At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative projects in mechatronics and robotics, making impactful engineering decisions.
- Company: Join VIKASO LTD, a dynamic start-up revolutionising robot solutions in manufacturing.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, stock options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of robotics, shaping the future of automation and efficiency.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in mechatronics with strong CAD and programming skills required.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with chances to mentor and lead during exciting growth phases.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Quainton, Buckinghamshire (on-site).
Type: Full‑time.
Experience: 3+ years in industrial/robotics integration and mechatronic system design.
Reports to: Chief Engineer (no line management responsibilities).
About Us
VIKASO LTD is a UK‑based start‑up specialising in the development and implementation of robot solutions. Our technologies enhance efficiency and productivity in manufacturing, and our team of mechatronics engineers delivers robust, easy‑to‑use solutions that make robot adoption easier and faster.
Role overview
You will act as the technical lead on assigned projects - owning engineering and design decisions, establishing and enforcing design standards, and safeguarding the technical quality of deliverables. You won’t manage a team; instead, you’ll serve as the design authority, mentoring engineers in best practices and ensuring solutions are simple to deploy, reliable to operate, and fast to commission - directly supporting VIKASO’s mission to accelerate robot adoption.
Key responsibilities
- Technical leadership & design authority
- Own end‑to‑end technical decisions for assigned projects (mechanical, electrical, controls, and robot programming) and document the rationale.
- Define, publish, and maintain engineering design standards (templates, naming conventions, libraries, safety patterns) and ensure they are applied consistently.
- Lead technical reviews (requirements, architecture, design, safety, and code reviews) and grant design approvals/sign‑offs.
- Anticipate risks; run FMEA/risk assessments; steer mitigations early.
- Design & development
- Design and develop robot applications in CAD; produce mechanical designs, layouts, and simulation models to validate feasibility and cycle times.
- Create virtual simulations and offline programs; validate reach, collisions, and cycle performance.
- Electrical design of robot applications: component selection, safety circuits, power distribution, control panels, and field wiring.
- Program industrial devices (PLCs, safety scanners, vision systems, sensors); integrate robots with cells and upstream/downstream equipment.
- Develop and maintain reusable motion/IO blocks, safety patterns, and commissioning checklists to reduce deployment effort.
- Quality, safety & compliance
- Ensure designs conform to applicable standards (e.g., ISO 10218, ISO 13849, IEC 60204) and support UKCA/CE technical documentation.
- Define test plans and acceptance criteria; drive factory/site acceptance testing (FAT/SAT) to first‑time‑right outcomes.
- Track technical KPIs (cycle time, OEE impact, defect rate, rework, deployment lead time) and feed lessons learned into standards.
- Delivery & collaboration
- Arrange manufacturing of equipment and support build; ensure DFM/DFA and clear manufacturing drawings/BOMs.
- Liaise proactively with software engineers and the project manager to align scope, milestones, and risks; maintain clear, version‑controlled documentation.
- Lead on‑site installation, commissioning, and handover; train customer operators/maintainers; provide post‑commissioning stand‑by support.
- Continuous improvement & mentoring (non‑line management)
- Coach engineers on design methods, simulation accuracy, electrical safety, and programming practices; pair on complex tasks.
- Evaluate new components and tools; contribute to R&D spikes and the technical roadmap focused on faster deployment and simpler operation.
What we expect (requirements)
- BEng/MEng (or equivalent) in Mechatronics/Controls/Robotics/Automation.
- 3–5+ years of hands‑on experience delivering industrial robotic/mechatronic systems from concept to commissioning.
- Proficiency in CAD & simulation (cell layout, kinematics, reach/cycle validation).
- Strong electrical design fundamentals (schematics, panel design, safety circuits).
- Practical experience with PLC programming and device integration (safety scanners, vision systems, sensors).
- At least 3 years of experience with Robot programming.
- Solid understanding of functional safety and machine standards (e.g., ISO 10218/13849).
- Ability to produce clear technical documentation, run reviews, and make confident design decisions.
- Willingness to travel for customer installations and a valid UK driving licence.
- Programming experience - Python and/or Java preferred (for tooling, simulation, and integration).
Nice to have (preferred)
- Experience with common robot ecosystems (e.g., ABB, FANUC, KUKA, URScript) and offline programming tools.
- PLC platforms (e.g., Siemens TIA Portal, Allen‑Bradley Studio 5000) and industrial protocols (Profinet, EtherNet/IP, Modbus, OPC UA).
- Vision systems, safety devices, and cell simulation tools.
- Familiarity with ROS/ROS2, Git‑based workflows, and requirements tracking (JIRA) to match VIKASO practices.
- Experience with Onshape, SolidWorks, or EPLAN/AutoCAD Electrical for schematic and panel work.
Success measures (first 6–12 months)
- Standards published and adopted: core templates/libraries in use across projects; audit scores trending positive.
- Deployment speed: measurable reduction in commissioning time and rework versus baseline.
- Quality & safety: zero major safety non‑conformances; improved first‑time‑right rate at FAT/SAT.
- Knowledge sharing: regular tech reviews, playbooks, and mentoring sessions completed.
What we offer
- Competitive salary.
- Stock options (based on performance).
- Opportunity to learn and apply state‑of‑the‑art engineering practices.
- Opportunity to build VIKASO into a multi-national successful organisation.
- Opportunity to take leadership roles during VIKASO's scale-up phase.
- Exposure to diverse automation challenges.
Lead Mechatronics Engineer employer: Vikaso® | Robotics 4.0
Contact Detail:
Vikaso® | Robotics 4.0 Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Mechatronics Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry folks on LinkedIn or at local meetups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your best projects, especially those related to mechatronics and robotics. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common technical questions and scenarios. Think about how your experience aligns with VIKASO's mission and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the VIKASO team.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Mechatronics Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Lead Mechatronics Engineer role. Highlight your experience in industrial robotics and mechatronic system design, and don’t forget to mention any relevant projects you've led or contributed to.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about robot solutions and how your skills align with our mission at VIKASO. Be sure to mention specific experiences that demonstrate your technical leadership.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: We want to see your technical prowess! Include details about your proficiency in CAD, PLC programming, and any robot ecosystems you’ve worked with. Don’t shy away from mentioning your understanding of safety standards and compliance.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for the role without any hiccups!
How to prepare for a job interview at Vikaso® | Robotics 4.0
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your mechatronics knowledge, especially around industrial robotics and system design. Be ready to discuss your past projects in detail, focusing on the technical decisions you made and the outcomes. This will show that you can own engineering decisions like a pro!
✨Show Off Your Leadership Skills
Even though you won’t be managing a team, it’s important to demonstrate your ability to lead technical discussions and mentor others. Prepare examples of how you've guided colleagues in best practices or resolved complex issues. This will highlight your capability as a design authority.
✨Get Familiar with Standards
VIKASO values compliance with safety and quality standards. Brush up on ISO 10218, ISO 13849, and IEC 60204. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve ensured compliance in your previous roles and how you would apply these standards in your future projects.
✨Prepare for Technical Reviews
Since you'll be leading technical reviews, practice articulating your thought process behind design decisions. Think about how you would approach risk assessments and FMEA. Being able to clearly communicate your rationale will set you apart as a strong candidate.