Principle mechanical engineer

Brightsmith; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Brightsmith, a pioneering climate technology company, is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead the mechanical development of large-scale polymer cultivation tanks from prototype to commercial manufacture.

You will work with international manufacturing partners to optimize processes, improve product quality and reduce costs, while supporting supplier selection, factory trials, and ramp-up to high-volume production.

Qualifications

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Strong industrial engineering experience taking products from concept/prototype to manufacture.
• Hands-on mechanical engineering with practical problem-solving skills.
• Experience with external manufacturers, suppliers, or production partners.
• Knowledge of design for manufacture (DfM), manufacturing processes, and production optimisation.
• Experience with polymer materials, plastic welding, thin-film structures, adhesive bonding, or flexible materials is advantageous.
• Familiarity with industrial fluid systems, including pumps, valves, pipework, and large-scale liquid handling.
• Ability to work across multidisciplinary teams and take ownership of complex challenges.

Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical development of large-scale polymer cultivation tanks from prototype to commercial manufacture.
• Develop and optimise manufacturing processes for welded thin-film polymer structures and flexible materials.
• Collaborate with international manufacturing partners to improve production methods, quality, and cost efficiency.
• Support supplier selection, factory trials, production ramp-up, and transition to high-volume manufacturing.
• Design and develop supporting mechanical systems, including fluid handling equipment, pumps, valves, manifolds, and pipework.
• Produce manufacturing specifications, QC procedures, and acceptance criteria for consistent performance.
• Perform engineering analysis related to structural performance, stresses, and pressure loading.
• Support prototype builds, testing activities, deployments, and integration with broader mechanical/automation systems.

Skills

Mechanical design

Prototype to manufacture

Problem solving

Collaboration with manufacturers

DfM knowledge

Polymer materials

Industrial fluid systems

Team leadership

Education

Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Job description

A pioneering climate technology company is developing innovative algae cultivation systems to enable the production of sustainable low-carbon fuels and chemicals at a commercial scale. Their technology combines advanced materials, industrial manufacturing processes, and engineering solutions to support the transition towards cleaner energy.

This is an exciting opportunity for a Mechanical Engineer to take ownership of the development of large-scale polymer cultivation systems, helping to move designs from prototype through to commercial production. You will work closely with manufacturing partners, suppliers, and multidisciplinary engineering teams to optimise product design, manufacturing processes, and deployment of the technology globally.

Key Responsibilities - Principle Mechanical Engineer

• Lead the mechanical development of large-scale polymer cultivation tanks, taking designs from prototype stage through to commercial manufacture.
• Develop and optimise manufacturing processes for welded thin-film polymer structures and flexible materials.
• Collaborate directly with international manufacturing partners to improve production methods, product quality, and cost efficiency.
• Support supplier selection, factory trials, production ramp-up, and the transition into high-volume manufacturing.
• Design and develop supporting mechanical systems, including fluid handling equipment, pumps, valves, manifolds, and pipework.
• Produce manufacturing specifications, quality control procedures, and acceptance criteria to ensure consistent product performance.
• Perform engineering analysis and calculations relating to structural performance, stresses, and pressure loading.
• Support prototype builds, testing activities, commercial deployments, and integration with wider mechanical and automation systems.

Experience & Skills - Principle Mechanical Engineer

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• Strong industrial engineering experience with a track record of developing products from concept or prototype through to manufacture.
• Hands-on mechanical engineering experience with excellent practical problem-solving skills.
• Experience working with external manufacturers, suppliers, or production partners to deliver engineered products.
• Knowledge of design for manufacture (DfM), manufacturing processes, and production optimisation techniques.
• Experience with polymer materials, plastic welding, thin-film structures, adhesive bonding, or flexible materials would be highly advantageous.
• Familiarity with industrial fluid systems, including pumps, valves, pipework, and large-scale liquid handling applications.
• Ability to work collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams, communicate effectively with international partners, and take ownership of complex engineering challenges.