Automation Engineer - Wet Lab

PassFort; Greater London; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity options

Travel opportunities

Job summary

Level Zero is seeking an Automation Engineer to build and scale the experimental and engineering infrastructure powering our biosensors. You’ll design fixtures, rigs and automated workflows, write software to control lab hardware, and run validation to ensure repeatable data quality.

Ideal candidates have 2+ years in automation or mechatronics, strong CAD skills, and experience with Python or MATLAB and microcontroller platforms like Arduino or Raspberry Pi. Startup mindset a plus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, or Automation Engineering with 2+ years of industry experience.
• Strong CAD skills and experience designing fixtures, jigs, tooling and assemblies.
• Experience leading automation projects involving laboratory systems or workflows, preferably scalable for sensors.
• Experience developing, prototyping and integrating hardware solutions for experimental or industrial applications.
• Experience programming laboratory instrumentation and hardware to automate data acquisition and measurements.
• Experience with Python or MATLAB for data collection, processing and analysis.
• Experience with embedded controllers such as Arduino or Raspberry Pi.
• Hands‑on prototyping skills for electromechanical systems; strong problem solving.
• Ability to work independently and manage projects end‑to‑end.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop and implement automation systems to improve sensor throughput and reliability.
• Support biosensing teams by building fixtures, rigs and automated workflows for repeatable experiments.
• Develop and execute validation and QC experiments to optimise workflows and data quality.
• Troubleshoot and iterate automation systems based on experimental feedback.
• Develop software to control laboratory hardware and automate data acquisition.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with engineering, biosensing and chemistry teams to deliver robust solutions.

Skills

CAD design

Automation projects

Lab automation

Prototyping

Python

MATLAB

Microcontrollers

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor/Master in Mechanical/Mechatronics/Automation

Tools

Arduino

Raspberry Pi

GUI development

CAD tools

Job description

About Level Zero

Level Zero is pioneering next-generation biosensor technology for precise, real-time monitoring of critical endocrine biomarkers. Recognised as one of the top 20 startups across all categories worldwide at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 - and backed by top-tier organisations like SOSV and Entrepreneur First - we’re pushing the boundaries of biochemistry and nanotechnology to revolutionize personalised health.

Founded by two seasoned engineers, we bring extensive experience in R&D, technical innovation, and commercial strategy to transform the way people monitor their health. Our mission is bold: to revolutionise health management by delivering clinical-grade data directly to individuals, wherever they are.

We’re seeking driven innovators to join us in pushing the boundaries of biosensing and health tech, making personalised health monitoring a reality for everyone. To achieve this ambitious vision, we’re assembling the best team in the world - dedicated to turning cutting‑edge science into life-changing, real‑world solutions.

About This Role

We’re looking for an Automation Engineer to help build and scale the experimental and engineering infrastructure that powers Level Zero’s next-generation biosensors. Working closely with biosensing, chemistry, and engineering teams, you’ll design and build fixtures, rigs, and automated workflows that increase sensor throughput, reliability and data quality - from concept and CAD through hands‑on prototyping, integration and iteration. You’ll develop software to control lab hardware and streamline data acquisition, run validation and QC experiments to ensure performance is repeatable, and troubleshoot systems as requirements evolve.

What You’ll Do

• Design, develop and implement automation systems to improve sensor throughput, reliability and overall company capability
• Support biosensing teams by designing and building fixtures, rigs and automated workflows to enable efficient and repeatable experiments
• Develop and execute validation and quality control experiments to optimise automated work flows, performance and output consistency
• Troubleshoot, maintain and iterate automation systems based on experimental feedback and evolving project requirements
• Develop software to control laboratory hardware, automate experimental workflows and streamline data acquisition
• Effectively collaborate and communicate with multidisciplinary teams across engineering, biosensing and chemistry to deliver robust and practical solutions

What You Bring

The ideal candidate must have:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in an Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, Automation Engineering, Electrical Engineering, with 2+ years of relevant industry experience
• Strong CAD skills with experience designing fixtures, jigs, tooling and mechanical assemblies
• Experience leading automation projects involving laboratory systems, liquid handling or experimental workflow optimisation, preferably to scale up sensor throughput
• Strong CAD skills with experience designing fixtures and assemblies for wet lab applications
• Experience developing, prototyping and integrating hardware solutions for experimental or industrial applications
• Experience programming laboratory instrumentation and hardware to automate data acquisition and measurements
• Experience using Python or MATLAB for data collection, processing and analysis
• Experience with embedded controllers such as Arduino, Raspberry Pi or similar microcontroller platforms
• Strong hands‑on prototyping skills including assembly, testing and troubleshooting electromechanical systems
• Strong problem‑solving skills with the ability to work independently and manage projects from concept to implementation

Nice to have

• Experience working with biological samples
• Experience in microfluidic flow systems, integrating syringe pumps, peristaltic pumps or pressure control systems
• Knowledge of electrochemistry and biosensing principles
• Experience designing for additive manufacturing (3D printing) and rapid prototyping
• Familiarity with laboratory communication protocols (USB, Serial, Ethernet, CAN or Modbus)
• Experience developing graphical user interfaces (GUIs) for laboratory equipment
• Prior work in a start-up or small company environment

Who You Are

We value culture as much as we value technical expertise, creating an environment that’s equal parts collaboration, curiosity, and fun.

We’re a fast‑paced, mission‑driven young team on a quest to make a lasting impact, fueled by uncompromising integrity, unwavering support for one another, and the thrill of exploring uncharted territories. Our passion for excellence drives everything we do, and we welcome individuals who share our commitment to shaping the future.

If our vision excites you, here are the qualities we look for:

• You live and breathe integrity, tackling challenges with honesty and transparency
• You’re a self‑starter who loves diving into the unknown, collaborating on complex problems, and taking full ownership of results
• You excel at open, clear communication and see every piece of feedback as a springboard for growth - especially in a science and data-focused environment
• You’re motivated by creating real impact, particularly when it comes to advancing human health
• You strike a balance between independence and collaboration, knowing when to seek support or invite others to join in
• You’re confident in defending your ideas, while also valuing respectful, constructive debate as a path to better solutions
• You thrive in the dynamic atmosphere of a startup, constantly evolving your skill set and fearlessly applying what you learn

What We Offer

• A full‑time role with a competitive salary and equity options, reflecting our value in your expertise and potential
• An environment where you’ll collaborate directly with the founding team at a leading biosensor startup, gaining access to industry experts and thought leaders
• The chance to grow with us, including ample opportunities for leadership, career advancement and exploration
• Travel to New York and other potential sites for R&D purposes
• The excitement of working on cutting‑edge technology, shaping strategic decisions and driving innovation at an early‑stage venture alongside a superstar team

Be Part of Our Journey