At a Glance
- Tasks: Collaborate with founders to tackle urgent startup challenges and deliver impactful solutions.
- Company: Praxis Engineering, a boutique consultancy focused on scaling innovative technologies.
- Benefits: Competitive day rates, potential for full-time role, and a high-trust work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity to shape service delivery and work with diverse teams.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in deeptech startups while developing your skills in a dynamic setting.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in venture-backed deeptech startups and strong commercial acumen required.
The predicted salary is between 59400 - 72600 £ per year.
Think “Owner’s Engineer” but reimagined for the challenges of scaling venture backed technologies.
About us
Praxis Engineering is a boutique consultancy and project developer designed to guide important technologies through the valley of death. We work with founders, investors, corporates and funds to de-risk technology scale up from the inside. We help impact ventures navigate the ambiguity and manage the risk of taking frontier technologies from the lab into the real world. We offer full stack scale up support, starting with disciplined engineering and layering in whatever is required to help the founders take their next step in the right direction.
About the role
You will work directly alongside founders, own the relationships and be responsible for deliverable scoping and execution. Venture backed founders are constantly juggling risk. At Praxis we work to deliverable based scopes, deliberately taking on execution risk to lighten the load on the founders, making sure that all fees paid directly move the needle.
You will likely be working on the most important and urgent problems for the startup, delivering key outputs to tight deadlines often during high stress phases. Between the documents you will support the founders as a seasoned voice in the room, helping them manage change and make decisions to move the company forward as fast as possible.
In deeptech, plans are often out of date the day that they are made. Change is constant and as such our work is continually in flux. You will be responsible for making sure the deliverables produced are fit for purpose throughout the engagement and the founders and internal teams are set up for success when engagements end.
You will also establish and manage important interfaces with key stakeholders including equipment vendors, Praxis Network Partners, investors and the startup’s own board & other advisors.
Praxis is a London based organisation working with a global client portfolio. Customer site visits and on site presence are likely required during engagements as the work demands.
Requirements
- Minimum 3 years / 2 funding cycles working in venture backed deeptech hardware startups in founder adjacent or senior decision making roles.
- Experience managing multiple interfaces across different projects and a range of technologies.
- Experience and working knowledge of the scale up process, including typical documentation, processes and standards companies and technologies need to follow to secure funding and reach full market adoption.
- Strong commercial acumen and the ability to act as a conduit, translating fluently back and forth between internal and external technical and commercial teams.
- Experience designing, deploying, commissioning, troubleshooting or operating new to world hardware on live customer sites.
- Deep subject matter expertise in a core physical engineering discipline (process, mechanical, EC&I, systems etc), with ability to interface with other disciplines where required.
Ideally, you’ll also have
- Professional accreditation from a relevant engineering or technical body and the ability to sign off critical engineering documentation.
- Experience building and leading multidisciplinary teams designing, delivering or deploying frontier technologies.
What we offer
Initially contracting outside IR35 at competitive day rates, with options to join full time as the business develops. A high‑growth, high‑trust environment where team members are empowered to take ownership and shape how we deliver our services to ensure ideal client outcomes. Praxis values diverse backgrounds and experiences and is committed to equal employment opportunities. Please let us know if you need any adjustments during the recruitment process.
Application Process
Three core qualities define this role: Leverage, Learning and Change.
Founder's Engineer employer: Praxis Engineering
Praxis Engineering is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and high-trust environment where Founder's Engineers can thrive. With a focus on empowering team members to take ownership, the company provides unique opportunities for professional growth while working on impactful technologies that navigate the complexities of scaling. Located in London, employees benefit from a collaborative culture that values diverse experiences and fosters innovation, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Founder's Engineer
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Founder's Engineer role you’re after at Praxis Engineering.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at Praxis Engineering a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at Praxis Engineering.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Founder's Engineer at Praxis Engineering, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Founder's Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Founder's Engineer, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Praxis Engineering a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Praxis Engineering specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Praxis Engineering
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Praxis Engineering, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like Praxis Engineering want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
