R&D Engineer

Roc Search GmbH; Cambridgeshire and Peterborough; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A pioneering life sciences company in Cambridge is seeking an R&D Engineer to enhance the development of RNA-based medicines and vaccines. The role focuses on mechanical and fluidic systems, requiring strong engineering skills and hands-on troubleshooting experience. Candidates should demonstrate understanding of automated systems and contribute to continuous improvement and innovation in scientific workflows. This full-time position offers a chance to work on cutting-edge scientific applications.

Qualifications

• Strong mechanical engineering skills, including assembly and troubleshooting.
• Ability to work analytically in a multidisciplinary R&D environment.
• Experience with electronic systems like microcontrollers or embedded systems.
• Background in fluidics systems, pumps, valves, or microfluidics.

Responsibilities

• Design, assemble, and maintain mechanical components for automated systems.
• Diagnose and resolve mechanical issues in prototypes.
• Support improvements in system reliability and user experience.

Skills

Mechanical engineering skills

Analytical and methodical working

Documentation and reporting skills

Tools

Arduino

C#

SolidWorks

Fusion 360

Job description

I'm currently working with a pioneering life sciences company that focused on revolutionising the development and manufacturing RNA-based medicines, vaccines, and therapeutics. They are searching for an R&D Engineer to join their ranks, please see JD:

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.