Senior Product Development Engineer

TN United Kingdom; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative firm is looking for a Senior Product Development Engineer to lead the design of cutting-edge laboratory automation systems. In this dynamic role, you will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to create sophisticated products that enhance scientific discovery. With a strong focus on mechanical, electronic, and software integration, you will drive projects from concept to production, ensuring high-quality outcomes. This position offers a chance to make a meaningful impact on human health while working in a supportive and diverse environment. Join a team that values your expertise and creativity, and help shape the future of laboratory technology.

Benefits

Private medical insurance

Generous pension plan

Annual discretionary bonus

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in product development in life sciences or laboratory automation.
• Strong background in mechanical, electronic, and software engineering.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional development efforts for laboratory automation systems.
• Define and evolve system architectures for complex hardware products.

Skills

Mechanical Engineering

Electronic Engineering

Software Engineering

Project Leadership

Problem-Solving

Collaboration

Education

Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master’s degree in Electronic/Electrical Engineering

Master’s degree in Software Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

C++

C#

Python

Job description

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Client:

Location:

Cambridge, United Kingdom

Job Category:

-

EU work permit required:

Yes

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Job Reference:

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Job Views:

1

Posted:

07.05.2025

Expiry Date:

21.06.2025

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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.

• Educational Background: A Master’s degree (or equivalent qualification) in Mechanical Engineering, Electronic/Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, or a closely related discipline from a reputable university.
• Industry Experience: You'll ideally have 8+ years of experience in product development, ideally 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: A good working knowledge of object-oriented programming using a 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.
• 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 prioritise supporting our employees' diverse needs as we strive for excellence together.