Role OverviewWe are looking for a versatile, hands-on mechanical engineer or equivalent with practical experience on the workshop floor — someone who can help design, build, and iterate on the novel hardware that our science demands.
Cultivated meat production requires engineering solutions that do not yet exist off-the-shelf. As our Prototyping and Fabrication Engineer, you will play a central role in designing and developing custom bioprocessing equipment, bioreactor systems, and laboratory instrumentation - working directly alongside cell biologists, bioprocess engineers, and the production team to turn scientific requirements into reliable, affordable and scalable physical systems.This is a broad, hands-on, high-impact role with real influence on how our equipment is designed and built as we scale from bench to production. It would suit an engineer who enjoys problems without a textbook answer, working across disciplines, and likes seeing their designs built and tested.
Key ResponsibilitiesDesign & Fabrication
Work closely with the Bioprocess Engineering team to translate process requirements into engineering specifications, and feed back on what is practical to build
Help design, prototype, and iterate on custom mechanical systems including bioreactors, perfusion systems, and ancillary equipment from bench-scale development units through to production-scale vessels (2000 L and above)
Select appropriate materials for components in contact with biological media, considering biocompatibility, sterilisability, cost, and mechanical performance
Directly carry out fabrication, machining, welding, and assembly activities
Manage relationships with external fabricators, machinists, and component suppliers
Equipment Management and Compliance
Work closely with the Facility Manager to contribute to laboratory and production facility maintenance, including preventive maintenance scheduling
Identify and resolve equipment faults with a systematic, root-cause approach
Work with the Facility Manager in ensuring all engineering designs comply with applicable UK health and safety legislation
Specify and procure instrumentation, actuators, and control components; ensure correct installation and calibration
Champion a safety-first culture in all engineering and workshop activities
RequirementsEssential
Degree or equivalent practical experience in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related discipline
Demonstrable experience designing and fabricating mechanical components, with examples of practical engineering work e.g. working with different materials such as metals and polymers
Experience with pressure systems, pipework, or fluid handling systems
Desirable
Experience in a biotech, food technology, pharmaceutical, or similarly regulated manufacturing environment
Experience designing or working with bioreactors, fermenters, or other biological process equipment
Familiarity with biocompatible materials, aseptic or hygienic design principles
Proficiency in SolidWorks, Fusion 360, AutoCAD, or equivalent
Experience with additive manufacturing (3D printing) for rapid prototyping
What We Offer
Competitive salary commensurate with experience
Equity participation in a high-growth, mission-driven company
32 days’ holiday a year, including bank holidays. Use holiday to take bank holidays off or work them and use the days at another time; it’s up to you
Learning & development budget, including support for relevant training, courses, and conferences
Access to well-equipped laboratory and bioprocessing facilities
The opportunity to develop novel bioprocesses that have never been built before, at the company leading the world in cultivated meat
Pension contribution and private health insurance
Meatly is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team and welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds.
