Senior Systems Innovation Engineer

Job Title: Senior Systems Innovation Engineer
Location: Basingstoke, UK
Hourly Rate: Up to £45 per hour - Umbrella

We are seeking a highly skilled and innovative Senior Systems Innovation Engineer to join our Systems Innovation and Technology team. This role plays a critical part in the Discover and Translate phases of the Product Lifecycle (PLC), focusing on the invention, development, and specification of advanced Hydraulic and Mechatronic systems for vending equipment.

You will lead the technical development of novel system concepts, from interpreting market briefs to prototyping and validation, ensuring alignment with business and customer needs.

Key Responsibilities of this Senior Systems Innovation Engineer role:

• Identify, conceptualise, and develop low-to-medium Technology Readiness Level (TRL) systems to enhance delivery solutions.
• Conduct feasibility studies and proof-of-concept evaluations for new systems, methods, or products.
• Lead the design and integration of Hydraulic and Mechatronic systems into the equipment development pipeline.
• Act as technical lead on innovation projects, translating market and customer needs into structured system architectures and design specifications.
• Develop prototype control systems using industry-standard tools to verify design performance.
• Perform data-driven analysis of experimental results to validate concepts and guide design iterations.
• Build collaborative relationships with stakeholders to align and legitimise technical proposals.
• Support other engineering functions by providing subject matter expertise and contributing to system specification and validation.
• Guide system development activities using structured processes including DFMEA, DVP, and design reviews.

Qualifications & Experience required for this Senior Systems Innovation Engineer role:

Education

• Bachelors Degree in General Engineering or a related field (required)
• Masters Degree or equivalent CPD certification (preferred)
• Membership with professional engineering institutions (IET, IMechE, etc.) (preferred)

Experience & Skills

• Proven experience with R&D front-end innovation methodologies
• Strong understanding of project management and product development processes
• Demonstrated ability to manage cross-functional and cross-discipline teams
• Proficiency in Hydraulic/Mechatronic system design and analysis
• In-depth knowledge of components such as pumps, valves, motors, heating, and cooling systems
• Hands-on experience in prototyping and data acquisition, ideally using LabVIEW
• Skilled in mechanical CAD tools (SolidWorks or Creo preferred)
• Familiar with manufacturing techniques like injection moulding and casting
• Working knowledge of FMEA, DFX, and APQP processes
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills
• Competence in using data analysis tools like Excel or other mathematical software