Location: London, UK
Working pattern: Hybrid (minimum 3 days per week in the office)

About Caeli Nova

Caeli Nova is an aerospace and medical technology start-up, founded to solve complex human-centred problems through innovative and practical engineering. We develop safety-critical products that protect and enhance human performance in aerospace, medical and other highly regulated environments.

Our culture is built around collaboration, empowerment and proactivity. We believe the best engineering solutions emerge when people with different perspectives work together, challenge assumptions respectfully, and take pride in delivering work that improves safety and well-being.

The Role

We are seeking a Graduate R&D Engineer – Mechanical / Bio Mechanical to join our growing engineering team in London. This role offers exposure to the full product lifecycle, from early concept development and rapid prototyping through to verification, validation and production support.

You will work closely with fellow members of the R&D team, design, systems, medical and regulatory specialists, as well as external suppliers and manufacturing partners. This is a hands-on, collaborative role, well suited to someone who enjoys learning quickly, developing real products, and seeing their work translated into meaningful real-world impact.

We ask all team members to spend at least three days per week working from our London office.  However, due to the collaborative and practical nature of the work for this role, you may find that you need to visit the office more frequently at busier times in your projects. You may also be required to travel and undertake testing, as part of your role.

What You Will Do

Your responsibilities may include:

  • Contributing to the design, development and testing of mechanical and electromechanical systems
  • Supporting early-stage concept development and rapid prototyping
  • Writing, reviewing and maintaining clear technical documentation
  • Collaborating with suppliers and manufacturing partners to support product realisation
  • Working alongside colleagues across disciplines to solve challenging technical problems
  • Supporting physiological trials of the systems you have helped to develop, as well as undertaking verification, validation and testing on a sub-system level.

You will be supported by experienced engineers and encouraged to develop your skills and confidence over time. We do not expect you to know everything from day one.

What We Are Looking For

We are keen to hear from candidates with a genuine interest in how mechanical and electromechanical systems can improve human performance and healing. We encourage applications from people who may not meet every requirement listed below.

Core attributes:

  • Demonstrated experience developing mechanical or biomechanical systems, gained through degree projects, internships, industrial placements, personal projects or equivalent practical work
  • A degree (Bachelor’s or Master’s) in Mechanical Engineering, Biomechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Robotics Engineering, or a related discipline
    • Candidates from other disciplines are welcome to apply if they can demonstrate relevant mechanical systems experience
  • A curiosity-driven, problem-solving mindset
  • Willingness to learn, ask questions and take initiative
  • Ability to collaborate effectively and communicate clearly with colleagues from different backgrounds
  • A practical, hands-on approach to engineering challenges

Desirable (but not required):

  • Experience with rapid prototyping or agile development approaches
  • Experience with Python scripting for data analysis and/or, sensing and control.
  • Exposure to safety-critical, medical, aerospace or regulated environments
  • Interest in human-centred or physiological applications of technology

Our Commitment to Inclusion

Caeli Nova is committed to providing an energising environment where our team members can feel comfortable being their true self.  We respect and value individuality, thoughts and contributions, regardless of gender, sexuality, ethnicity, culture, background or experience. We actively encourage applications from people with backgrounds that are under-represented in engineering.

We recognise that confidence gaps, non-linear career paths, different educational routes and varying access to opportunities can influence how people approach job applications. If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, or would like an informal conversation before applying, we would be happy to accommodate this.

Why Join Us?

  • Work on products that genuinely improve safety and wellbeing
  • Learn from experienced engineers in a supportive, collaborative environment
  • Gain exposure to the full product lifecycle in a growing start-up
  • A culture that values curiosity, respect and thoughtful challenge

The interview process

Caeli Nova follows a structured, phased interview process designed to be transparent, consistent and fair for all candidates:

  • Phase 1: Initial CV and covering letter review
    We review applications against the role requirements and core criteria.
  • Phase 2a: Introductory phase – screening call
    During this phase we will hold an introductory call to:
    • Share more detail about Caeli Nova and the role
    • Answer any initial questions you may have
    • Ensure that you meet the top-level requirements for the role
  • Phase 2b: Introductory phase – arrange interviews
    Subject to the outcome from Phase 2a, we will use email to arrange the following:
    • Agree interview dates
    • Assign a technical topic for the next stage

         All candidates are given the same task and one week of preparation time for the                   technical interview.

  • Phase 3: Technical interview and topic presentation
    You will meet members of our technical team to discuss your technical experience and approach to problem solving.
    As part of this session, you will be invited to give a 20-minute presentation on your assigned topic, followed by discussion and questions.
  • Phase 4: Values and ways of working
    You will have two 30-minute conversations with members of the leadership team (for example the CTO, CEO or CFO).
    These sessions focus on:
    • How you like to work and collaborate
    • What you value in a team and working environment
    • How your approach and perspective could contribute to Caeli Nova’s culture as we grow

Practical details:
Some stages may be conducted remotely. However, we require at least one face-to-face session at our London office during the interview process.
Where possible, multiple phases may be scheduled on the same day to reduce the overall time commitment.