Mechanical engineer

Wanted: Mechanical engineer

Anticipated start date: As soon as possible

Closing Date: 5th February, 2025

Salary Band: £35k - £55k (depending on experience)

Full Time, Sheffield, UK

Do you want to utilise your skills to make a real-world impact working at the forefront of the most impactful industry of the 21st century? Do you love building and have a passion for biotechnology? Are you a natural-born systems thinker who thrives working across all stages of engineered device development and collaborating closely with R&D scientists?

We seek a driven and enthusiastic engineer to help us design, prototype, and manufacture our bioproduction instruments. You will work on all aspects of our R&D - from rapid prototyping of subsystem concepts to DFM and taking an instrument through to client delivery. Ultimately, your work will help us fulfill our ambition to be one of the largest biotech companies in the world (we think and go for big).

You are a self-starter with a deep understanding of mechanical and systems engineering and the ability to rapidly apply your knowledge to new industrial applications (e.g.,  laboratory automation and bioproduction instrumentation). You thrive in a fast-paced environment, balancing multiple parallel projects with tight deadlines while operating with high degrees of autonomy, and have a background in mechanical engineering and electromechanical system development.

WE VALUE

• Commercially focused builders and do-ers who relish solving complex, interdisciplinary technical challenges to create real value and impact.
• Friendly, organised, efficient, and enthusiastic people with a can-do attitude.
• Collaborative, curious, and communicative people who thrive as part of a tight-knit but diverse team.
• People who strive to improve their skills continuously and become world-class in their field.
• Low-ego individuals who love asking questions & go above and beyond to help the team succeed.

THE ROLE

You will play a leading role in a growing engineering team, designing, building, testing, and developing novel bioproduction systems. You will be directly involved in the entire product development cycle, from understanding user requirements to delivering prototypes and, ultimately, manufacturable designs.  

You must be comfortable operating with uncertainty and upskilling to meet new challenges. The startup journey is not easy nor for the faint of heart. You must see this challenge as invigorating rather than intimidating. Your work will be exciting, and the learning opportunities will be significant. Expect to expand your skill set more in a year than many do in five years.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operational oversight of device development projects (systems, mechanical subsystems, etc.), including technical progress and regulatory compliance.
• Working on developing our overall mechanical and technical approaches and collaborating with our biology team to facilitate interdisciplinary innovation.
• Prototyping designs in our workshop to rapidly test concepts and coordinate with suppliers, manufacturing partners, and clients.

NEED TO HAVE

• The ability to create specifications from processes with uncertainty and input variation (aka cell biology).
• Demonstrable experience developing electromechanical devices from customer specifications to a manufactured product.
• CAD experience (SolidWorks preferable) and ability to perform hand calculations to determine solutions to engineering problems.
• Knowledge and experience working on complex fluid handling systems.
• Prior experience working with electronics/embedded electronic systems.
• Knowledge of and desire to engage in rapid prototyping, including hands-on work (3D printing, CNC/machining, etc.).
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively internally between biologists and engineers and with external suppliers and consultants.
• Experience managing multiple projects simultaneously and keeping accurate design records for regulatory compliance (e.g., ISO and CE marking).

NICE TO HAVE

• Programming, especially embedded systems (c++, python, git).
• Prior experience working on laboratory instruments, bioproduction systems, or medical devices.
• Previous experience embedded in a cell culture laboratory or a scientific research team.

While we consider applicants from any/all relevant backgrounds, it is likely that you will have a BEng/MEng in one of Mech, BioEng, Aero, ACSE, or EEE and have 2-5+ years of industry experience.

BENEFITS

• Join a fast-moving transformative industry in a high-growth environment. 
• Opportunity to work on a variety of projects and rapidly learn new skills.
• We seek to empower, not restrict, and give ownership and significant input into key decisions.

• You will be based in the UK's greenest city on the doorstep of the peak district with world-class hiking, biking, running, and climbing 15 minutes from our custom-built, independently owned R&D centre.

ABOUT US

Unicorn Biotechnologies develops intelligent machines (physical AI) to automate biology. Our first system, Emmet, standardises, streamlines, and scales the production of any mammalian cell culture process, both helping scientists accelerate their pace of experimental discovery and removing technical and economic barriers to scaling transformative innovations (cell therapies, regenerative medicines, cultivated meat, etc.) to mass markets. Backed by leading transatlantic VCs, we aim to ensure all people live healthier, longer lives on planet Earth, and beyond.

JOIN OUR TEAM

Submit your application here: https://forms.gle/Jr6kUAJbS7KcnBae8

Please fill out the application form; however, if you get stuck or have any questions email: careers@unicornb.io

Unicorn Biotechnologies is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces inclusion and diversity.