Job description
Mechanical Engineer – Precision Hardware for Breakthrough Diagnostics
A pioneering biotech startup based in Oxford is developing a rapid diagnostic platform designed to identify diseases directly from clinical samples. The aim is to transform how life-threatening infections are diagnosed and treated, enabling faster, more targeted care and addressing the global challenge of diseases. The company is currently expanding its multidisciplinary team and seeking a Mechanical Engineer to help move from proof-of-concept systems to robust, manufacturable clinical hardware.
This role offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of microfluidics and optics—where precision mechanical engineering plays a critical role in performance and accuracy. Challenges include micron-level tolerances, mechanical stability for sensitive optical components, thermal management, and fluidic integration, all within the framework of a regulated development process.
As a mechanical engineer, you will take responsibility for translating breadboard and concept systems into compact, stable, and production-ready assemblies. Core responsibilities include creating detailed CAD designs (SolidWorks preferred), designing mechanical interfaces for optical and fluidic subsystems, building and documenting test and assembly rigs, and applying DFM and DFA principles to both instrument and consumable design. The role involves working closely with suppliers to select components and fabrication methods—ranging from CNC machining to molded plastics—as well as generating detailed engineering drawings, BOMs, and technical documentation to support internal builds and low-volume production.
This position also supports the development of microfluidic disposables, with an emphasis on robust integration with instrument hardware, manufacturability, and system compatibility. Considerations include mechanical fit, material selection, and cost-effective scaling toward medium-volume production.
Given the context of in-vitro diagnostics and ISO 13485 accreditation, you will ideally have experience or familiarity with working in a regulated product development environment. Contributions to design traceability, risk management, and verification/validation processes will be expected. Involvement in design reviews, tolerance analysis, and root cause investigations is also part of the role.
Ideal Profile:
The business can offer a competitive salary between £50,000 - £65,000 (dependant on experience) and will be fully onsite in their state of the art labs in Oxford.
If this sounds like you and you're interested in hearing more, follow the instructions below:
Number 1: Click the little apply button (don’t worry, we’ll discuss before your CV or application goes anywhere)
Number 2: You can find me on LinkedIn (Louis Plevin)
A pioneering biotech startup based in Oxford is developing a rapid diagnostic platform designed to identify diseases directly from clinical samples. The aim is to transform how life-threatening infections are diagnosed and treated, enabling faster, more targeted care and addressing the global challenge of diseases. The company is currently expanding its multidisciplinary team and seeking a Mechanical Engineer to help move from proof-of-concept systems to robust, manufacturable clinical hardware.
This role offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of microfluidics and optics—where precision mechanical engineering plays a critical role in performance and accuracy. Challenges include micron-level tolerances, mechanical stability for sensitive optical components, thermal management, and fluidic integration, all within the framework of a regulated development process.
As a mechanical engineer, you will take responsibility for translating breadboard and concept systems into compact, stable, and production-ready assemblies. Core responsibilities include creating detailed CAD designs (SolidWorks preferred), designing mechanical interfaces for optical and fluidic subsystems, building and documenting test and assembly rigs, and applying DFM and DFA principles to both instrument and consumable design. The role involves working closely with suppliers to select components and fabrication methods—ranging from CNC machining to molded plastics—as well as generating detailed engineering drawings, BOMs, and technical documentation to support internal builds and low-volume production.
This position also supports the development of microfluidic disposables, with an emphasis on robust integration with instrument hardware, manufacturability, and system compatibility. Considerations include mechanical fit, material selection, and cost-effective scaling toward medium-volume production.
Given the context of in-vitro diagnostics and ISO 13485 accreditation, you will ideally have experience or familiarity with working in a regulated product development environment. Contributions to design traceability, risk management, and verification/validation processes will be expected. Involvement in design reviews, tolerance analysis, and root cause investigations is also part of the role.
Ideal Profile:
- Degree (BEng or MEng) in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline
- Minimum 3 years of experience in precision mechanical design, ideally in optics, diagnostics, or laboratory instrumentation
- Strong CAD skills (SolidWorks or similar), including GD&T and 2D technical drawing
- Experience with complex assemblies involving fluidics, optics, or electronics
- Understanding of vibration control, thermal stability, and mechanical alignment techniques
- Practical experience with molded parts, DFM/DFA, and working with external suppliers
- Bonus: familiarity with ISO 13485, IEC 61010, or 60601; exposure to FEA, thermal/vibration analysis, or hands-on optical system alignment
The business can offer a competitive salary between £50,000 - £65,000 (dependant on experience) and will be fully onsite in their state of the art labs in Oxford.
If this sounds like you and you're interested in hearing more, follow the instructions below:
Number 1: Click the little apply button (don’t worry, we’ll discuss before your CV or application goes anywhere)
Number 2: You can find me on LinkedIn (Louis Plevin)