Lead Mechanical Engineer

Tharsus; Blyth; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative robotics startup in Blyth, UK is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to lead the design and testing of robotic products. The ideal candidate will have a degree in Mechanical Engineering and significant experience in mechanical systems design and validation. This position offers autonomy in a fast-paced R&D environment and requires strong collaboration skills with a multi-disciplinary team.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in designing and testing mechanical systems, especially in robotics.
• Expert in 3D CAD software and various manufacturing techniques.
• Hands-on experience with system assembly and validation.

Responsibilities

• Lead all aspects of mechanical design and prototype testing.
• Develop solutions from concept to production.
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams to integrate systems.

Skills

Mechanical design

3D CAD software proficiency

Systems assembly

Problem-solving

Collaboration skills

Education

Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Tools

SolidWorks

Onshape

Job description

Purpose of Position

VersaTile is a cutting‑edge startup revolutionizing warehouse automation through intelligent robotics. Originating from Tharsus Group, known for delivering automation solutions to industry giants like Ocado, VersaTile is disruptive technology that uses a dynamic “intelligent floor” to massively increasing the efficiency of operations.

Key Accountabilities

• Lead and own all aspects of mechanical design, analysis, prototyping, and testing for our advanced robotic tile products.
• Develop robust solutions from initial concept through to detailed design, simulation (FEA), and full‑scale production.
• Apply rigorous DFM (Design for Manufacture) principles, working closely with manufacturing partners to ensure your designs are efficient, reliable, and cost‑effective.
• Conduct hands‑on testing and validation to prove system performance and reliability, iterating on designs to perfection.
• Collaborate closely with a multi‑disciplinary team of software engineers, applied scientists, and academic partners to integrate your mechanical systems into a cohesive, intelligent product.
• Manage technical relationships with suppliers and external partners to source and develop critical components.

Education, Experience & Knowledge

• A degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related technical field.
• Significant, demonstrable experience in designing and testing complex mechanical systems (e.g., robotics, automation, mechatronics, or special‑purpose machinery).
• Expert‑level proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Onshape, etc.).
• Deep, practical knowledge of a wide range of manufacturing techniques (e.g., CNC machining, injection moulding, sheet metal fabrication, 3D printing) and DFM.
• Hands‑on experience with system assembly, integration, and validation, including tolerance analysis and BOM management.

Core competencies and skills

• Passionate about applying deep knowledge to solve complex, real‑world problems.
• Proven track record of taking sophisticated mechanical systems from a prototype right through to a fully validated, production‑ready solution that’s deployed at massive scale.
• A self‑starter who thrives on autonomy and technical ownership.
• A “first‑principles” approach to problem‑solving.
• Ability to work autonomously in a fast‑paced R&D environment.
• Strong collaborative skills for working with a multi‑disciplinary team.