At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop innovative automated systems for sustainable agriculture.
- Company: Join BigSis, a pioneering UK start-up transforming pest control with robotics.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working hours, and a collaborative team environment.
- Other info: Dynamic start-up culture with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in sustainable agriculture while working with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: 2:1 degree in engineering and hands-on experience in automation design.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 60000 £ per year.
Reporting to: VP of Engineering
Location: Reading, RG30 1DZ
Working hours: 37.5 hours, Monday - Friday
About BigSis
BigSis, a UK start up, is applying robotics and artificial intelligence to transform the production of sterile male insects, which are used for chemical free control of pest insects. BigSis has developed a pilot automated production line and is now focused on scaling to millions of insects per week.
Company Values
- Spirit - Having innovation, team and fighting spirit!
- Fluid - Working in a flexible way and being open to change
- Trustworthy - Includes honesty, integrity, respect and being approachable
- Growth mindset - Learn and grows & embraces challenges
- Succeeding together - Collaborate and celebrates success together
Purpose and Responsibilities
We are seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to join our innovative, fast paced team at BigSis, where you'll play a key role in developing cutting edge automated production systems for sustainable agriculture. You will be instrumental in designing, developing, and optimizing mechanical components for insect rearing automation.
Key Responsibilities
- Technical Leadership: Lead the design and development of key components and modules, taking ownership of their technical direction.
- System Troubleshooting: Contribute to larger projects and resolve issues within existing systems to ensure optimal functionality.
- Mentorship: Coach and mentor junior engineers, supporting their technical development and fostering a collaborative learning environment.
- Process Improvement: Play a key role in defining and enhancing development tools, methodologies, and processes for BigSis.
About the Role
This hands on position involves:
- Designing innovative mechanical solutions, specifically for handling and processing insect containers within the automation system.
- Integrating mechanical designs with electronics and other engineering teams to ensure seamless operation of the production modules.
- Ensuring that designs meet operational requirements and collaborating closely with other engineering disciplines, particularly electronics and software.
Qualifications and Experience
We're seeking someone who thrives in a start up environment and is comfortable delivering functional, "good enough" solutions under time pressure-while continuously refining and improving the systems over time.
Essential - for the role
- 2:1 degree in a relevant engineering discipline or equivalent.
- Extensive hands on experience designing and implementing functional mechanisms for automation and handling of small objects.
- Design of high speed automated material transfer systems and associated components.
- Solution orientated with an ability to think outside the box.
Desirable Experience
- Experience of automated systems processing very high volume of units in a day.
- Worked on systems where components needed to be designed for manufacturing and precise assembly/operating tolerances.
- Designed robust, ruggedised and precision mechanical systems for 24/7 operation with minimal downtime.
- Experience with fluid mechanics, including pumps, valves, nozzles and spraying technologies.
- General understanding and hands on experience with workshop equipment.
- Familiar with rapid prototyping technologies such as 3D printing.
- Understanding of design for injection moulding, CNC machining and turning/lathe.
- Designed and assembled low power automated systems and/or equipment, e.g. animatronics, vending machines, automated food or pharmaceutical production.
- Worked with stepper motors, servo motors, automatic material handling systems.
- Experience coaching and mentoring junior engineers or leading product development team.
- Project management skills or certification.
- Designed and assembled of electronic circuits, electrical panels and/or PCBs.
- Worked in an environment with hygiene and/or regulatory requirements, such as the food, cosmetics or medical sectors.
- Competent with SolidWorks software.
Personal Attributes
- Energy, ambition and commitment to ensure the job gets done.
- Honesty, integrity and openness to ensure we build a great company culture.
- Flexibility to changes in priorities and adaptability to new ideas.
- Out of the box thinking and 'can do' attitude.
- Team player who creates and thrives in a collaborative environment.
- Effective communication skills.
You need to be comfortable working with live insects, including spending time in the hot and humid insect rearing area. Insects and their growth cells are very small, so you need good fine work skills.
BigSis is an equal opportunities employer. Applicants will be considered without attention to age, sex, race, disability, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender reassignment and religious background.
Senior Mechanical Engineer employer: Job Search Place Limited
At BigSis, we pride ourselves on being an innovative employer that fosters a dynamic and collaborative work culture in Reading. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through mentorship opportunities and a focus on continuous improvement, allowing you to thrive in a fast-paced start-up environment while contributing to sustainable agriculture solutions. Join us to be part of a team that values creativity, flexibility, and teamwork, all while making a meaningful impact in the world of pest control.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Mechanical Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with current employees at BigSis. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or a presentation showcasing your past projects, especially those related to automation and mechanical design. This will help you stand out during interviews and demonstrate your hands-on experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get ready for technical interviews by brushing up on your problem-solving skills. Think about how you would tackle real-world challenges in mechanical engineering, especially in a fast-paced startup environment like BigSis.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the BigSis team and its mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Mechanical Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Mechanical Engineer role. Highlight your experience with automation and mechanical design, and don’t forget to showcase any relevant projects that demonstrate your problem-solving skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for innovation and how your values align with BigSis. Mention specific experiences that show you thrive in fast-paced environments and can deliver under pressure.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Be sure to highlight your hands-on experience with designing automated systems and any relevant software skills, like SolidWorks. We want to see how you’ve tackled challenges in previous roles and what unique solutions you’ve come up with.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our innovative team at BigSis!
How to prepare for a job interview at Job Search Place Limited
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your mechanical engineering principles, especially those related to automation and handling small objects. Be ready to discuss your past projects and how they relate to the role at BigSis.
✨Show Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've tackled technical challenges in previous roles. BigSis values innovative solutions, so think about times when you had to think outside the box to resolve issues or improve processes.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Mentorship
Since the role involves mentoring junior engineers, be prepared to talk about your experience in coaching others. Highlight how you foster collaboration and support team growth, aligning with BigSis's value of succeeding together.
✨Get Familiar with Their Values
Understand BigSis's company values—spirit, fluidity, trustworthiness, growth mindset, and collaboration. Think of ways to demonstrate these values during your interview, showing that you're not just a fit for the role but also for the company culture.
