About the Job

🎯 Junior Mechanical Engineer

🌍 London, N4

🏛️ 4 days in our office, 1 day working from home

🤝 David Cattermole, Mechanical Engineering Lead

💰 £32-42k per annum (depending on experience) + equity

About Shellworks

Developed for a throwaway culture, plastics have caused significant pollution to our natural environments with 90% of all plastics ever created never being recycled. More so, recent studies have identified that plastics impact goes beyond pollution to chemicals and micro-plastics that impact human and environmental health.

We believe there must be a better way and our first innovation Vivomer does just that, if nature made a plastic this would be it. Vivomer, a polymer made by microorganisms, behaves just like plastic in use, but degrades upon disposal in any natural environment. Developed through cutting-edge material science, mechanical engineering, design, and operations, Vivomer represents a groundbreaking step towards a pollution-free future.

The nature of our work is frequently described as impossible, but if like us, you’re driven by the challenge to prove that there is a better way to do things, join us. You will play a critical role in developing the future of materials, how products are created and directly contribute to reducing plastic pollution.

The Opportunity

We're seeking a talented Mechanical Engineer to help design and engineer the future of materials and products. In this role, you'll work alongside a cross-functional team of experts in biology, material science, and design to develop plastic-free solutions that replace single-use plastics. From concept to large-scale production, you'll apply your skills to create applications using first of a kind materials.

As part of our fast-paced, collaborative environment, you'll have the opportunity to make a tangible impact on the planet while growing your expertise. If you're passionate about using your mechanical engineering skills to solve complex challenges and create a better future, this is the perfect role for you.

Our Ideal Candidate

• You have a Degree in Mechanical Engineering or Design Engineering, ideally with relevant industrial placement experience.
• You are comfortable with hands-on approach to engineering and prototyping, preferably with some experience in a workshop environment operating industrial equipment such as polymer processing and/or metalworking machines.
• You have good practical knowledge of manufacturing and design for manufacture, ideally for injection moulding and other polymer processing techniques
• You have strong 3D design and CAD skills. Prior experience in Solidworks would be beneficial.
• You have strong engineering analysis skills and you enjoy experimentation, data analysis, validation, and documentation. Experience in statistical tools for analysis would be beneficial.
• You have excellent communication and presentation skills, with an eye for industrial design and aesthetics and can demonstrate these in your application.
• You have the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects, be flexible and prioritise workload accordingly.
• You believe that the high autonomy environment of an early-stage start-up is the right place to unleash your potential.
• You love finding smart ways to solve hard problems, and always favour simple solutions over complex ones.

Key Responsibilities

Design and Engineering

• Design and engineer new ways of creating completely compostable packaging through industrial conversion processes, including injection moulding, blow moulding, and extrusion.
• Document mechanical engineering specifications aligned with customer requirements and the sustainability vision of the company.
• Design and produce prototypes of new packaging innovations through rapid tooling, or rapid prototyping techniques such as 3D printing and machining.
• Develop DoE’s to analyse and optimise designs and manufacturing processes in order to meet product functionality, quality or yield specifications.
• Implement and negotiate Design for Manufacture techniques with vendors to transition designs from prototype to mass production without compromise to the product specification.
• Use primary and literature research for data driven decision making.

Project Management

• Support the entire product life cycle from proof of concept through to launching at large scale with well known brands.
• Plan and implement work packages according to key business objectives.
• Manage tooling, assembly and manufacturing activities with vendors during production ramp up to the agreed cost, quality and timing.

Collaboration and Communication

• Produce and present engineering proposals and feasibility results to internal and external stakeholders.
• Contribute to design reviews and FMEAs for new product developments to communicate and mitigate against technical and business risks.
• Work alongside team members in molecular biology, material science, polymer processing, product design and operations teams in a collaborative environment.
• Contribute to the growth of the business inside and outside of your domain.

Our Benefits

🌴 21 days holiday + birthday off + 27-31st December, in addition to all statutory and public holidays

📚 Opportunities for growth and development as we expand and scale our impact

🥼Access to a fully kitted out on-site lab (incubators, autoclaves, bioreactors, etc.) and pilot line workshop (machine tools, injection moulder, extruders, blow moulders, etc.)

👍 Competitive salary and equity options

🎉 Regular social events and fully stocked office kitchen

🐚 Part of a tightly knit team aiming to make a meaningful social impact.

Join Our Mission

Becoming a part of Shellworks means being part of a team that’s passionate about sustainability and innovation. Our world-class team includes experts in materials science and visionary entrepreneurs dedicated to creating a better future. Together, we’re redefining what’s possible.

Are you ready to help us lead the way in sustainable materials? Apply now and be part of something truly impactful.