Mechatronics Engineer

A Bristol-based biosensor scale-up bringing new diagnostic technology to market. You'll join a close engineering and science team, building the lab automation and fluidics that take their devices from bench to production.

The company's mission

Developing semiconductor-based sensing for next-generation diagnostics.

Role Overview

A hands-on role with two parts. You'll start by working with the scientists to automate experiments and data capture in the lab, then take ownership of the fluidics and microfluidics as devices move toward manufacture. Expect to build, test and refine alongside the wider team.

What You'll Own

Lab Automation

• Working with the scientific team to find where automation pays off, then taking it from concept through mechanical and electrical design, build and commissioning
• Real-time control, instrument comms, sensor integration and data capture software that can run unattended
• Systems scientists can operate without you in the room

Fluidics and Microfluidics

• Bench-scale sample handling through to prototype and pre-production device fluidics
• Channel design, pumping and valving, bubble and dead-volume control, materials compatibility, sealing and assembly
• Setting acceptance criteria and proving repeatability, carryover, precision, throughput and failure modes

Electronics and Handover

• Analogue and digital design, signal conditioning, interfacing and fault-finding across the team's instrumentation
• Drawings, schematics, code repos, SOPs and training so every system can be transferred

What We're Looking For

Essential

• BSc or above in mechatronics, electronics, control, mechanical engineering or a comparable discipline
• 5+ years of hands-on delivery of working automation or instrumentation in industry or a production-adjacent lab (not academic project work)
• A track record designing, building and testing fluidic or microfluidic systems, and the ability to talk through the design choices and what you fixed
• Mechanical design, electrical design and control software as one integrated skill set, with specific examples
• Happy to build a rough prototype to answer a question fast, then engineer it properly
• Right to work in the UK

Useful

• LabVIEW (the existing platform). Python-based control (PyVISA, EPICS or similar) also considered, with willingness to pick up LabVIEW
• SolidWorks, Fusion 360 or similar, to a standard a machinist or printer can work from
• Schematic capture, PCB layout, and the judgement to know when an off-the-shelf module beats a custom board
• 3D printing, laser processing and workshop machining
• COMSOL or equivalent for flow modelling and channel design
• Biosensor, diagnostics or medical device background, including regulated development and biological sample handling

Get in touch for a confidential conversation: Imogen@waverecruitment.co.uk