Lead R&D Mechanical Engineer - Wearable Biosensors

Sava; Greater London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

SAVA, a London-based biosensing startup, is hiring a senior R&D Mechanical Engineer to own experimental and analytical work supporting wearable sensor development. You will set test strategy, select equipment, and translate data into engineering decisions that shape the product.

You will mentor juniors, lead cross-functional testing, simulations, and root-cause analyses of failure modes, collaborating with biomaterials and data science teams to advance real-world device performance.

Qualifications

• Masters or PhD in mechanical engineering or closely related field.
• 6+ years hands-on experimental R&D, including time in a relevant industry.
• Track record of leading technical workstreams from open questions to clear outcomes.
• Deep expertise in experimental design and a good understanding of statistical approaches.
• Strong understanding of engineering fundamentals.
• Experience with mechanical and materials testing.
• Confidence in designing test fixtures and prototypes (CAD, 3D printing, machining).
• Fluent data analysis in Python, MATLAB, Minitab, JMP or similar.
• Sound engineering judgement: make good calls with incomplete data and defend rationale.
• Mature approach to engineering risk and progress with mitigations.
• Practical approach to fast-paced engineering development with rigorous testing.

Responsibilities

• Own major workstreams feeding product development, including material testing and subsystem modelling.
• Lead root cause analyses to understand failure modes and implement solutions.
• Champion SOPs for experimental methods, statistics and modelling.
• Lead selection, evaluation and qualification of new test equipment and document methods.
• Collaborate with Product Engineering on investigative and verification testing.
• Work with Biomaterials, Data Science and Clinical teams to drive progress.
• Communicate results and recommendations to leadership clearly.
• Mentor, lead and train junior engineers in experimental design and analysis.

Skills

Experimental design

Statistical analysis

Python data analysis

CAD

Lab leadership

Education

Master's or PhD in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CAD (general)

3D printing

Machining

FEA/CFD software (ANSYS/COMSOL/Abaqus)

Job description

SAVA, a London-based biosensing startup, is hiring a senior R&D Mechanical Engineer to own experimental and analytical work supporting wearable sensor development. You will set test strategy, select equipment, and translate data into engineering decisions that shape the product.

You will mentor juniors, lead cross-functional testing, simulations, and root-cause analyses of failure modes, collaborating with biomaterials and data science teams to advance real-world device performance.