Junior Mechanical Engineer / Technician

Location: Whiteley, PO15 7AF.
Salary: £24-30k depending on skills and experience.
Contract: Full time, permanent.
Benefits: In common with many start-ups, we offer a fast-paced, dynamic environment where you can learn a huge amount in a short time, with exposure to everything happening in the company. We look after our staff as they are our key asset, and offer regular salary reviews, share options, lots of flexibility and generous training allowances.  Our facilities are commutable from most of Hampshire, West Sussex, Poole, Bournemouth etc.

iFAST is an innovative new medical technology spinout from the University of Southampton, led by an experienced team of entrepreneurs and scientists. We have developed a game-changing microfluidics-based test for antimicrobial susceptibility, reducing the test time from 48+ to 3 hours to help combat the global threat of antimicrobial resistance, which kills more than 1 million people per year.

About the role:

We are seeking a Junior Mechanical Engineer / Technician to join us in Southampton, to help bring this vital technology to market.

Junior Mechanical Engineer / Technician – Responsibilities:

•  You will join the engineering team, and your responsibilities will be very varied, but likely to include:
•  Assembling & aligning high-quality microfluidic chips.
•  Contributing to the design and assembly process of a consumable (microfluidic) chip cartridge.
•  Conducting tests on microfluidic devices to assess performance following standard operating procedures (SOPs).
•  Inspecting finished products for quality and adherence to specifications.
•  Keeping production logs and recording data in compliance with our quality management system (QMS).
•  Operating technical lab instrumentation and performing regular maintenance procedures.
•  Receiving, inspecting, and keeping an inventory of production parts and components.
•  Assisting with documentation in accordance with standards, manufacturing procedure documentation, and SOPs.
•  Performing installation, maintenance, and repairs of iFAST machines in the field.
•  Periodically presenting your work to the team and our collaborators.

What we need from you:

•  Degree in engineering or successful completion of an apprenticeship in a relevant field.
•  Proven practical skills with good hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity.
•  The ability to use and maintain technical equipment with accuracy.
•  Proficient in interpreting engineering drawings and schematics (Technical drawings, P&IDs, wiring diagrams)
•  Experience with machine tools and fixture assembly in an industrial setting.
•  The ability to work well in a team and to manage & prioritize your own workload with minimal supervision.
•  Great interpersonal skills, as we are a small, close-knit team with a culture of togetherness.
•  Good communication skills, to liaise with colleagues and the wider community.
•  Good problem-solving skills and the ability to use your initiative to fix things when they go wrong.
•  An accurate and methodical approach to work, including documentation in compliant with our QMS.
•  Being a self-starter – you should have great self-motivation to do a great job and to help the company succeed.
•  Experience using CAD systems (3D modelling, inventor, AutoCAD) is desirable.

If you feel you have the skills and experience to be successful in this role then click “Apply” and submit your up to date CV for consideration!

We would like the successful candidate to start as soon as possible so please don’t delay – get in touch today and start the journey to help us solve the massive issue of antimicrobial resistance.