R&D Engineer

Roc Search Europe Limited; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A technology development organization is looking for an R&D Engineer based in Cambridge. In this role, you'll be crucial in developing and optimizing high-precision scientific systems. Responsibilities include designing mechanical components, troubleshooting issues, and advancing next-generation platform features. The ideal candidate will have strong mechanical engineering skills and experience with Arduino, electronics, or fluidics. This full-time position offers an engaging environment for creative thinkers who enjoy hands-on problem-solving.

Qualifications

• Proficient in assembling and troubleshooting mechanical components.
• Experience working in multidisciplinary R&D environments.
• Strong written skills for technical documentation and reports.

Responsibilities

• Design and maintain mechanical components for scientific systems.
• Diagnose mechanical issues in prototype instruments.
• Contribute to the development of next-generation platform features.

Skills

Mechanical engineering skills

Analytical thinking

Documentation and reporting

Tools

Arduino

C#

SolidWorks

Fusion 360

Job description

Job Title: R&D Engineer

Department: Research & Development

Location: Cambridge

Employment Type: Full Time

About the Role

This organisation is developing advanced, digitally enabled platforms for high-precision scientific and bioprocessing applications. As an R&D Engineer, you will play a key role in developing, optimising, and troubleshooting the hardware systems that enable automated laboratory and manufacturing workflows. This role combines mechanical engineering, hands‑on troubleshooting, and applied scientific awareness, ideal for someone who enjoys building, testing, and refining complex systems.

Key Responsibilities

Engineering & Development

• Design, assemble, modify, and maintain mechanical components within automated or semi-automated scientific systems.
• Assist with integrating sensors, actuators, and feedback systems into automated workflows.
• Participate in rapid prototyping, iterative development cycles, and hardware performance testing.

Troubleshooting & Diagnostics

• Diagnose and resolve mechanical issues in prototype and pre-production instruments.
• Apply structured engineering methods to identify root causes and develop robust improvements.
• Use measurement tools, diagnostic equipment, and test setups to verify functionality and performance.

Innovation & Continuous Improvement

• Contribute ideas for next-generation platform features and system enhancements.
• Support improvements in reliability, manufacturability, and user experience.
• Participate in engineering optimisation experiments and evaluation studies.

Skills & Experience Required

Essential

• Strong mechanical engineering skills, including assembly, test, and hands‑on troubleshooting.
• Ability to work analytically and methodically in a multidisciplinary R&D environment.
• Strong documentation and reporting skills for technical investigations and development work.

At Least One of the Following Is Required

Electronics

• Experience with Arduino, microcontrollers, or embedded systems.
• Ability to work with C#, Arduino IDE, Kaizen, or similar tools for instrument or device control.
• Understanding of sensors, actuators, signal routing, or PCB-level interfaces.

Fluidics

• Experience working with pumps, valves, tubing systems, flow control, or microfluidics.
• Understanding of fluid handling hardware used in scientific or automated systems.
• Ability to diagnose flow, pressure, or component‑performance issues.

Desirable

• Background in life sciences, biotechnology, biomedical engineering, or experience supporting laboratory or biological workflows.
• Experience with automated lab instruments, scientific instrumentation, or integrated hardware/software systems.
• Familiarity with CAD tools (SolidWorks, Fusion 360) or electronics design tools.
• Knowledge of regulated laboratory environments (ISO, GMP, or similar).

If this opportunity is of interest, please send your updated CV.