Head of Mechanical Engineering (Wearable Systems/PPE)

Other

• Job title: Head of Mechanical Engineering (Wearable Systems & PPE)
• Location: London, UK (Hybrid - 3 days per week in-office)
• ABOUT XYZ REALITY
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• XYZ Reality are the creators of the world's first and only engineering-grade Augmented Reality solution, purpose built for the construction industry. Not only have we created this holographic technology, that sits within The Atom — a smart, site-safe headset/hardhat — but we implement it on projects, utilising the power of AR to ensure that all schemes are completed in line with delivery timescales and budgets.
• XYZ has grown to over 100 staff across the UK, US & Europe and is working with Mission Critical organisations & construction companies to successfully deliver major projects.
• THE ROLE
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• We are seeking an experienced Head of Mechanical Engineering to lead the mechanical architecture, certification strategy, and industrialisation of our wearable technology platforms. This is a senior technical leadership role responsible for defining and driving the company's mechanical engineering strategy across product development, certification, manufacturing readiness, and deployment.
• Working closely with the Head of R&D, Head of Hardware, and Head of Production, the successful candidate will serve as the company's technical authority for mechanical engineering, wearable systems, PPE certification, and product industrialisation — while leading and developing a growing mechanical engineering team.
• KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
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• • 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.
• REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
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• • 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.
• KEY EXPERIENCE & SKILLS
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• • Wearable electronics integration & thermal management
• • Impact protection systems & structural safety design
• • Injection moulding, tooling & production scale-up
• • Strong technical leadership & stakeholder management
• • International compliance & certification programmes
• • Hands-on, practical approach to engineering challenges
• BENEFITS
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• 🏝️ 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