Mechanical Development Engineer

Job description

Mechanical Development Engineer

Vacancy Reference Number

22541

Number of Vacancies

1

(B) OCU

MO3 Covert Policing

Location

Southwark

Band

Band N

Part/Full Time

Full Time

Hours per Week

36 hours per week

Type of Contract

Permanent

Job Advert

Job Title: Mechanical Development Engineer

Salary: The starting salary is £55,662, which includes allowances totalling £3,009.

The salary is broken down as £52,653 basic salary, which will increase annually until you reach the top of the scale £57,417. Plus, a location allowance of £2,009 and a non-pensionable allowance of £1,000.

Location: Southwark, London

Seeing is believing - and that's the only way you'll really get to know about our sophisticated technologies and how we're using them to fight crime in the capital. We don't say much, for obvious reasons, but suffice to say that we're leading advancements in emerging technologies to deliver bespoke electronic, mechanical and IT solutions in specialist areas to make London safer.

This is an outstanding opportunity for an experienced Mechanical Development Engineer who wants to join an exciting engineering and science team, that uses state of the art equipment within a multi discipline environment, developing bespoke electronics solutions to make London safer.

The Technology, Research and Innovation (TRI) team strives to keep the Met at the cutting-edge of tech. Its work is highly innovative; no two projects are ever the same. Some initiatives involve undertaking research with academia or exploring new off-the-shelf technologies. Others involve modifying commercially available products or creating a whole new solution from scratch.

Delivery of these solutions involves the complete lifecycle from developing requirements with customers, producing design solutions and turning these designs into a fully functional product or system for operational use.

As a Mechanical Development Engineer, you will be part of the Electronics System Development (ESD) team who develop niche electronic solutions to unique business issues, most of which have mechanical parts. The work will include full lifecycle mechanical design and miniaturization, prototyping, manufacture, assembly and test. This is a unique and exciting role for you to work at the forefront of police technology.

Have other technology skills?

Even if you do not feel you have had enough experience in some of the things that you think we do, we value the range of backgrounds that those joining us have come from, making this a perfect environment to grow into. Some of the qualities and abilities that our team have cannot easily be put into a job advert, so go ahead and apply, let us know what interests you about this role. We look forward to hearing from you.

If you do not feel your experience entirely fits the role, we have other roles within this space that you may be interested in. We are keen to hear from people with different skillsets and you may be a far better fit than you realise.

What you will be doing

The Mechanical Development Engineer will be part of the Electronics Systems development (ESD) team developing niche electronic solutions to unique business issues.

Your role will involve working effectively as part of a fully integrated team both in the laboratory or out in the field to test and exercise solutions. A typical day may involve 3D modelling, Mechanical design, miniaturisation, participating in project meetings, design reviews/workshops and meeting with customers or suppliers. Working with the team you will be responsible for taking requirements, producing innovative designs and turning these into fully functional products or systems for operational use.

The ESD laboratory is equipped with a full suite of cutting-edge technology to ensure we are always able to deliver successful solutions to our customers. Some examples of the equipment you may use as a Mechanical Development Engineer are; 3D scanning capabilities, 3D printers, both FDM and SLA, CNC machining, laser cutting / engraving, UV printing, 3D CAD design and an in-house PCB manufacturing facility. There is also a fully equipped mechanical workshop with a CNC, lathe and milling machine etc. Where required, training will be provided for any of the equipment ESD currently has to offer and we are always looking at new and emerging technology to add to our capabilities.

Part of the role will be to line manage more junior members which will include providing mentorship, conducting mechanical design reviews and signing off engineering drawings.

A typical week for a Mechanical design engineer may include any of the following:

• Mechanical Design of parts, assemblies and systems which integrate electronic or other complex components
• Prototype, assemble, test and iterate designs
• Use 3D CAD and other graphic design software such as Corel Draw
• Operate rapid prototyping and workshop equipment
• Generate manufacturing drawings and assembly packs
• Requirements capture
• Meeting with stakeholders
• Liaising with external suppliers and manufacturers

Employee Benefits:

• 28 days holiday, rising to 33 at 5 years, plus bank holidays.
• Contributory Civil Service Pension.
• Long service rewards, paid overtime available and eligible for Blue Light Card.
• Sponsored membership to a professional body

Vetting

This post requires access to the most sensitive intelligence material on a daily basis. Applicants must hold or be prepared to undergo National Security Vetting (NSV) Security Check (enhanced) (SC(e)) level before taking up the post.

How to apply

To begin your career at the Met, please click the "apply button ". The application process requires a comprehensive CV, a Personal Statement (Max 2 sides of A4 each), and an online application form. In your Personal Statement, you should explain your interest in the position and illustrate how your skills and experiences make you a suitable candidate. Please note that you should not submit two copies of your CV, and ensure that your documents are saved in either PDF or Word format, clearly labelled as CV and/or Personal Statement.

Completed applications must be submitted by 23:55 on 17th September 2026.

Once received, your application will be reviewed against eligibility criteria, following this, your application will be reviewed by the hiring manager.

Following application review, successful candidates will be invited to interview.

Essential For The Role

Essential Criteria - Knowledge, Skills and Experience

What you will bring along:

• Honours degree in Mechanical Engineering with proven experience working in a mechanical design and development environment or an HNC/HND Mechanical Engineering with exceptional practical experience in a mechanical discipline
• Good all-round technical acumen with the ability to problem solve and come up with mechanical solutions
• 3-5 years proven experience in designing, developing and building mechanical solutions
• Experience of line or technically managing staff to deliver technology solutions
• Excellent written and oral and communication skills to gather, present and articulate information to a diverse audience both internally and externally

We'd like you to have any three of the following:

• Experience in Mechanical CAD - e.g. Pro engineer, Solid Works
• Experience in 3D modelling, mechanical design and techniques
• Experience in additive manufacturing and mechanical workshop equipment
• Experience of effectively managing stakeholders and gathering customer requirements and documenting both technical and non-technical factors

We'd like you to have any of the following:

We use a wide range of technologies across our projects, so if you have any of the skills or experiences below, then do highlight them to us, as we would be interested to know

• Manufacturing and finishing techniques
• Design of rugged or IP rated enclosures
• Material proprieties and selection
• Liaison with external suppliers and manufacturers
• Understanding of electronic product design including PCBs, cable assemblies and all mechanical aspects

Required Languages

English

Reports To

Development Manager

Additional Information

Disability Confident Statement

The Met is committed to being an equitable (fair and impartial) and inclusive employer for disabled people, striving to have a diverse and representative workforce at all levels. We encourage applications from people from the widest possible range of backgrounds, cultures and experiences. We particularly welcome applications from people with disabilities and long-term conditions, ethnic minority groups and women.

As a Disability Confident Leader, the Met has committed to making disability equality part of our everyday practice. We ensure that people with disabilities and those with long term conditions have the opportunities to fulfil their potential and realise their aspirations.

The Met is committed to making reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process to ensure disabled applicants can perform at their best. If you need any reasonable adjustments or changes to the application and recruitment process, we ask that you include this information within your application form. All matters will be treated in strict confidence.

Please note, if you are applying for a police officer role or to become a police community support officer (PCSO) or designated detention officer (DDO), there is a minimum requirement that you must pass a job-related fitness test (JRFT) at point of entry. This does not apply to police staff roles. Find out more about .