We're looking for a Mechanical Product Design Engineer to join our Agri-Tech team. You'll take ownership of the mechanical design of our hardware: professional, robust enclosures for opto-electronic systems operating in demanding agricultural environments, the gantry infrastructure that supports them, and the framework and boom of our automated crop scout machinery.
You'll be equally at home producing detailed CAD models and manufacturing drawings as you are at the workbench prototyping and testing your designs. Working closely with our electronic engineers, you'll ensure mechanical and electronic systems come together seamlessly — combining sound industrial design principles with a genuine flair for product design. The ideal candidate brings strong knowledge of materials selection and manufacturing techniques, including 3D printing, and is diligent about lifecycle management from first concept through to production, and through to the installation of your designs out into customer sites.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Opto-Electronic Enclosure Design
Design robust, professional-looking enclosures for opto-electronic systems deployed in industrial agricultural environments. Address ingress protection, thermal management, condensation, cable entry, and serviceability while maintaining a strong product design aesthetic.
Gantry & Support Infrastructure
Design and develop gantry infrastructure supporting opto-electronic components, ensuring rigidity, alignment stability, and ease of installation and maintenance in glasshouse and field environments.
Crop Scout Framework & Boom
Lead design and development work on the framework and boom of automated crop scout machinery, considering structural loading, deflection, weight, and integration with drive and sensing systems.
CAD, Drawings & Lifecycle Management
Produce detailed CAD models, assemblies, and manufacturing drawings with appropriate tolerancing. Maintain BOMs, revision control, and design documentation diligently through the full product lifecycle.
Prototyping & Testing
Get hands-on building, testing, and iterating prototypes — including 3D printing and workshop fabrication — to validate designs quickly before committing to production methods.
Cross-Functional Integration
Work closely with electronic engineers to ensure mechanical and electronic designs are compatible, including PCB mounting, connector access, EMC considerations, and assembly sequencing.
Fabrication & Workshop
Carry out hands-on fabrication — drilling, tapping, cutting, grinding, sheet metal forming, and hand-finishing — to produce robust prototypes, jigs, and low-volume production parts alongside 3D printing.
Onsite Installation & Support
Install, commission, and support gantry, enclosure, and crop scout hardware on customer and trial sites, including glasshouse and field environments. Diagnose and resolve mechanical issues in situ, and feed learnings back into design improvements.
CORE COMPETENCIES
- Strong CAD skills (e.g. SolidWorks, Autodesk Fusion, or similar) with a track record of producing complete, manufacturable drawing packs — not just concept models
- Understanding of design for industrial applications: IP-rated enclosures, environmental sealing, vibration, and durability in harsh agricultural conditions
- Flair for product design — proportion, finish, and detailing that make functional hardware look professional
- Sound knowledge of materials selection (metals, polymers, coatings) for corrosive, humid, and outdoor environments
- Practical grasp of manufacturing techniques including 3D printing, sheet metal, machining, and fabrication, with an eye for design-for-manufacture and cost
- Diligent lifecycle management: BOM control, revision management, engineering change processes, and design documentation
- Hands-on prototyping ability and eagerness to get stuck in at the workbench
- Able to collaborate closely with electronic engineers and communicate design trade-offs clearly to technical and non-technical colleagues
- Confident working onsite — installing, commissioning, and troubleshooting hardware in live agricultural environments, with a willingness to travel to customer and trial sites
- At least 1-2 years’ industrial experience in mechanical design or product development, or equivalent practical project experience
BONUS COMPETENCIES
- Experience designing enclosures or housings for optical, sensing, or camera systems
- FEA or structural simulation experience for frames, booms, or load-bearing assemblies
- Familiarity with CE/UKCA marking, the Machinery Directive/Regulations, or similar compliance processes
- Background in agricultural machinery, off-highway equipment, or automation hardware
- Familiarity with the mechanical selection and integration of actuators, and other motion components
- Experience taking products from prototype to low-volume production
- Rendering/visualisation skills (e.g. KeyShot) for stakeholder and marketing presentations
- Formal fabrication or welding qualifications
- Site-safety training relevant to installation work, e.g. manual handling or working at height
- Full UK Driving Licence and access to a car, for travelling to customer and trial sites
- A portfolio or examples of work demonstrating your approach to mechanical design and problem-solving
Pay: £30,000.00-£40,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- On-site parking
- Work from home
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Salford M6 6AJ
