Hardware Engineer - Instrumentation Development Engineer

We are recruiting for a talented and experienced Instrumentation Development Engineer to help develop a novel sensing platform for environmental monitoring. 

As an Instrumentation Development Engineer, you will work as a lead engineer to develop Mode Labs’ core platform technology. You will design, build and test the core components and subsystems of the platform. You will integrate microfluidic and optical subassemblies into a packaged platform which must perform in a number of external environmental conditions. You will be working within an interdisciplinary team of engineers developing our first commercial product.

Within the technical team, you will:

§  Lead the design and development of Mode Labs’ platform through integration of software, electrical and mechanical subsystems as part of overall system architecture.

§  Design components or subsystems for a fluidic/ optics platform. 

§  Use rapid prototyping processes to assess form, fit and function of designed parts.

§  Build and test system prototypes for functionality, ease-of-use and longevity. 

§  Present technical designs to the wider technical team.

§  Create detailed mechanical designs using CAD software such as Autodesk Inventor or SolidWorks.

§  Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to opto-mechanical systems.

§  Prepare technical documentation, e.g. technical drawings and bill of materials. 

§  Liaise with component manufacturers to ensure part production and quality. 

§  Conduct feasibility studies and evaluate designs for development and manufacturability.

§  Utilise engineering principles and methodologies to optimise product performance, reliability, and manufacturability.

We aim to build a diverse, collaborative and cross-functional team with a passion for root-cause analysis and solving complex technical problems. We are looking for experienced hires with a high level of technical and practical experience within the product development space. Backgrounds in the development of analytical, optical and/or microfluidic instruments is desirable. 

You will have a technical background in hardware development with a degree or equivalent industrial experience in mechanical engineering (or related fields) who will thrive working as part of a small passionate team.

You will be able to demonstrate that you have most of the following (essential experience): 

§  Several years of relevant industrial experience in the development of analytical, optical or fluidic instrumentation.  

§  Experience in opto-mechanical design and assembly.

§  Working knowledge of electronics, software and mechanical engineering domains.

§  Experience in systems design and automation solutions.

§  Proficiency in CAD (e.g. Autodesk Inventor, SolidWorks) and finite element analysis tools. 

§  Experience in SLA, FDM, and other rapid prototyping techniques. 

§  Able to generate comprehensive documentation, including design specifications, test protocols, technical drawings and bill of materials.

§  Experience with scaling production-level systems and consumables.

§  Hands-on experience integrating/ packaging optical components, light sources and photodetectors into small designs. 

§  Adaptability and a proactive mindset to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment.

Senior positions may be considered for those who also have (additional experience):

§  Experience in designing products to IP rated levels for external use. 

§  Experience in basic electronics/ PCB design using Altium or similar program.

§  Experience in root cause analysis, DFMEA, PFMEA, 8D and other problem-solving techniques. 

§  Hands-on experience integrating microfluidic systems. 

§  Experience in sensor manufacturing methods and processes

§  Experience working in an SME/ Start-up environment. 

Salary:

Salary will be dependent upon level of skill and experience. We therefore anticipate the following:

§  £44k – £50k for applicants with experience working within a research or technical environment with the essential experience required.

§  £50k – £56k for applicants who can also demonstrate the additional experience listed above. 

Other Benefits: 

§  Employee share option scheme

§  Optional 9-day fortnight work pattern

§  Flexible working arrangements where possible

§  25 days paid leave and bank holidays

§  Annual discretionary training allowance

§  Company matched pension contributions up to 5%. 

§  Travel to work loan scheme

These roles are advertised as full-time, however, part-time would be considered at a minimum of 0.8 FTE. We are pleased to accommodate flexible and hybrid working where appropriate but, as a small company focussed on technology development, we find hands-on system and collaboration time to be highly valuable, so encourage time spent in the office and expect this when required.

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Job Closing Date: Until position is filled. Applications will be reviewed as received so this vacancy may be closed earlier; early applications are therefore encouraged.

Interview Dates: Starting 6th January 2025

Interview Process: Initial telephone/ video calls will be used for shortlisting candidates. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an in-person interview. The in-person interview may include a short technical assessment based on the above job description or a short presentation of previous experience. Candidates will be informed in advance of this.

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Our Company

Mode Labs, a spin-out from the University of Oxford, are developing an innovative remote autonomous chemical sensor platform to address the growing need to understand and monitor the world around us.

As part of our initial mission, Mode Labs are targeting the development of a remotely deployable sensor to act within the water quality market and address the unmet and growing needs of environmental legislation across the country and beyond. Our Vision is to bring chemical understanding outside of the laboratory, delivering clear and concise measurement data where it is needed most. Precision sensing, anytime, anywhere.