Project Engineer

LEX Diagnostics Limited; Bristol; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Join LEX Diagnostics as a Project Engineer and be a part of reshaping healthcare diagnostics. In this hands-on role, you'll manage engineering projects to optimize our manufacturing processes for ultra-rapid PCR diagnostics. We're looking for someone with a degree in engineering and experience in high-tech environments. You'll work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure production systems are robust and ready to meet commercial demands. Bring your problem-solving skills and collaborative approach to help drive innovation in our growing team.

Benefits

Employer pension contribution of 10% (+3% personal contribution)

Private Medical Insurance

Life insurance

25 days’ annual holiday plus bank holidays

Discounts and memberships to local sports facilities and the theatre

Qualifications

• Experience in a cleanroom or high-tech manufacturing environment.
• Hands-on experience with heat sealing and ultrasonic welding.
• Experience with ISO 13485 or similar regulated manufacturing is a big plus.

Responsibilities

• Managing engineering projects to support manufacturing growth and efficiency.
• Identifying and implementing new facilities, equipment, and tooling.
• Writing and maintaining SOPs and documentation.

Skills

Problem-solving

Pragmatic approach

Mechanical understanding

Collaboration

Attention to detail

Education

Degree in engineering or related field

Job description

Love solving complex technical problems and making things work better, faster and smarter?
Join us at LEX Diagnostics, where we’re developing ultra-rapid PCR diagnostics that are reshaping how healthcare providers diagnose and respond to infectious diseases. We're not just innovating in the lab, we're building the processes, systems, and tools that will take our technology into mass production.

We’re looking for a Project Engineer to help drive that transition. We need you, a person that’s hands on, practical, collaborative, and ready to own key engineering projects within our manufacturing operation.

What the role’s all about:

You’ll play a central role in scaling up and optimising our cartridge manufacturing processes. From specifying equipment and improving workflows to supporting new product introductions and writing SOPs, this is a varied, challenging role where you’ll need both your engineering brain and your ability to make things happen.

You’ll work closely with scientists, technicians, and programme managers to ensure our production systems are robust, safe, and ready to meet the demands of commercial-scale diagnostics.

You’ll be responsible for:

• Managing engineering projects that support manufacturing growth and efficiency
• Identifying and implementing new facilities, equipment, and tooling
• Supporting tech transfers into both existing and new manufacturing environments
• Providing hands-on engineering support to troubleshoot and improve processes
• Contributing to consumable design and experimental cartridge production
• Writing and maintaining SOPs, risk assessments, and COSHH documentation
• Collaborating cross-functionally to ensure project delivery and resource alignment
• Capturing lessons learned and contributing to IP generation
• Delivering internal training and presentations across teams
• Applying Lean and Six Sigma methodologies where appropriate for continuous improvement

What we’re looking for:

• A degree in engineering or a related technical field (or equivalent experience)
• Experience in a cleanroom or high-tech manufacturing environment
• Hands-on experience with heat sealing, ultrasonic welding, and process development
• Excellent problem-solving skills, you like rolling up your sleeves and finding smart, practical solutions
• Strong mechanical understanding and a pragmatic, can-do attitude
• Comfortable working across teams in a fast-moving, multidisciplinary environment
• Well-organised, detail-oriented, and driven to see complex projects through to completion
• Experience with ISO 13485 or similar regulated manufacturing is a big plus

Who you'll work with:

• Our Director of Cartridge Manufacturing and Programme Managers
• Cross functional teams including engineers, technicians, and scientists
• Third-party partners and external stakeholders

Our working culture encourages entrepreneurship, shared ideas, and technical collaboration, while providing you the freedom to do your best work. We also offer fantastic employee benefits including:

• Employer pension contribution of 10% (+3% personal contribution)
• Private Medical Insurance
• Life insurance
• 25 days’ annual holiday plus bank holidays
• Discounts and memberships to local sports facilities and the theatre

Who are we and what does the future hold for you?

LEX Diagnostics was founded in 2020. Our innovative system integrates effortlessly into primary care settings, bringing PCR-level sensitivity to urgent care centres, physicians, labs, and pharmacies, all at a significantly lower cost per test than other molecular platforms.

Bringing new diagnostics technology to market is tough! 2025 is a milestone year for us as we’ve just submitted dual 510(k) CLIA waiver applications to the U.S. FDA. This means you will be an important part of a high impact launch that will enhance your future career credentials.

The Future

In December 2023, QuidelOrtho invested in LEX Diagnostics, which included the exclusive option to acquire the company up to or shortly after 510(k) clearance by the FDA. In QuidelOrtho, we have an investment partner that recognises the capabilities of our team, and are excited for what we can continue to build together... We are optimistic to receive 510(k) clearance in late 2025 or early 2026.

What this means for you

• More Resources - Manufacturing scale, regulatory & distribution infrastructure
• R&D Focus - Concentrated innovation around LEX platform and test menu
• Career Mobility - As well as creating a cross-disciplinary development environment in science and engineering, LEX employees can transition into broader roles (e.g., regulatory affairs, global supply chain, sales, clinical affairs) across the integrated organisation.
• Global Exposure - International workflows & markets (US & EU)
• Impact & Stability - Increased product reach and organisational strength
• Development - Structured programs and training opportunities

2026 should see the elevation of the LEX Diagnostics team from startup environment into a well-supported, international diagnostics powerhouse without sacrificing the very thing that made our team successful, innovation. You’ll help drive forward a unique, market-leading platform within a growing team that needs to invest in your development and career growth.

This is your opportunity to join the team that's delivering the future of point of need diagnostics.

Apply now and become a part of something genuinely meaningful.