[AmpliSynth] Senior Systems / Mechatronics Engineer based in London

Lab Automation Forums (labautomation.io); Greater London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

AmpliSynth, a London-based biotechnology startup, is building the next generation of DNA synthesis instrumentation. We seek the first engineering hire to lead design, prototyping, validation, and delivery, collaborating with the CEO and CSO to translate experiments into robust hardware and software.

Based in London with hybrid work options, you will own instrument architecture, testing, and integration with liquid handling systems, balancing performance with development speed and cost.

Qualifications

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Physics or related discipline.
• EngD or equivalent experience is beneficial.
• Experience developing complex hardware products from concept to deployment.
• Hands-on experience with electromechanical systems, automation and lab instrumentation.
• Ability to design, build, test and troubleshoot systems independently.
• Experience with embedded systems and programming environments (Python, C++, Rust).
• Comfortable in a fast‑moving early‑stage startup with evolving priorities.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work with scientists.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and hardware implementation of systems for biochemical workflows.
• Translate biological workflows into hardware/software requirements.
• Design and prototype subsystems including thermal control, liquid handling, and motion systems.
• Integrate prototypes with liquid handlers (Opentrons first, then Hamilton/Tecan/Beckman).
• Collaborate with founders to develop experimental methods and validate instrument performance.
• Manage external suppliers, manufacturers and contractors as needed.
• Improve SynthBox quality and user experience with design partners.
• Support pilot deployments and handover of early systems.
• Build and lead the future engineering function as the company grows.

Skills

Python

C++

Rust

Embedded systems

Control software

Hardware prototyping

Automation

Robotics

Software/hardware integration

Strong communication

Education

Bachelor’s or higher degree in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Physics or related discipline

EngD or equivalent

Tools

Opentrons

Hamilton

Tecan

Beckman

Job description

AmpliSynth is a London-based biotechnology startup taking DNA synthesis from a centralised commodity that requires a human in the loop to an ordinary, predictable part of the automation workflow. Think automated AI drug discovery, or on-demand same-day gene synthesis at the bench.

Compute is no longer the constraint. Hardware is catching up quickly, and liquid handlers get more accessible and more powerful by the day. The bottleneck is logistics and process. Every computational thesis still has to be confirmed with DNA and wet-lab data; including the data needed to build the models that will one day need less of it. Yet the whole procurement process for DNA is inefficient, slow, and expensive.

Our north star is to make DNA synthesis predictable and democratised, so synthetic biology becomes a targeted engineering discipline rather than a science of lucky breaks. We are building the next generation of DNA synthesis instrumentation to get there.

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are seeking our first engineering hire to lead the design, development, and deployment of this instrument, taking it from initial concept through prototyping, validation, and delivery to customers. We are based in London, United Kingdom. Hybrid work is supported, but you are expected in person when needed.

This is a unique opportunity to become a founding member of the team and take ownership of a core product that sits at the intersection of biology, automation, electronics, software, and mechanical engineering. You will work directly with the CEO and CSO to integrate experimental requirements into robust workflows capable of executing complex DNA synthesis workflows both internally, and for partners.

You will be responsible for designing, prototyping, testing, and iterating the instrument architecture, making pragmatic engineering decisions that balance performance, reliability, speed of development, and cost.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the design and hardware implementation of systems for biochemical workflows.
• Translate biological workflows into hardware and software requirements.
• Design and prototype subsystems including thermal control, liquid handling and motion systems.
• Integrate prototypes with commercially available liquid handlers, starting on the Opentrons and scaling to Hamilton/Tecan/Beckman platforms.
• Work closely with two founders to develop experimental methods and validate instrument performance.
• Manage external suppliers, manufacturers, and specialist contractors where required.
• Work with design partners to improve the quality and experience of SynthBox.
• Support pilot deployments and customer handover of early systems.
• Build and lead the future engineering function as the company grows.

What we need from you

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Physics or related discipline.
• At least 5 years of experience and/or EngD in related disciplines.
• Experience developing complex hardware products from concept through prototype to deployment.
• Hands-on experience with electromechanical systems, automation, robotics, laboratory instrumentation, or scientific equipment.
• Ability to design, build, test, and troubleshoot systems independently.
• Experience with embedded systems, control software, Python, C++, Rust or similar programming environments.
• Comfortable working in an early-stage startup where priorities evolve rapidly and resources are limited.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work closely with scientists.

Nice to have

• Experience in a synbio, biotech, or pharma lab-automation setting, with familiarity with common molecular biology protocols (pipetting, PCR, qPCR).
• Experience in microfluidics integration within automation systems.
• Proactive sells approach: identifies possibilities to sell products and services
• Funding landscape knowledge — good understanding of the UK’s R&D capabilities.

Unfortunately, we cannot sponsor visas at this moment. We can only hire applicants with the right to work in the UK.