London or are willing and able to relocate.
We are exclusively interested in candidates with a Mechanical Engineering degree or similar, candidates with an industrial design background will not be considered for this position.
Please note: A portfolio visually detailing your previous work is a requirement for this application. The portflio must show your own specific contribution to previous projects.
What we are looking for:
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BEng in Mechanical Engineering or similar with 3+ years of industry experience
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Experience working on product development and/or design for manufacture (high-volume production and experience with OEMs preferred).
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Experience producing designs to be manufactured using a range of materials and manufacturing processes, including plastic moulding, CNC and additive manufacturing. In particular, experience designing parts to be produced though plastic injection moulding.
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Experience developing integrated electro-mechanical assemblies.
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Understanding of the appropriate use of electronic and electrical components including pumps, motors, PCBs, LEDs, sensors, valves, switches etc. Programming and prototyping experience using Arduino or Raspberry Pi would be beneficial.
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Proficiency developing working prototypes using 3D printing and hand-production methods. Electronics prototyping experience is also beneficial.
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Solid understanding of engineering mechanics, mathematics and material properties.
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Understanding of manufacturing tolerances and tolerance stack analysis is beneficial.
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Comfortable generating RFQs and working with external suppliers in order to outsource components. Experience working with Chinese suppliers is beneficial.
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We work on a broad range of product types including consumer goods, consumer electronics, technical furniture, exercise equipment and transport with a focus on mechanical engineering – experience within these categories is desirable.
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Strategic thinker and able to work across a number of different sectors.
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Ability to generate and present multiple technical concepts that solve the challenges present in each project. Requires lateral thinking and the willingness to use novel approaches to problem solving.
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High level of CAD competency in SolidWorks and collaborative working.
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Understanding of advanced CAD methods such as sheet metal design, technical drawings, CAD file structures and part numbering and organisation.
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Understanding of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) and some understanding of BS8888 Standards.
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Understanding of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) would be beneficial.
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Efficient with time and prepared to join an ambitious and fast-paced environment.
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Willing to contribute to a culture of collaboration, share skills across teams and work well as part of a diverse team.
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Ability and willingness to adapt and learn new skills as part of projects.
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Experience using Adobe InDesign is beneficial.
What we can offer you:
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A competitive salary.
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An annual bonus (based on individual and studio performance).
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A creative and social studio environment with regular studio social events and in-studio talks from industry leaders.
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Flexible half days on Fridays so you can maximise your weekends.
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The opportunity to work on ground-breaking projects with some of the world’s most recognised brands, from Fortune 500 companies to start-ups.
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Exciting travel opportunities for client meetings, presentations, and research.
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Mentorship and meaningful career progression within the studio