Senior Mechanical Engineer

SoCode Recruitment; Oxford; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A pioneering biotech startup in Oxford is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to develop precision hardware for rapid diagnostics. This role involves creating CAD designs, working on microfluidics, and ensuring compliance with regulated environments. Join a small expert team to tackle meaningful healthcare challenges.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of experience in precision mechanical design.
• Experience with complex assemblies involving fluidics, optics, or electronics.

Responsibilities

• Create detailed CAD designs and mechanical interfaces.
• Develop microfluidic disposables and ensure manufacturability.

Skills

Mechanical Engineering

CAD

Precision Mechanical Design

Education

BEng or MEng in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Job description

3 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants

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Managing Consultant partnering with businesses to achieve their growth ambitions while working with Science and Engineering professionals in…

Mechanical Engineer – Precision Hardware for Breakthrough Diagnostics

A pioneering biotech startup based in Oxford is developing a rapid diagnostic platform designed to identify diseases directly from clinical samples. The aim is to transform how life-threatening infections are diagnosed and treated, enabling faster, more targeted care and addressing the global challenge of diseases. The company is expanding its multidisciplinary team and seeking a Mechanical Engineer to help move from proof-of-concept systems to robust, manufacturable clinical hardware.

This role offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of microfluidics and optics—where precision mechanical engineering plays a critical role in performance and accuracy. Challenges include micron-level tolerances, mechanical stability for sensitive optical components, thermal management, and fluidic integration, within a regulated development process.

As a mechanical engineer, you will translate breadboard and concept systems into compact, stable, and production-ready assemblies. Responsibilities include creating detailed CAD designs (SolidWorks preferred), designing mechanical interfaces for optical and fluidic subsystems, building and documenting test and assembly rigs, and applying DFM and DFA principles to instrument and consumable design. You will work closely with suppliers to select components and fabrication methods—ranging from CNC machining to molded plastics—and generate detailed engineering drawings, BOMs, and technical documentation for internal builds and low-volume production.

This position also involves developing microfluidic disposables, emphasizing robust integration with instrument hardware, manufacturability, and system compatibility, considering mechanical fit, material selection, and cost-effective scaling toward medium-volume production.

Given the in-vitro diagnostics context and ISO 13485 accreditation, experience or familiarity with regulated product development environments is preferred. Contributions to design traceability, risk management, verification/validation, design reviews, tolerance analysis, and root cause investigations will be expected.

Ideal Profile:

• Degree (BEng or MEng) in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline
• Minimum 3 years of experience in precision mechanical design, ideally in optics, diagnostics, or laboratory instrumentation
• Strong CAD skills (SolidWorks or similar), including GD&T and 2D technical drawing
• Experience with complex assemblies involving fluidics, optics, or electronics
• Understanding of vibration control, thermal stability, and mechanical alignment techniques
• Practical experience with molded parts, DFM/DFA, and working with external suppliers
• Bonus: familiarity with ISO 13485, IEC 61010, or 60601; exposure to FEA, thermal/vibration analysis, or optical system alignment

This role is ideal for someone eager to apply engineering skills to meaningful healthcare challenges. It offers the chance to work closely with a small, expert team on cutting-edge systems at an early development stage. With new funding and a product launch imminent, now is an excellent time to get involved.

The company offers a competitive salary between £50,000 - £65,000 (dependent on experience) and will be fully onsite in their state-of-the-art labs in Oxford.

If interested, follow the instructions below:

1. Click the apply button (we'll discuss before your CV or application is submitted)
2. Connect with me on LinkedIn (Louis Plevin)