Mechanical Engineer

GenomeKey; Bristol; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

GenomeKey, a pioneering biotech startup in Bristol, is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to develop innovative diagnostic devices. The role involves designing complex systems and collaborating with a diverse team to tackle real-world challenges in healthcare. Candidates should have a strong mechanical engineering background, practical experience, and a passion for creative problem-solving in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• 3+ years industry experience developing complex products.
• Practical experience with electromechanical systems.
• Ability to communicate results clearly.

Responsibilities

• Designing and testing instrument systems.
• Collaborating on automated fluid-handling platforms.
• Managing projects from concept to delivery.

Skills

Prototyping

Mechanical Assembly

Communication

Project Management

Adaptability

Education

Master’s degree (MSc/MEng) in an engineering discipline

Tools

Fusion360

Job description

Location:

On-site working at our state of the art labs in Bristol, UK.

Start Date:

June/July 2025.

Eligibility:

Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK to apply for this role.

Company

GenomeKey is a Bristol-based biotech startup developing a next-generation diagnostic device for bloodstream infections, using machine learning and DNA sequencing.

Role Responsibilities

We are seeking a constantly curious, highly creative, and broadly skilled mechanical engineer to develop active systems within GenomeKey’s innovative ecosystem. You will work alongside a talented team of engineers and scientists on products with real-world, life-saving applications.

Your Responsibilities Will Include

1. Designing, integrating, and testing instrument systems, including electromechanical hardware, electronics, software, thermal, and optical subsystems, managing interfaces between instrument and reagent disposable devices.
2. Collaborating with in-house mechanical and manufacturing engineers to develop an automated fluid-handling and biochemical processing platform.
3. Building, troubleshooting, and deploying specialised instrumentation, incorporating electromechanical, fluidic, thermal control, optical, and electronic subsystems, including deployment at partner sites.
4. Providing architectural insights to support design trade-offs and critical decision-making.
5. Planning, managing, and delivering projects from concept to delivery.
6. Proactively collaborating with cross-functional teams, offering technical input across projects.
7. Contributing to the implementation and maintenance of ISO13485-compliant quality systems, supporting audit readiness.

Person Specification

You are a detail-oriented Mechanical Engineer passionate about building creative solutions to complex challenges. Enthusiastic about continuous learning and applying fundamental engineering principles, you thrive at the intersection of disciplines, collaborating with biologists, engineers, and computer scientists to develop new technologies. You excel at translating complex ideas between teams with varying technical backgrounds, ensuring clear communication and shared understanding. You possess a proactive, adaptable approach, embracing the fast-paced, evolving environment of a startup, learning on the job, and rising to new challenges with enthusiasm.

Qualifications & Experience

We welcome varied backgrounds but expect candidates to meet most of the following:

Essential

• Master’s degree (MSc/MEng) in an engineering discipline with significant mechanical focus.
• 3+ years industry experience developing complex products and devices.
• Practical experience building and testing electromechanical systems, including fluidic, mechanical, optical, and thermal subsystems.
• Strong prototyping, fabrication, and mechanical assembly skills.
• Proven ability to plan, schedule, and deliver complex projects independently.
• Ability to clearly communicate experimental results to stakeholders.
• Proficiency with Fusion360 or similar CAD software.
• Comfort with a fail-fast, iterative prototyping approach.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Adaptability and resilience to thrive in a startup environment.

Desirable

• Experience in the Biotechnology or Medical Device industry.
• Knowledge of electrical circuit design, robotics, and fluidic systems.
• Design for manufacturing experience.
• Hands-on experience with laboratory equipment like microscopes, liquid handling robots, fluidic control systems, PCR instruments, or similar.
• Experience with Design Controls within an ISO13485-compliant QMS.

Our Hiring Process

• Intro call with hiring manager (20 minutes)
• Take-home task
• Role-fit interview (45 minutes)
• Final stage interview (45 minutes)