Lead Mechanical Engineer

Lead Mechanical Engineer

About BioOrbit

BioOrbit is an innovative biotechnology company changing pharmaceutical manufacturing by leveraging microgravity environments in space.

Our mission is to enhance the production of protein drugs, enabling transformative treatments that significantly improve patient care worldwide. With facilities in Stevenage and plans to expand to London, we offer an environment where groundbreaking ideas become reality.

The Role

We are seeking a passionate and experienced Lead Mechanical Engineer to join our growing team. You will contribute to the design, development, and manufacturing of critical components used in our space-based biotechnology platforms. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to projects that push the boundaries of engineering and have a tangible impact on global health.

Key Responsibilities

• Mechanical Design & Development: Lead detailed mechanical design activities, including drafting, modelling and simulation using SolidWorks (preferably with Dassault 3D Experience ).
• Manufacturability & Assembly: Provide hands-on expertise in manufacturing, CNC machining, GD&T and help oversee the assembly process.
• Product Lifecycle Management (PLM): Implement and manage PLM systems to ensure efficient tracking of design changes, revisions and data standards.
• Environmental Testing: Collaborate on environmental testing protocols, analyse results and implement necessary design adjustments.
• Electronics Enclosures: Design and optimise enclosures for electronics, considering space environment constraints and rugged requirements.
• Team Leadership: Mentor and guide junior engineers in building a collaborative and innovative team culture and best practices.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with interdisciplinary teams, including biotechnology experts and space engineers to ensure project success.

About You

You are an engineer with a strong foundation in both theoretical and practical aspects of engineering. You thrive in fast-paced environments and are excited about the opportunity to work on projects that have never been done before.

Essential Skills & Experience:

• Experience: 3–5+ years in mechanical engineering roles, preferably within the space or defence industries.

Technical Proficiency:

• Advanced user of SolidWorks ; experience with Dassault 3D Experience is a plus.Strong understanding of GD&T and drafting standards.Hands-on experience with CNC machining , material selection (aluminium/steel), fasteners and inserts.PLM Systems: Familiarity with implementing and managing PLM/PDM systems.
• Environmental testing experience in conducting and analysing environmental tests.
• Analytical Skills: Ability to perform hand calculations and validate finite element analysis (FEA) results.
• Education: Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field, relative experience will also be considered.

Desirable Skills & Experience:

• Background in the space sector is preferred; defence experience is also valuable, but other industries are still considered.
• Exposure to additive manufacturing, pneumatic/hydraulic systems, and electronics enclosure design.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities, strong communication skills, and a collaborative mindset.

Working Arrangements

• Hybrid Working Model: Flexibility to work remotely during design phases, with required on-site presence during key project stages such as assembly and testing (and potentially a launch)
• Locations: Start in our Stevenage facility, transitioning to our new London office

Why Join BioOrbit?

• Innovative Environment: Combining biotechnology and space engineering to create groundbreaking solutions.
• Impactful Work: Your contributions will directly affect projects that aim to assist pharmaceutical manufacturing and patient care.
• Professional Growth: Opportunity to work with a multidisciplinary team and advance your career in a rapidly growing company.

Application Process

We are managing applications directly. Please apply for the role and you will receive a reply once your CV has been reviewed.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss the role further, please contact Ross at InnoForge, who is assisting us with this hire.

BioOrbit is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.