Microfluidics Engineer

JR United Kingdom; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative firm is seeking a Microfluidics Engineer to develop cutting-edge microfluidic hardware. This role is pivotal in designing, building, and integrating next-generation devices that bridge engineering and biology. You'll engage in hands-on prototyping, utilize advanced CAD software, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to tackle complex engineering challenges. The position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to impactful projects in life sciences and agri-tech, with a focus on continuous learning and professional growth. If you're passionate about solving real-world problems and eager to make a difference, this role is perfect for you.

Benefits

Career-acceleration opportunities

International travel opportunities

Ownership of projects

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Qualifications

• Experience in tackling engineering problems and building custom devices.
• Proficiency in CAD software and rapid fabrication methods.

Responsibilities

• Design and build microfluidic hardware and automated platforms.
• Integrate pumps, valves, and sensors while validating performance.

Skills

Problem-solving

Fluid mechanics

Communication skills

Microcontroller programming

Rapid prototyping

Education

BEng/BSc/MSc/PhD in Mechanical Engineering

Equivalent experience in related field

Tools

CAD software (SolidWorks, Fusion360, AutoCAD)

COMSOL

ANSYS

3D printing

CNC micromilling

Job description

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Position Type: Internship (6 months, full-time, with potential to transfer to a full-time role)

About Engivent

At Engivent, we are driven by impact and bring excellence to meaningful challenges, focusing on industries such as life sciences and agri‑tech by combining expertise in automation, AI, microfluidics, and synthetic biology. We are looking for skilled, technically minded individuals who share our passion for solving pressing challenges through multidisciplinary, first‑principles thinking.

Engivent is growing, and we’re looking for a Microfluidics Engineer to design, build and integrate next‑generation microfluidic hardware. If you excel at turning concepts into reliable devices and enjoy bridging engineering with biology, we encourage you to apply.

Role Overview

As a Microfluidics Engineer, you will develop the physical components that power Engivent’s hardware and automated discovery platforms. You will design microfluidic architectures, fabricate prototypes with soft lithography, 3‑D printing, micromachining, and injection moulding. You will integrate pumps, valves, and sensors, and validate performance with modelling and bench testing. The role is hands‑on, outcome‑driven, and central to Engivent’s core R&D activities.

We invite applications from diverse educational and professional backgrounds. Evidence of rigorous problem solving—whether gained through employment, research projects, or competitive engineering challenges—is considered more important than formal credentials.

Key Responsibilities

• Device design: Create 2‑D/3‑D CAD layouts for microfluidic chips, manifolds, and interfaces.
• Rapid prototyping: Fabricate test devices using soft lithography, SLA/DLP 3‑D printing, or micro-milling; iterate quickly to achieve target specifications.
• Flow‑control integration: Select and implement pumps, pressure regulators, valves, and flow‑sensors; build electronic control boards where needed.
• Flow modelling & optimisation: Apply first‑principles calculations and FEM/CFD tools (e.g., COMSOL, ANSYS) to predict pressure drops, shear, mixing, and residence times.
• Testing & troubleshooting: Characterise devices with microscopy and flow visualisation; diagnose and resolve leaks, clogs, or performance drift.
• Automation support: Work with software and robotics engineers to integrate microfluidic modules into high‑throughput workcells; provide ongoing technical support.
• Documentation & standards: Maintain detailed design files, test reports, and SOPs; uphold lab safety and engineering best practices.

Note: You will have opportunities to learn and develop new skills; don’t worry if you do not have experience in all responsibilities above. We welcome exceptional engineering talent who have no experience in microfluidics but are eager to learn.

Requirements

• Demonstrated experience tackling hard engineering problems, such as building a custom microfluidic or MEMS device, leading a complex prototyping project, or competing in design challenges.
• BEng/BSc/MSc/PhD (or demonstrable equivalent experience) in Mechanical Engineering, Bioengineering, Physics, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Proficiency with CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Fusion360, AutoCAD) and at least one rapid‑fabrication method (soft lithography, resin 3‑D printing, CNC micromilling).
• Working knowledge of fluid mechanics and basic FEM/CFD analysis.
• Hands‑on experience with flow‑control hardware (pressure pumps, syringe pumps, valves) and basic electronics assembly.
• Working knowledge of Python/C++ particularly for microcontroller programming and digital signal processing.
• Ability to communicate findings clearly in spoken and written English.

Bonus Skills and Experiences

• Finite‑element simulation in COMSOL or ANSYS.
• PCB design and microcontroller programming (Arduino, STM32, RaspberryPi).
• Real-time embedded systems: Integrate various microcontrollers and hardware to handle tasks requiring precise timings at high frequencies.
• Optical system integration for fluorescence or absorbance detection.
• Experience with laboratory‑automation interfaces (Opentrons, PLC).
• Contributions to open‑source hardware or publications in relevant technical fields.
• Interest in working across interdisciplinary teams, with a focus on impactful industries such as life sciences and agri-tech.

Career‑Acceleration Opportunities

• Showcase your science worldwide. Present at conferences or visit partner labs abroad - travel is encouraged but never compulsory.
• Lead sooner, not later. Ownership is granted when you deliver results - run a mini‑team, pitch directly to the team, or steer a new work stream.
• Work at the crossroads of biology, automation & AI. Sit beside biologists and data scientists, join cross‑functional sprints, and broaden your skills beyond engineering.
• Turn ideas into IP. Spot a promising process or phenomenon? We’ll actively fund the experiments, generate PoC studies and explore commercial pathways with you.

Contact Information

To apply - or if you’d like more information - please email [emailprotected] with your CV and a short cover note outlining why you’re excited about the role.

Engivent is an equal‑opportunity employer; we welcome candidates from all backgrounds and learning paths!