Mechanical Design Engineer

Purposeology; Reading; On-site; GBP 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A growing tech company focused on developing next-generation production technology is seeking a Mechanical Engineer with a passion for automation and robotics. In this hands-on, design-focused role in Reading, you'll contribute to precision automation systems impacting sustainable agriculture. Join a small team and tackle novel challenges while enhancing your expertise in mechanical design and systems integration.

Benefits

Benefits package

Creative work environment

High autonomy and responsibility

Real impact on technology development

Qualifications

• 3+ years' experience in mechanical design within automation, robotics, or mechatronics.
• Skilled in SolidWorks (or similar CAD), with a strong grasp of DFM and GD&T.
• Practical experience working with prototyping tools and workshop equipment.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop automation components and mechanisms for handling high-volume small objects.
• Rapidly prototype, test, iterate and improve hardware solutions in a live production setting.
• Troubleshoot and optimise existing systems to ensure performance, uptime, and ease of assembly.

Skills

Mechanical Design

Automation

Robotics

Prototyping

Education

Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

CNC

Job description

Job Title: Mechanical Engineer Automation & Product Design

Location: Reading

Salary: Circa £50,000 + Benefits

Employment Type: Full-Time | Permanent

Are you a Mechanical Engineer passionate about automation, robotics, and designing real-world systems that make a tangible impact? Im working with a growing tech company developing next-generation production technology thats helping revolutionise sustainable agriculture.

This is a hands-on, design-focused role where youll contribute to the scale-up of precision automation systems for high-throughput manufacturing. Youll join a small, agile engineering team tackling novel mechanical design challenges everything from intricate material handling to seamless integration with electronics and software.

What Youll Be Doing

• Design and develop automation components and mechanisms for handling high-volume small objects
• Integrate mechanical systems with multidisciplinary teams across software, electronics, and controls
• Rapidly prototype, test, iterate and improve hardware solutions in a live production setting
• Troubleshoot and optimise existing systems to ensure performance, uptime, and ease of assembly
• Help refine design processes, tools, and methodologies in a fast-paced start-up environment
  
  

What Were Looking For

• Degree-qualified in Mechanical Engineering (or related field)
• 3+ years' experience in mechanical design within automation, robotics, or mechatronics
• Skilled in SolidWorks (or similar CAD), with a strong grasp of DFM and GD&T
• Proven ability to design for production and tight tolerances
• Practical experience working with prototyping tools and workshop equipment
• Comfortable working hands-on, thinking creatively, and solving novel design problems
  
  

Desirable (Not Essential)

• Experience with stepper/servo motors, precision mechanisms, or small-part automation
• Familiarity with 3D printing, CNC, and manufacturing methods like injection moulding
• Worked in industries with high hygiene or regulatory standards (e.g., medical, food, cosmetics)
• Background in low-power automated systems like animatronics, vending machines, or lab devices
• Exposure to control panels, basic electronics, or cross-functional integration work
  
  

Why Apply?

• Salary circa £50,000 + benefits
• Work on mission-driven, sustainable technology
• Join a small, passionate team building production systems from the ground up
• Real impact: your designs will go from CAD to real-world deployment in weeks
• Creative environment with high autonomy, responsibility, and technical variety
  
  

Location: Reading (commutable from Oxford, Basingstoke, Newbury, Swindon, Maidenhead)

Salary: £50,000 + benefits

Career Path: Pathway to Senior Engineer roles and project leadership within a fast-growing start-up

If this sounds like something you'd like to explore, please apply with your CV or get in touch for more information.

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