Mechanical Design Engineer - Life Science

Job Description

We’re looking for a talented Mechanical Design Engineer to join our Molecular Synthesis & Omics team (part of a larger Life Science department) and help tackle some of the challenging engineering problems at the interface of biology, chemistry and technology. 

The interdisciplinary team develops innovative technologies and products for genomics, molecular synthesis and life-science research. We work with leading biotechnology companies and research organisations to turn emerging scientific ideas into practical, robust and scalable products — from novel microfluidic consumables and molecular processing systems to complex automated laboratory instruments. 

Projects span areas such as next-generation DNA synthesis, sequencing sample preparation, precision liquid handling, automated molecular workflows and novel biological measurement technologies. Your work as a Mechanical Design Engineer will be varied, technically demanding and often involves developing solutions that don't yet exist. 

You'll work closely with molecular biologists, chemists, physicists and engineers in both our MS&O and the broader Life Science team, contributing mechanical design expertise from early concept generation through detailed design, prototyping, testing and product development. You'll have the opportunity to take ownership of mechanical design challenges, develop creative solutions and see your ideas become working prototypes and ultimately commercial products. 

If you are an experienced mechanical designer who enjoys hands-on engineering, thrives on solving unfamiliar problems and wants to apply their skills to technologies that could shape the future of life sciences, we’d love to hear from you.  

Qualifications

You'll be an experienced Mechanical Design Engineer with excellent design capabilities, a wider understanding of the electromechanical considerations of product development and an innovative approach to problem solving. This role will be a full-time, on site position.

Essential experience and skills 

• Strong experience in mechanical design and development of complex products or instruments. 

• Excellent 3D CAD skills, ideally including SolidWorks (and ideally familiarity with Onshape). 

• Good understanding of mechanical and electromechanical system design. 

• Experience taking designs from initial concepts through detailed engineering, prototyping and testing. 

• Knowledge of manufacturing processes, materials and design for manufacture. 

• Ability to perform tolerance analysis and develop robust mechanical assemblies. 

• Strong practical engineering skills, including building, testing and troubleshooting prototypes. 

• Ability to communicate technical ideas clearly through CAD models, sketches, prototypes and design reviews. 

• Experience working collaboratively with engineers and scientists from different disciplines. 

• Ability to manage competing priorities and take ownership of design deliverables. 

Desirable experience 

• Design of precision motion systems, positioning mechanisms or automated instrumentation. 

• Experience with microfluidics, liquid handling, laboratory automation or life-science instruments. 

• Design of plastic injection-moulded parts and single-use consumables. 

• Experience designing assembly jigs, fixtures and test equipment. 

• Experience of structured concept-generation techniques and engineering risk assessments, including dFMEA and pFMEA. 

• Experience sourcing custom components and working with specialist manufacturing suppliers. 

• Experience using rapid prototyping, visualisation and rendering tools to communicate and evaluate design concepts. 

Additional Information

Benefits

TTP is an employee-owned business, based at TTP Campus in Melbourn, just 10 miles south of Cambridge. Our purpose-built, sustainable offices and laboratories are set in green surroundings, creating an inspiring environment for innovation. Our working culture encourages entrepreneurship, shared ideas and technical collaboration, while providing you with the freedom to do your best work.

Our employee benefits include:  

• Annual profit-related bonus  
• 25 days holiday  
• Employer pension contribution of 10% of salary 
• Free, nutritious lunch in our on-site restaurant
• Private medical insurance for employees and dependants  
• Enhanced family friendly leave  
• Life insurance worth 6x salary  
• Electric car leasing scheme  
• Cycle to work scheme  
• Season ticket loan  
• An activities and community fund that supports healthy activities that bring colleagues together; whether it’s lunchtime squash or football, Zumba or our own rock band.
• Local sports facilities and theatre discounts and memberships

Please click the following link to read the TTP Group Diversity Statement.