Mechanical Engineer – Verification & Validation

Job Description

Location: The Salter Centre, Loanhead, Edinburgh

Type: Full-time

SolarSub is a start-up on a mission to enable solar panels to thrive in the sun. The company has developed a patent-pending passive cooling technology to negate the impact of overheating on solar panel efficiency and lifespan, achieving a double-digit improvement in revenue. Initially, we are deploying in the global floating solar market, unlocking more favourable project economics.

The company has secured Pre-Seed investment and has generated interest amongst OEMs and end-users. The technology has been validated at the University of Edinburgh and has progressed through field testing. We are now preparing trials with strategic end-users and partners in Spain, Scotland and Singapore.

We are seeking a Verification & Validation Engineer to join our team and support us in our technical development. This role offers a chance to contribute to driving a fundamental shift in renewable energy by maximising the efficiency of solar. We are seeking an individual who would relish the opportunity to execute in an entrepreneurial environment and grow in a leadership capacity.

The role will be based at the Salter Centre in Loanhead, Edinburgh on a full-time basis, with regular in-person office and lab work and international travel.

Key Responsibilities

• Own verification and validation (V&V) across laboratory, pilot and field trials, translating requirements into clear test objectives and acceptance criteria.
• Design test set ups, fixtures and instrumentation layouts using computer aided design (CAD), integrating monitoring and data acquisition (DAQ) to generate repeatable engineering evidence.
• Create and manage the test programme, procedures, methodology and standards, coordinating internal work and specialist third party testing.
• Analyse test, simulation and pilot data, conduct root cause analysis (RCA), and translate results into clear product and design decisions.
• Lead reliability testing for commercially important long term risks, namely, durability, degradation and failure modes, using Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA).
• Develop long term test procedures and quality control (QC) methods for product development, manufacture and deployment.
• Maintain clear test documentation, traceability and reporting, working closely with Product & Performance on performance goals.

Ideal Candidate

• An engineering degree in mechanical, electrical, materials, energy, or another related field.
• An understanding of FEA and CFD is advantageous.
• Experience planning and executing verification, validation or reliability programmes for physical products, ideally from prototype and laboratory testing through to field deployment.
• Practical capability in test design, instrumentation, data analysis and root-cause investigation, with the ability to turn results into sound engineering decisions.
• Experience of working with test standards, quality methods and external laboratories is preferred; renewable energy, solar, floating system or outdoor testing experience would be advantageous.

Attributes

• Entrepreneurial mindset: A willingness to take initiative within the role and across the business as required.
• Team Player with the ability to execute autonomously: Thriving in a high-trust environment with high personal accountability, whilst understanding the amplifying value of the skills that surround you.
• Gritty and optimistic: An ability to thrive in problem-solving, taking setbacks in stride to propel the team forward.
• Low Ego: To underpin personal growth and contribute to creating a high-feedback environment, allowing the team to develop as a whole.

Please note: Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.

Compensation

• Compensation will be commensurate with experience, with a base salary and participation in the employee share option plan.