CONFIDENTIAL
Senior Mechanical Engineer (Automation): Job Description
Location: Reading, RG30 1DZ
Salary: £50K-100K Depending on experience and share options
About BigSis
BigSis (http://bigsis.tech), 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 this from thousands to millions of insects per week.
We look to attract candidates who can demonstrate behaviours in sync with our company values which are:
- 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
The Mechanical Engineer will join an innovative and energetic team and make an important contribution to the development of BigSis automated production systems. Whether taking the lead on a specific component, contributing to a larger project or troubleshooting an existing system, the work will be varied and provide significant scope for personal growth.
This challenging hands-on role combines designing unique components – principally the means for handling and processing individual insect containers – and integrating them mechanically and collaborating with electronics engineers with the rest of the processing module.
Given the time pressures of a start-up, the chosen person must be able to deliver ‘good enough’ operational solutions as a priority and then work to refine the system.
Qualifications and experience
Essential – for the role
- 2:1 degree in a relevant engineering discipline or equivalent
- Hands-on experience designing and implementing functional mechanisms for automation and handling of small objects.
- Design of high-speed automated material transfer systems
- Solution orientated with an ability to think outside the box.
Desirable experience
- At least 3 years’ in a relevant mechanical system and subsystem component design experience
- Worked on systems where components needed to be designed for manufacturing and assembly tolerances
- Designed robust, ruggedised and precision mechanical systems for 24/7 operation with minimal down time
- General understanding and hands on experience with workshop equipment
- Completed projects using rapid prototyping technologies such as 3D printing
- Designed low power automated systems and/or equipment, e.g. animatronics, vending machines, automated food or pharmaceutical production
- Python/C++ coding and previous use of embedded microcontrollers/IDEs, e.g. Raspberry Pi
- Worked with stepper motors, servo motors, automatic material handling systems
- 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
To thrive in the unstructured and fast-changing environment of a start-up, important personal qualities are:
- 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 and
- 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.
Application Process
To be considered for this role, please send a CV and cover letter explaining why you think you are the right person for this job. Please include information about your education, work experience and current salary.
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.
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