Lead Mechanical Engineer

Tharsus; Blyth; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading robotics firm in Blyth is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to take full technical responsibility for the lifecycle of robotic systems. The ideal candidate will lead mechanical design processes, work with manufacturing partners, and manage supplier relationships to enhance system performance. Strong expertise in mechanical engineering and knowledge of sophisticated design and manufacturing processes are essential for this role.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in designing and testing complex mechanical systems.
• Expertise in a range of manufacturing techniques.
• Hands-on experience with system assembly, integration, and validation.

Responsibilities

• Lead all aspects of mechanical design, analysis, prototyping, and testing.
• Develop solutions from concept to full-scale production.
• Conduct testing to validate system performance and reliability.

Skills

Mechanical design

3D CAD software proficiency

Design for Manufacture (DFM)

Hands-on testing and validation

Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams

Education

Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Job description

Purpose of Position

VersaTile is a cutting-edge startup revolutionizing warehouse automation through intelligent robotics. Originating from Tharsus Group, known for delivering automation solutions to industry giants like Ocado, VersaTile is disruptive technology that uses a dynamic “intelligent floor” to massively increasing the efficiency of operations.

Take full technical responsibility for the complete mechanical engineering lifecycle of VersaTile Automation's robotic systems. This role will own all aspects of mechanical design, analysis, prototyping, and testing, ensuring the development of robust, reliable, and cost-effective solutions to support the company's product roadmap. Pro-actively manage the design-for-manufacture (DFM) process and supplier relationships to ensure system performance and reliability. As the lead mechanical authority, this position will establish best practices and technical standards for the function, collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams to deliver cutting-edge, production-ready automation products. Over time, this role will lead other mechanical engineers.

Key Accountabilities

• Lead and own all aspects of mechanical design, analysis, prototyping, and testing for our advanced robotic tile products.
• Develop robust solutions from initial concept through to detailed design, simulation (FEA), and full-scale production.
• Apply rigorous DFM (Design for Manufacture) principles, working closely with manufacturing partners to ensure your designs are efficient, reliable, and cost-effective.
• Conduct hands‑on testing and validation to prove system performance and reliability, iterating on designs to perfection.
• Collaborate closely with a multi-disciplinary team of software engineers, applied scientists, and academic partners to integrate your mechanical systems into a cohesive, intelligent product.
• Manage technical relationships with suppliers and external partners to source and develop critical components.

Education, Experience & Knowledge

• A degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related technical field.
• Significant, demonstrable experience in designing and testing complex mechanical systems (e.g., robotics, automation, mechatronics, or special-purpose machinery).
• Expert-level proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Onshape, etc.).
• Deep, practical knowledge of a wide range of manufacturing techniques (e.g., CNC machining, injection moulding, sheet metal fabrication, 3D printing) and DFM.
• Hands‑on experience with system assembly, integration, and validation, including tolerance analysis and BOM management.

Core competencies and skills

• Passionate about applying deep knowledge to solve complex, real-world problems.
• Proven track record of taking sophisticated mechanical systems from a prototype right through to a fully validated, production-ready solution that’s deployed at massive scale.
• A self-starter who thrives on autonomy and technical ownership.
• A "first-principles" approach to problem-solving.
• Ability to work autonomously in a fast-paced R&D environment.
• Strong collaborative skills for working with a multi-disciplinary team.