Manufacturing Engineer jobs in United Kingdom

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Big Sis (Insect Control)

reading, United Kingdom

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3

10.07.2025

24.08.2025

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Senior Mechanical Engineer (Automation)

Location: Reading, RG30 1DZ
Working hours: 37.5 hours, Monday Friday
Salary: Competitive

About BigSis

BigSis is 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 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

We are seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to join our innovative, fast-paced team at BigSis, where you'll play a key role in developing cutting-edge automated production systems for sustainable agriculture. You will be instrumental in designing, developing, and optimising mechanical components for insect-rearing automation.

Key Responsibilities:

Technical Leadership: Lead the design and development of key components and modules, taking ownership of their technical direction.
System Troubleshooting: Contribute to larger projects and resolve issues within existing systems to ensure optimal functionality.
Mentorship: Coach and mentor junior engineers, supporting their technical development and fostering a collaborative learning environment.
Process Improvement: Play a key role in defining and enhancing development tools, methodologies, and processes for BigSis.

About the Role:

This hands-on position involves:

Designing innovative mechanical solutions, specifically for handling and processing insect containers within the automation system.
Integrating mechanical designs with electronics and other engineering teams to ensure seamless operation of the production modules.
Ensuring that designs meet operational requirements and collaborating closely with other engineering disciplines, particularly electronics and software.

Qualifications and experience

We're seeking someone who thrives in a start-up environment and is comfortable delivering functional, "good-enough" solutions under time pressurewhile continuously refining and improving the systems over time.

Essential for the role

2:1 degree in a relevant engineering discipline or equivalent
Extensive hands-on experience designing and implementing functional mechanisms for automation and handling of small objects
Design of high-speed automated material transfer systems and associated components
Solution orientated with an ability to think outside the box

Desirable experience

Experience of automated systems processing very high volume of units in a day
Worked on systems where components needed to be designed for manufacturing and precise assembly/operating tolerances
Designed robust, ruggedised and precision mechanical systems for 24/7 operation with minimal down time
Experience with fluid mechanics, including pumps, valves, nozzles and spraying technologies
General understanding and hands on experience with workshop equipment
Familiar with rapid prototyping technologies such as 3D printing
Understanding of design for injection moulding, CNC machining and turning/lathe
Designed low power automated systems and/or equipment, e.g. animatronics, vending machines, automated food or pharmaceutical production
Worked with stepper motors, servo motors, automatic material handling systems
Experience coaching and mentoring junior engineers or leading product development team
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

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.
You may also have experience in the following: Automation Engineer, M&E Maintenance Engineer, M&E, Mechanical and Electrical, Service Engineer, Mechanical, Electrical, Maintenance Engineer, Electrical Engineering, Maintenance Technician, Electrical Engineer, Mechanical Engineering, Mobile Engineer, Mechanical Design, Design Engineer, CAD Design Engineer etc

REF-222 607

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