Head of Mechanical Engineering – Wearable Systems, PPE

Role Overview

• Lead the Mechanical Engineering team, providing technical direction across all mechanical development activities and defining the engineering roadmap for current and future product generations.
• Own the system-level mechanical architecture for wearable platforms — covering helmets, optics integration, electronics packaging, thermal management, batteries, sensors, ergonomics, and manufacturability.
• Lead PPE certification programmes (ANSI Type I, ANSI Type II, EN397) — acting as the primary engineering interface to certification bodies and testing laboratories.
• Drive products from concept through prototype, certification, pilot production, and full-scale manufacture, leading DFM, DFA, DFT, and DFR activities.
• Develop and manage relationships with helmet manufacturers, PPE suppliers, tooling suppliers, contract manufacturers, and specialist engineering partners.
• Mentor, develop, and grow the mechanical engineering team while establishing engineering standards, design practices, and product development processes.

Requirements

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Product Design Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 10+ years of product development experience with significant experience in helmet systems, PPE, safety equipment, or other wearable products.
• Demonstrated experience leading products from concept through certification and production, with direct experience of ANSI Type I, ANSI Type II, and EN397 programmes.
• Expert-level CAD capability (SolidWorks or equivalent) and experience working directly with certification bodies, testing laboratories, and external manufacturing partners.

Benefits

• 25 days annual leave + public holidays
• Private healthcare with Vitality
• Christmas shutdown days on top of leave allowance (2–4 per year usually)
• Office located within a 5-minute walk from Angel station
• Hybrid working
• Biannual salary reviews
• Summer & Christmas staff parties
• Free lunch bought in and after-work gathering/drinks every other Thursday in the office
• Employee referral scheme
• Make a real-world impact of revolutionising the construction industry