B-hive: Research And Development Engineer

About the job

Are you passionate about developing new ways of feeding the planet? We are driving positive change in the agricultural industry and your skills could help us do it. We are looking for an experienced and dedicated Research & Development Engineer to join a dynamic, engaging and multidisciplinary team working in AgriTech R&D.

You’ll develop and implement hardware solutions, such as test equipment and prototype systems that, in turn, deliver for research projects. The solutions will be a mix of mechanical, electronic and integrated mechanical/electronic systems depending on the problem to be solved.

This position is suitable for someone who is self-motivated, organised. a problem-solver, and with demonstrable experience in developing unique solutions to problems through electro-mechanical design.

You will be based partly in the B-Hive offices, integrated into the Lincoln Science and Innovation Park, and outside Lincoln in Branston where we have a workshop and test field. Both sites have easy access to the beautiful city of Lincoln.

About us

B-Hive Innovations is a rapidly expanding R&D company based in Lincoln City and focused on the exciting Agri-tech sector. We pride ourselves in out of the box thinking, bringing new ideas and concepts from other industries into agriculture. In just over 5 years, we have already spun out 2 additional companies, HarvestEye Limited and Root Extracts Limited, to bring our technological solutions to the market. B-hive’s multidisciplinary team of software developers, hardware engineers, scientists, and project management professionals, all work to bring new, innovative solutions to issues seen within the fresh produce industry. Our staff have a flexible and collaborative attitude to working and we value people who relish being an important part of a larger team.

We are currently seeking an engineer with a blend of electronic and mechanical engineering experience to work on agricultural technology themed research and development projects.

Job Purpose

• To enable the successful delivery of test equipment and prototype systems that, in turn, enables deliverables to be met for research projects.
• To work primarily but not exclusively with other members of the Engineering team on projects and job requests that support the strategic direction of the company.
• To help with the development of new project ideas and follow project execution plans for their delivery.

Responsibilities:

This role is for an individual to work to ensure the successful delivery of a range of agriculturally-relevant and scientifically oriented research projects through:

• the hands-on delivery of Engineering solutions by design, development, manufacture, validation, and maintenance processes;
• the effective communication of project and technical information to the Engineering team and other stakeholders throughout the business;’
• support field test activity through the development of test platforms and hands-on, in-field work;
• working effectively with others to make the most of the experience and technical expertise held by both internal and external project partners;
• the knowledge and application of cutting-edge scientific/engineering methods.

The list of projects to be supported and delivered by the department will vary depending on the project portfolio of the company. In addition, the demands of the role will vary seasonally. Therefore, the job holder must be flexible, adaptive, and be able to manage their time effectively to ensure the delivery of project objectives.

The job holder will follow and support the development of the departmental method of demand management, quality management and project execution.

The post holder will be expected to:

• Take an ongoing and active role in upholding departmental performance, quality, health, safety and environmental standards. 5%
• Liaise directly and regularly with stakeholders to understand Engineering Solution requirements and ensure that projects are on track and in line with stakeholder expectations. Most commonly this will be achieved through stakeholder meetings. 5%
• Design new systems, machines and devices by creation of design specifications, technical drawings, 3D CAD models and bills of materials (BoM). 15%
• Undertake theoretical design validation, calculations and dimension checks for proposed designs to ensure that solutions work within the specified operating environment and to the specified level of performance. 5%
• Build/manufacture new systems, machines and devices to an appropriately robust level by making use of industry standards and established methods where possible. The production of these systems will be achieved through a mix of on-site assembly in our workshop and off-site fabrication if welded or intricately machine components are required. 25%
• Undertake design and manufacture validation activity and take part in field trials to ensure that solutions work within the specified operating environment and to the specified level of performance. 15%
• Disseminate technical progress and results internally, in external project meetings, and at conferences/trade shows or other events. 5%
• Maintain and improve existing systems, machines and devices. 10%
• Take ownership of Root Cause Investigations of unexpected failures and implement fixes. 10%
• Keep abreast of, capture and disseminate relevant progress in Agricultural Technology, Science and Innovation in particular where it supports the objectives and deliverables of project proposals and live projects. 5%

Skills & Knowledge:

• Demonstratable experience in the design, assembly and implementation of electronic systems/control systems (E)
• Demonstratable experience design, assembly and implementation of integrated electronic/electrical and mechanical systems (E)
• Experience working with or knowledge of agricultural equipment/technology would be advantageous but not essential (D)
• Able to create technical drawings suitable for manufacture and demonstrating good 3D CAD modelling experience, ideally with SolidWorks (E)
• Hands on approach towards prototype solution/system development (E)
• Excellent communication skills (E)
• Adaptable and proactive with good attention to detail (E)
• Ability to work with others and manage stakeholder demands (E)
• Able to work independently and take the initiative to do what needs doing (E)
• Strong report, presentation and spreadsheet authorship skills – IT literacy (E)
• Minimum Category B driving license (E)

Desired qualifications:

• HND (Merit) in Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or similar field;

or

• Bachelor’s Degree (2:1) in Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics or similar field;

or

• Ability to demonstrate an equivalent level of experience.

Benefits

• Salary Range: £35,000- £45,000 per annum (dependent on experience)
• Employer pension contributions
• 26 days holiday plus Bank Holidays
• Group Life Insurance
• Salary Exchange optional
• Sick Pay
• Private Medical Insurance
• Access to “Grocery Aid” for free advice and guidance
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
• Regular social events & opportunities to be involved fundraising for a local charity
• Free tea, coffee, and milk

Working Relationships

The job holder will report to the Head of Engineering and expected to develop productive and professional working relationships with both internal and external collaborators and stakeholders.

Working Environment

• The working environment is varied and includes (but is not limited to): office, workshop, warehouse, cold-stores and in-field. You will be supplied with PPE as outlined in the employee handbook but will be expected to dress appropriately for the conditions of the work environment. The job is full-time (40 hours) Monday to Friday.

Driving

The job role requires the job holder to drive in order to transport themselves, equipment and personnel between company sites and to off-site test-centres and fields in support of their job role and project activity. Therefore, the job holder must hold a full category B (or above) driving licence, be willing to, and legally and safely able to drive a car and trailer on the road at work.

Apply to:hr@b-hiveinnovations.co.uk

Apply here

Submission with CV and covering letter by: Friday 21st April 2023 at 5.00pm

Application deadline: 21/04/2023

Reference ID: R&DEngineer March 23