Mechanical Engineer - Programme Manager - Drug Delivery Devices

Newton Colmore; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus scheme

Enhanced pension

Medical insurance

Free meals

Job summary

Newton Colmore in Cambridge is seeking a Programme Manager with a strong Mechanical Engineering background to lead several drug delivery device development programmes.

You will mentor junior engineers, own core mechanical design activities, and translate complex user, clinical and regulatory requirements into robust solutions for autoinjectors, inhalers, infusion systems, wearable devices or other combination products.

Qualifications

• Strong Mechanical Engineering background with hands-on drug delivery device development experience.
• Experience leading programmes and taking products through development to market launch (commercial/regulatory/manufacturing considerations).
• Familiarity with EN60601 and ISO 13485; design controls essential.

Skills

Mechanical engineering

Programme management

Electro-mechanical devices

Mentoring

Education

Master's degree or PhD beneficial

Strong mechanical engineering foundation

Tools

EN60601

ISO 13485

Design controls

Job description

Mechanical Engineer - Programme Manager - Drug Delivery Devices

A period of significant growth has created an opportunity for a Programme Manager with a strong Mechanical Engineering background and deep, hands‑on experience in drug delivery device development. Based in Cambridge, you will lead multiple programmes focused on advancing next‑generation delivery platforms. Some projects will see you mentoring and guiding junior engineers, while others will require you to take ownership of core mechanical design activities yourself.

We are seeking someone who is currently working at the forefront of drug delivery technologies-such as autoinjectors, inhalers, infusion systems, wearable delivery devices, or other combination products-and who is confident translating complex user, clinical, and regulatory requirements into robust mechanical solutions. Experience with electro‑mechanical medical devices is highly advantageous, as many of the programmes you will lead involve integrated systems and multidisciplinary collaboration.

To succeed in this role, you will need to be commercially minded, able to balance technical innovation with real‑world product viability. You should have experience successfully taking medical or drug delivery products through development and into market launch, understanding the commercial, regulatory, and manufacturing considerations that shape decision‑making. This is a highly collaborative environment, so you must be comfortable working closely with internal teams, external partners, clients, and suppliers to drive programmes forward efficiently and strategically.

A strong academic foundation in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline is expected. A master's degree or PhD would be beneficial, but industry experience in developing regulated drug delivery systems is the key requirement. Familiarity with EN60601 is useful, and a solid working knowledge of ISO 13485 and design controls for combination products is essential.

The technologies you will help shape are genuinely life‑changing-innovative drug delivery systems that improve therapeutic outcomes, enhance patient adherence, and ultimately transform lives on a global scale.

This position involves extensive communication with internal teams, external partners, and clients, so experience in roles requiring regular project updates, stakeholder management, and cross‑functional coordination will be valuable.

Many individuals who excel in this environment have a naturally technical mindset and enjoy hands‑on problem solving-whether that's building drones, programming, tinkering with engines, or similar hobbies. If this sounds like you, make sure it's visible on your CV.

In return, you'll join a world‑class organisation offering a clear career development pathway, continuous technical training, an excellent salary, bonus scheme, enhanced pension, medical insurance, free meals, and the full suite of benefits expected from a global blue-chip company.