Director of Actuator Design Engineering

Company Overview

Cambridge Mechatronics Ltd (CML) is a globally recognised fabless semiconductor company based in Cambridge, UK. With a multi-discipline global team, we are realizing the promise of Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) actuator systems by developing complete solutions including the actuator, the control ICs, and algorithms for high-precision and high-volume applications such as smartphones, AR/VR systems, and compact medical devices. Our team brings together deep expertise in materials science, mechanical design, electronics, and software to realize these breakthrough solutions.  With approximately 850 granted and pending patents, CML is proud to rank in the top 25 of the UK’s patent filings.

Role Summary

We are seeking a highly-capable and visionary Director of Actuator Design to lead and grow our actuator design engineering function. In this key leadership role, you will manage a team of mechanical design engineers and technicians to direct the development and application of SMA technology into new products and market sectors.  We are working with some of the world’s most well-known companies and you will be directly involved in critical products shaping our future world.  You will lead the team in developing cutting-edge capabilities in simulation, design for manufacturability, and reliability.  Your role is key to SMA’s success in realizing the world’s smallest and most powerful actuators at massive volume scale.

Key Responsibilities

Technology & Product Development

• Lead the team in best practices to design and validate SMA-based actuators including feasibility and simulation studies, risk reduction builds, and selection of high-volume compatible manufacturing solutions
• Continuously improve design and validation methodology and staying abreast of industry advancements
• Ensure mechanical systems are optimised for manufacturability, cost, performance, and yield in high-volume applications

Tooling and Design Enablement

• Develop and maintain design tools and methods that accelerate actuator development and improve quality and reliability
• Drive internal capabilities in design automation, simulation, and rapid prototyping

Customer and Partner Engagement

• Work closely with Application Engineers to enable actuator design licensees and manufacturing partners, addressing mechanical integration and assembly challenges
• Serve as a technical ambassador for CML, representing the mechanical engineering function in discussions with external customers and partners

Manufacturing & Cost Competitiveness

• Direct and maintain the company's prototype assembly capability
• Partner with licensees to refine mechanical designs for mass production, considering yield, BoM, BoO, and tooling complexity
• Maintain an up-to-date competitive assessment of alternative technologies

Candidate Profile

Essential Qualifications & Experience

• Degree or higher qualification in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field
• 10+ years’ experience in mechanical product development, ideally in the consumer electronics, semiconductor, or precision components sectors
• Proven track record in leading teams and delivering mechanical solutions for innovative, high-volume products
• Strong experience in design for manufacturability (DFM), prototyping, and custom tooling
• Familiarity with small-scale actuators, micro-mechanics, or SMA technology is highly advantageous 

Skills & Attributes

• Inspirational technical leader with strong people management skills
• Able to switch between strategic thinking and hands-on technical problem-solving
• Excellent communication skills, comfortable working with customers and global partners
• Familiarity with finite-element anlaysis, thermal analysis, and simulation tools e.g. ANSYS, MATLAB/Simulink, etc.
• Methodical, data-driven approach to mechanical design and verification
• Fosters innovation followed by capturing developed IP in patent prosecution

Why Join CML?

At Cambridge Mechatronics, you will join a collaborative and forward-thinking team pioneering the future of miniature motion control. This role offers a rare opportunity to lead innovation from concept to real-world impact while working at the cutting edge of mechatronic system design.

CML Offers

We have roles that you can help define and mould to your skills and ambitions within a multidisciplinary team. We are happy to accommodate individuals with different skill sets and you will have the opportunity to make an important contribution to a dynamic and fast-growing company with a global reach. Your salary and equity package will be competitive, and dependent upon relevant academic and industry experience.

 

Please send your CV and covering letter to our Human Resources team at [email protected]