Senior Mechanical Engineer

Senior Mechanical Engineer (Automation):
Job Description

Reporting to: VP of Engineering

Location:

Reading, RG30 1DZ

Working hours:

37.5 hours, Monday - Friday

Big Sis ((Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).), 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. Big Sis has developed a pilot automated production line and is now focused on scaling to millions of insects per week.

• 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

We are seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to join our innovative, fast‑paced team at Big Sis, 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 optimizing mechanical components for insect‑rearing automation.

• 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 Big Sis.

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.

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

• 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.

• 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 downtime.
• 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 and assembled 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 Solid Works software.

• 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…