Head of Mechanical Engineering (Wearable Systems/PPE)

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