Senior Mechanical Engineer

About Orchid Solar Limited
Orchid Solar is an Edinburgh-based climate-tech startup developing next-generation concentrated solar thermal technology to decarbonize high-temperature industrial heat and, over time, deliver round-the-clock renewable power. Built on breakthrough research from Oxford University our system operates at >500°C and is entering an exciting phase of hardware development.

Role Overview
We are seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer who can lead the engineering effort to design, build, and validate our first full prototype system. This includes completing the mechanical design for high-temperature operation, managing fabrication and assembly, overseeing testing in Edinburgh, and eventual testing and integration into an industrial field trial in Europe. This is a hybrid technical and hands-on role ideal for an engineer who wants full ownership, autonomy, and the opportunity to shape a breakthrough climate technology from its earliest stages.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical design of high-temperature (>500°C) thermal and structural components.
• Manage prototype fabrication, procurement, suppliers, and workshop activities.
• Assemble, commission, and troubleshoot the first integrated prototype.
• Develop and operate test rigs for thermal and structural performance testing.
• Analyse test data and feed results back into design iterations.
• Support integration with industrial partners for field trials in Europe.
• Establish engineering processes, documentation, and best practices as the first technical hire.
• Contribute to risk assessments, FMEA, and design-for-manufacture reviews.

Must-Have Skills & Experience

• Degree (or equivalent) in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline.
• Strong experience (5+ years) designing hardware involving high temperatures, thermal systems, or similar complex mechanical assemblies.
• Hands-on workshop and prototyping skills (fabrication, machining, assembly, testing).
• Ability to take a system from CAD to built hardware with minimal supervision.
• Experience working with suppliers, contractors, and test facilities.
• Strong analytical ability, pragmatism, and problem-solving skills.
• Comfortable working in an early-stage, fast-moving startup environment.

Nice-to-Have Experience

• Experience with concentrated solar power, thermal energy systems, combustors, kilns, furnaces, or high-temperature heat transfer.
• Experience with instrumentation, data acquisition, and thermocouple/sensor integration.
• Knowledge of materials selection for high-temperature environments (ceramics, alloys, coatings).
• Experience managing prototype field trials or industrial deployments.
• Familiarity with FEA/CFD packages.
• Prior experience in a startup or small engineering team.
• An additional European language.

Why work with Orchid Solar

In this role, you will be at the heart of a small, ambitious climate-tech company, shaping the development of a first-of-a-kind solar thermal system from concept to real hardware. You will work directly with the founding team, influence core technical decisions, and take ownership of a prototype that will be tested both in the UK and on an industrial site in Spain. This is a rare opportunity to combine high-level engineering leadership with hands-on building and experimentation, gaining deep exposure to cleantech innovation.  You will work closely with founders who bring commercial and technical expertise from blue-chip corporates to renewable energy startups, benefiting from close mentorship and exposure to advanced engineering.

Job Details

Orchid Solar is based at the Royal Observatory in Edinburgh, and this role is primarily in-person. The successful candidate is expected to work on site and be available for travel across Europe for prototype deployment and testing.

The position is initially offered as a 6-month fixed-term contract, with the strong intention to transition to a permanent role based on satisfactory performance.

The salary range is £40,000–£60,000 per annum (FTE), depending on experience.

How to Apply

If you are excited by this opportunity and wish to apply please e-mail your CV and a covering letter, referencing ME1, to info@orchidsolar.co.uk.

Tagged as: early-stage startup, engineer, mechanical engineer, product development, R&D, renewable energy