Fluidics Engineer in Leeds

Do you want to work with the 15th fastest-growing startup in Europe? If so, you’re in the right place. AssetCool is one of Europe’s fastest-growing startups, building the fastest path to more power on the grid. We’re tackling one of the most urgent challenges in the global energy transition: grid congestion. Electricity demand is rising fast; driven by electrification, AI and data centres. While traditional grid upgrades take years, demand exists today. The grid isn’t ready. AssetCool delivers robotic grid upgrades that physically increase the capacity of existing transmission lines by up to 30%, without rebuilding infrastructure.

Using advanced robotics and proprietary photonic coatings, we unlock data‑centre‑scale capacity in weeks to months, not years and at a fraction of the cost and disruption of conventional approaches. Our technology goes beyond capacity. We reduce losses, prevent corrosion, cut corona noise and generate high‑value operational data that supports smarter grid operation and maintenance. Our systems are already deployed globally, and we just raised a big funding round from leading energy and climate investors. AssetCool is one of the most innovation‑driven companies in the UK energy sector and we’re scaling fast! If you’re ambitious, mission‑driven and excited to work on real deployments that strengthen the industry that really matters, AssetCool is where you can make it happen.

Role Overview

This is a hands‑on engineering role within AssetCool’s hardware team, focused on the development of compact fluid delivery systems for robotic coating platforms. You will design and improve pumps, valves, reservoirs, mixers, sensors and applicators that deliver advanced coating materials accurately and reliably in demanding operational environments. The role spans concept development, prototyping and testing through system integration, production support and early field deployment.

Key Responsibilities

• Fluidics system development
• Design and develop compact fluid delivery systems, including reservoirs, pumps, valves, regulators, hoses, filters and applicators
• Select and size components to meet flow, pressure, coating quality, weight and power requirements
• Support the development of mixing, recirculation and multi‑component delivery systems where required
• Instrumentation and control integration
• Integrate sensors for flow, pressure, temperature and fluid‑level monitoring
• Work with electronics and software teams to connect pumps, valves and sensors to control and telemetry systems
• Develop and tune control approaches that provide stable, repeatable coating delivery
• Materials handling and maintainability
• Work with the chemistry team to understand viscosity, cure time, solvent compatibility and shear sensitivity
• Develop cleaning, purging and maintenance methods that reduce blockage, contamination and downtime
• Testing and validation
• Plan and conduct laboratory and field tests covering flow performance, deposition consistency and environmental robustness
• Investigate failures, identify root causes and implement practical design improvements
• Integration, production and field support
• Collaborate with mechanical and robotics teams to integrate fluidics into mobile and aerial robotic platforms
• Support supplier engagement, design handover, build documentation and production test methods
• Participate in early deployments and use field feedback to improve reliability, usability and serviceability

Required Skills & Experience

• BSc, MSc, PhD Degree in Mechanical, Mechatronics, Chemical or a related engineering discipline
• 4+ years' experience in fluid delivery or fluid‑handling systems
• Knowledge of pumps, valves, regulators, hoses, filters and related components
• Experience with coatings, adhesives, paints or controlled fluid delivery
• Ability to size, prototype and troubleshoot flow and pressure systems
• Hands‑on CAD, assembly, testing and instrumentation experience
• Experience integrating sensors, actuators or basic control systems
• Able to work across mechanical, chemical, electronics and robotics teams

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Compact, portable or robotic fluidics systems
• Spray, brush, coating or precision deposition technologies
• Multi‑component fluids such as epoxies or polyurethanes
• Production transfer, suppliers or field deployment

Research shows that some candidates may hesitate to apply unless they meet every listed requirement. If this role excites you but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification, we still encourage you to apply. You might be exactly who we’re looking for, either for this role or another opportunity within our team. We’re proud to be an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. We’re committed to building an inclusive, supportive workplace where everyone can thrive, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. If you have a disability or any specific requirements and need adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, just let us know and we’ll do our best to accommodate your needs.