Job Specifications
We are recruiting for a talented and experienced Development Engineer/ Senior Development Engineer to drive the late-stage prototype development of a novel sensing platform for environmental monitoring.
In this role, you will design, build, and validate the core hardware components that power our technology. You will develop precision mechanical assemblies, fixtures, and production-ready jigs, and integrate microfluidic, optical and electronics components into robust, field-ready subsystems. You will work within an interdisciplinary team of engineers helping deliver Mode Labs' first commercial product.
Key Responsibilities
Build and evaluate functional prototypes, assessing performance, usability, robustness, and manufacturability
Test, diagnose, and resolve issues across opto-mechanical, microfluidic and electronic subsystems
Specify, design, fabricate, test, and optimise opto-mechanical assemblies, including precision fixtures and alignment mechanisms
Apply sound engineering principles to improve product reliability, thermal and mechanical stability, optical performance, and environmental durability
Create detailed 2D and 3D CAD models (e.g., SolidWorks) and engineering drawings
We aim to build a diverse, collaborative and cross-functional team with a passion for root-cause analysis and solving complex technical problems.
Requirements
ABOUT YOU
You will have a solid technical background in hardware or product development, supported by a degree, HND, or equivalent industrial experience in engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related discipline. You are hands-on, systematic, and comfortable working across mechanical, optical and product-focused challenges. We are looking for an adaptable and proactive individual, who is able to operate effectively in a fast-paced and evolving development environment.
Essential Experience
3+ years of professional experience in product development within a multidisciplinary R&D or product development environment
Demonstrated experience in opto-mechanical hardware development
Strong grounding in mechanical design principles, materials selection, and common manufacturing processes.
Proficiency in 3D CAD (SolidWorks preferred), including detailed assemblies and technical drawings
Hands-on prototyping experience, e.g. SLA/FDM 3D printing, cable assembly, machining, and laser cutting
Desirable Experience
Ability to produce clear technical documentation, including specifications, test protocols, build instructions, drawings, revision control and BOMs
Experience working in a start-up or new product development environment
Exposure to UX/ product design
Working knowledge of electronics, firmware, or adjacent engineering domains
There is no perfect candidate, and no single person can do it all, but if this sounds like you, or what you could be and you're looking for somewhere to thrive; we want to hear from you.
Eligibility: Candidates must be able to prove that they are eligible to work in the UK.
Benefits
WHAT WE OFFER
Salary:
Salary will be dependent upon level of skill and experience. We therefore anticipate the following:
£35k - £43k p.a. for applicants with experience working within a research or technical environment with the essential experience required
£43k - £50k p.a. for applicants who can demonstrate significant experience in elements listed above.
Benefits:
Employee share option scheme
Optional 9-day fortnight work pattern
Flexible working arrangements where possible
25 days paid leave + bank holidays
Annual discretionary training allowance
Company matched pension contributions up to 5%.
Travel to work loan scheme
These roles are advertised as full-time, however, part-time would be considered at a minimum of 0.8 FTE. We are pleased to accommodate flexible and hybrid working where appropriate but, as a small company focussed on technology development, we find hands-on system and collaboration time to be highly valuable, and expect the successful candidate to normally spend most of their time at our offices and labs in Oxford.
How To Apply
Please enclose a short statement of why you would be a perfect fit for the team and a CV to: careers@modelabs.tech
Closing date: Until position is filled. Applications will be reviewed as received so this vacancy may be closed earlier; early applications are therefore encouraged.
Interview Process: Initial video calls will be used for shortlisting candidates. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an in-person interview. The in-person interview may include a short technical assessment based on the above job description or a short presentation of previous experience. Candidates will be informed in advance of this.
Disclaimer: Whilst we will aim to get back to everyone who applies, we are a small company and may not be able to provide feedback to all applicants. We apologise for this inconvenience.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
We are an equal opportunities employer and commit to encouraging equality, diversity a
About the Company
Mode Labs is developing an affordable, portable, real-time chemical sensor platform to address the growing need to understand and monitor the world around us.
Our vision is to bring chemical understanding outside of the laboratory, delivering clear and concise measurement data where it is needed most. Our sensors are easy-to-deploy and significantly more scalable than existing approaches, allowing for targeted intervention, improved regulatory-compliance, and improved environmental outcomes.
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