R&D Engineer Technician - Mechanical

Engender is a pioneering startup revolutionising the dairy industry with a groundbreaking method of gender selection at the sperm stage. We’re at a pivotal point, transitioning from academic research into commercialisation, and are seeking a passionate Mechanical R&D Engineer to join our growing team.

This role works across digital design and physical build. You’ll work on complex mechanical assemblies in CAD and get hands-on in the workshop to machine and fabricate prototypes - playing a critical role in increasing development capacity, supporting design transfer, and ensuring our hardware solutions are robust and manufacturable.

While this is an AgTech environment, experience in Medical Devices, Manufacturing, or Pharmaceuticals is highly regarded, bringing strong process discipline and engineering rigor.

The Role

Step into a small, experienced design and manufacture team building precision hardware for AgTech. This is a hands-on role for a graduate who wants to learn how things are really made. You'll work in QC, build and machining, and learn CNC machining directly from our Principal Machinist through real work on real parts. Alongside that, you'll help prototype, test and improve the methods we use every day.

You don't need to be a machinist. You do need to be practical, curious and keen to learn.

What you'll do

• Run QC inspection and verification of components and assemblies
• Build and assemble products from drawings and work instructions
• Operate and improve established machining processes (CNC and manual), building skills with hands-on mentoring
• Design and prototype mechanical components in 3D CAD, and fabricate prototypes, jigs and fixtures
• Plan and run structured experiments to solve practical problems and optimise processes, with clear data and records
• Help move designs from R&D into repeatable manufacture, including work instructions and build documentation
• Work with biologists, quality and engineering to make sure what we build meets functional and quality needs

What you'll gain

• Hands-on CNC and manual machining experience, learned on the job from an experienced machinist
• Experience of how products go from prototype to production
• Real ownership of process improvements, with senior engineers close by for guidance

Working pattern

Standard hours, with flexibility to work shifts when the team needs it.

About You

• We really need you to have the following:
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Product Design Engineering or a similar design or mechanical discipline
• A practical streak: hands-on experience from projects, internships, workshop, lab or hobby work
• Comfortable in a workshop environment and working safely with chemicals
• Some exposure to 3D CAD (SolidWorks, Fusion 360 or similar) and technical drawings
• A methodical approach to testing: you form a hypothesis, control variables and record what you find
• Real enthusiasm to learn machining and get your hands dirty
• Bonus points if you have:
• Experience in Medical Devices, Pharma, Lab Equipment or other regulated or high-precision environments
• Solvent and chemical handling
• Microscope and visual inspection experience
• Microfluidics or similar precision systems
• Any prior milling or turning exposure

Why Join Engender?

• Join at a critical transition from research to commercialisation
• End-to-end ownership from design through to physical build
• Work in a highly collaborative, multidisciplinary team
• Make a tangible impact on innovative technology with global potential

Benefits 

• The opportunity to be at the forefront of a revolutionary technology in the dairy industry. 

• A collaborative and dynamic work environment with a passionate team. 

• Competitive salary 

• Health Benefits 

• The chance to make a real impact on the future of animal agriculture.