Test Engineer

GenomeKey; Bristol; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading biotech startup in Bristol is seeking a detail-oriented engineer to help develop innovative diagnostic devices for bloodstream infections. Responsibilities include integrating instrument systems, collaborating with engineers, and maintaining documentation. Candidates should have a BSc in engineering, 3 years of relevant experience, and proficiency in CAD software. The position offers a dynamic work environment focused on problem-solving and teamwork.

Qualifications

• 3 years industry experience working on complex medical diagnostic products.
• Practical, hands-on experience testing and maintaining complex systems.
• Ability to clearly communicate experimental results to stakeholders.
• Strong skills in test plan and V&V SOP development.

Responsibilities

• Integrate and test custom-built instrument systems.
• Collaborate with mechanical engineers for test protocol development.
• Plan and manage projects from concept to delivery.
• Contribute to ISO13485-compliant quality systems.

Skills

Systemic thinking

Problem-solving

Communication

Project management

Hands-on testing

Education

Bachelor’s degree (BSc/BEng) in an engineering discipline

Tools

Fusion360

Job description

Location

Location: On-site working at our state of the art labs in Bristol, UK.

Start Date

Start Date: November/December 2025.

Eligibility

Eligibility: Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK to apply for this role.

Company

GenomeKey is a Bristol based biotech startup developing a next-generation diagnostic device for bloodstream infections, using machine learning and DNA sequencing.

Within GenomeKey we provide an encouraging environment where knowledge is shared and professional development is supported across both technical and non-technical skillsets.

Join GenomeKey to help build a world where nobody dies from a treatable infection.

Role Responsibilities

We are seeking a constantly curious, creative and broadly skilled engineer to assist in developing active systems to operate within GenomeKey’s innovative ecosystem. You will be working alongside a talented and dedicated team of engineers and scientists working on exciting products with real world, life saving applications.

Your Responsibilities Will Include

• Integrating and testing custom-built instrument systems, including electromechanical hardware, electronics, software, thermal, and optical subsystems, managing the interfaces between instrument and consumable devices.
• Collaborating with in-house mechanical and manufacturing engineers to optimise and develop test protocols for an automated biochemical processing platform.
• Building, troubleshooting, deploying, and maintaining specialised instrumentation. This will include off-site work.
• Providing architectural insights, based on test results, to support design trade-offs and critical decision‑making.
• Planning, managing, and delivering your own projects from concept through to delivery.
• Proactively collaborating with cross‑functional teams, offering technical input across a range of projects.
• Contributing to the implementation and maintenance of ISO13485‑compliant quality systems, supporting audit readiness.
• Developing and maintaining documentation about and relating to testing e.g. test procedures and related design files.

Person Specification

You are a highly detail‑oriented Engineer with excellent systemic thinking and organisational skills. You have a passion for identifying and solving complex technical challenges with creative, scalable solutions. You are enthusiastic about continuous learning and applying fundamental engineering principles to innovative problem solving. You’ll thrive at the intersection of disciplines, collaborating closely with biologists, engineers, and computer scientists to assist in the validation and verification (V&V) of new technologies.

You enjoy translating complex ideas between teams with varying technical backgrounds, ensuring clear communication and shared understanding across the business. You will bring a proactive, adaptable approach, embracing the fast‑paced, evolving environment of a startup, learning on the job, and rising to new challenges with enthusiasm.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential

• Bachelor’s degree (BSc/BEng) in an engineering discipline with significant electromechanical engineering focus.
• 3 years industry experience working on complex medical diagnostic products and devices.
• Practical, hands‑on experience testing, validating, and maintaining systems comprised of fluidic, mechanical, optical, and thermal subsystems, and mechanical assembly skills.
• Strong test plan and V&V SOP development.
• Experience making and interpreting technical drawings and circuit diagrams.
• Proven ability to plan, schedule, and deliver complex projects independently.
• Clear communication of experimental results to both internal and external stakeholders.
• Proficiency with Fusion360 or similar CAD software.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Comfortable with a fail‑fast, iterative prototyping approach.
• Adaptability and resilience to thrive in a fast‑paced, dynamic startup environment.

Desirable

• Experience in the Biotechnology, Life Sciences, or Medical Device industry.
• Experience testing and maintaining early prototype stage systems.
• Knowledge of electrical circuit design and electromechanical and fluidic systems.
• Prior experience with design for manufacturing.
• Hands‑on experience with equipment such as microscopes, surface profiling, oscilloscopes, and other component analysis methods.
• Experience developing products under Design Controls, ideally within an ISO‑13485 compliant Quality Management System, and Risk Management, an ISO‑14971 compliant process.

Our Hiring Process

• Intro call with hiring manager (15 minutes)
• Take‑home task
• Role‑fit interview (60 minutes)
• Final stage interview (45 minutes)

GenomeKey is an equal opportunities employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.