Senior Product Development Engineer

SPT Labtech; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

SPT Labtech is seeking a Senior Product Development Engineer to lead the development of innovative laboratory automation systems. The successful candidate will have a strong foundation in the engineering discipline, manage cross-functional teams, and play a key role in transforming scientific workflows.

Benefits

Private medical insurance

Generous pension plan

Annual discretionary bonus

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in product development, particularly in life sciences.
• Strong understanding of product development lifecycle, from concept to production.
• Experience in multidisciplinary environments, leading technical teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional development efforts for high-impact products.
• Define and evolve system architectures for sophisticated instrumentation.
• Manage technical milestones while ensuring quality and risk management.

Skills

Problem-Solving

Collaboration

Analytical Skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electronic/Electrical Engineering, or Software Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Job description

Are you a Senior Engineer with a passion for multidisciplinary, hardware-focused product development?

SPT Labtech is seeking a talented and driven engineer to help shape the next generation of our world-leading laboratory automation systems. In this pivotal role, you’ll lead the development of complex, high-impact products that transform how scientists work.

About us:

Based in Melbourn, near Cambridge, UK, SPT Labtech creates innovative products that transform how scientists work. For nearly two decades, our multidisciplinary teams of engineers, scientists, and innovators have delivered industry-leading solutions in liquid handling, sample preparation, and sample management — accelerating scientific discovery and improving human health outcomes.

Our strength lies in collaboration: we work closely with our customers to understand real-world lab challenges, creating personalized, cutting-edge tools that truly make a difference.

Want to be part of a team that’s making a difference to human health?

The role

We are seeking an exceptional and versatile Senior Product Development Engineer with a strong foundation in mechanical, electronic, or software engineering, and a track record of delivering complex, hardware-focused products.

You will play a key role in leading cross-functional development efforts, working across disciplines to deliver elegant, robust, and technically sophisticated instrumentation. The ideal candidate will be passionate about solving complex engineering problems and driving products from concept through to manufacturing and support.

This is a hands-on role that demands a system-level mindset, strong technical ownership, and the ability to define and evolve system architectures that balance performance, reliability, and manufacturability across mechanical, electrical, and software domains.

Essential Requirements

• Educational Background: A Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent qualification) in Mechanical Engineering, Electronic/Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, or a closely related discipline from a reputable university.
• Industry Experience: Ideally, 8+ years of experience in product development, preferably in life sciences, laboratory automation, medical devices, or other high-tech hardware sectors.
• Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Proven ability to work across mechanical, electrical, and software domains to deliver integrated product solutions. Experience in multidisciplinary engineering environments is essential.
• Product Development Lifecycle Knowledge: Deep familiarity with the entire product development process, from concept and feasibility through prototyping, validation, design for manufacture, and handover to production.
• Project Leadership: Experience leading technical project teams or work packages. Ability to plan, coordinate, and deliver technical milestones while managing risk and ensuring quality.
• System Architecture: Experience defining and evolving system architectures for complex hardware products, including the integration of mechanical, electronic, and software components.
• CAD proficiency: Skilled in SolidWorks (or comparable 3D CAD software).
• Programming: Good working knowledge of object-oriented programming using high-level languages such as C++, C#, or Python.
• Electrical/electronics: Knowledge of electrical/electronic fundamentals, with the ability to read schematics and debug common problems.
• Product development practices: Experience using rapid prototyping and iterative development approaches to accelerate learning and de-risk technical decisions early. Familiarity with Agile engineering practices.
• Problem-Solving & Collaboration: Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a collaborative mindset and the ability to engage effectively across functions including manufacturing, quality, and service.

Desirable Skills & Experience

• Experience with automated liquid handling systems that operate in the µl to nl regime, or similar dispensing technologies.
• Experience with mechanical refrigeration systems, particularly operating in the range of -20°C to -80°C.
• Knowledge of plastic injection moulding processes and design for manufacturability in plastics.
• Understanding of relevant safety and compliance legislation and standards, including the Machinery Directive and IEC 61010.
• Exposure to fluidics, sensors, motion control, or embedded systems is a plus.

Our commitment to you:

You’ll be working with talented professionals in a motivated and driven team.

We offer a competitive salary package and comprehensive, valued benefits, including private medical insurance, a generous pension plan, and an annual discretionary bonus.

We embrace diversity and inclusivity, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical ability, or family status. We prioritize supporting our employees' diverse needs as we strive for excellence together.