R&D Test & Development Engineer

LEX Diagnostics Limited; Melbourn; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A biotech firm in Melbourn is looking for an R&D Test & Development Engineer who will drive experiments and troubleshoot systems. Responsibilities include planning structured tests, analyzing data, and collaborating across teams. The ideal candidate exhibits a strong hands-on approach, critical thinking skills, and proficiency in data analysis tools like Python. The role offers diverse challenges in R&D and a chance to impact product development directly. Competitive benefits include a generous pension contribution and private medical insurance.

Benefits

10% employer pension contribution (+3% personal contribution)

Private Medical Insurance & Life Insurance

25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays

Discounts to local sports facilities and theatres

Qualifications

• Experience in a lab or test environment.
• Proficient in data acquisition and analysis.
• Ability to design and build experimental setups.

Responsibilities

• Plan and perform structured tests to characterise performance.
• Collect and present experimental data in clear reports.
• Design and assemble prototype test fixtures.

Skills

Hands-on approach in a lab or test environment

Strong data acquisition and analysis experience (Python, LabVIEW)

Ability to design and build simple test fixtures

Clear, structured reporting of technical results

Critical thinking and confidence to challenge outcomes

Tools

Python

LabVIEW

Job description

Overview

At LEX, where engineering and biology meet to create technologies that push boundaries, we need an R&D Test & Development Engineer, or as we like to call you, the person with the R&D hat on who makes things work… Whether it’s setting up an experiment, building a fixture, or digging into data, you’ll be the one who ensures ideas turn into reliable results.

You will be central to our R&D process. Testing, troubleshooting, and refining both full systems and subcomponents. Your work will provide the data and practical solutions that keep development moving forward.

Responsibilities

• Planning and performing structured tests to characterise performance.
• Collecting, analysing, and presenting experimental data in clear, actionable reports.
• Designing and assembling prototype test fixtures (mechanical, electrical, and software).
• Using Python, LabVIEW, or similar tools to acquire, manipulate, and present data (e.g. cameras, serial comms, TCP etc).
• Developing expertise in cartridge/instrument test workflows.
• Supporting and maintaining the LEX database and associated software tools.
• Working closely with engineering, software, and biology teams to make sure systems deliver in practice, not just in theory.

We are looking for a practical problem-solver. Someone who thrives on making complex systems work, and not just on paper. You’ll enjoy working across multiple disciplines and be quick to adapt and learn new approaches when the situation demands it.

You may view yourself as an engineer or a scientist, but you do have to be comfortable running experiments as well as critiquing your findings; not just “turning the handle”. We believe this role sits somewhere in the range between a ‘Technician +’ level up to ‘Engineer’ level.

Essential skills

• Hands-on approach in a lab or test environment.
• Strong data acquisition and analysis experience (Python, LabVIEW, or equivalent).
• Ability to design and build simple test fixtures or experimental setups.
• Clear, structured reporting of technical results.
• Critical thinking and the confidence to challenge outcomes.

Desirable skills

• Knowledge of vision systems or image processing.
• Basic electronics for test and prototype work.
• Experience working across engineering, software, and biology.

What we offer

• A role at the centre of multidisciplinary R&D where no two days are the same.
• The opportunity to broaden your skills across software, electronics, and system prototyping.
• A collaborative team that values practical problem-solvers.
• The satisfaction of seeing your work make a direct impact.

Benefits

• 10% employer pension contribution (+3% personal contribution)
• Private Medical Insurance & Life Insurance (Family Cover)
• Life insurance
• 25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays
• Discounts and memberships to local sports facilities and theatres

If you’re the kind of person who puts on their R&D hat and just makes things work, we’d like to hear from you.