At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and development of custom automated test systems for innovative medical technologies.
- Company: Fast-growing tech company focused on pioneering implantable technologies.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, share options, flexible hours, and professional development support.
- Other info: Mentor junior engineers and collaborate across teams in a diverse workplace.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on life-changing technologies in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in relevant engineering field and 4+ years of experience in automation.
The predicted salary is between 56700 - 69300 £ per year.
- Senior Automation/Test Development Engineer
- Type: Full-Time (on-site)
Coherence Neuro is a fast-growing, venture-backed company pioneering implantable technologies that interface with the human body to address critical unmet medical needs.
We're looking for driven individuals who are passionate about pushing the boundaries of engineering and science to solve some of the most complex biological challenges.
In this early-stage environment, we seek versatile team members with a hands‑on approach and a willingness to learn quickly and adapt.
We value diversity and encourage applicants from all backgrounds to join us in our mission.
Learn about our team here!
We are seeking a Senior Automation/Test Development Engineer to lead the development of custom test systems supporting the SOMA program at our Cambridge office.
This role will lead the architecture, hardware, software, and documentation of scalable test platforms supporting engineering characterisation, design verification, and future manufacturing needs.
The successful candidate will be a hands‑on engineer capable of building reliable automated systems, mentoring junior staff, and ensuring that test equipment and methods can be reproduced, controlled, and used to support regulatory submissions.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the design, development, and deployment of custom automated test systems.
- Translate technical requirements into test methods, fixtures, instrumentation, software, and data outputs.
- Design and integrate custom electronics, PCBs, fixtures, sensors, cabling, and commercial laboratory equipment.
- Develop software for instrument control, test sequencing, data acquisition, analysis, and reporting.
- Improve test repeatability, throughput, traceability, and scalability, including parallel testing where appropriate.
- Define and verify tester accuracy, calibration, measurement uncertainty, and system performance.
- Produce the procedures, drawings, schematics, bills of materials, software records, and verification documentation needed to rebuild and operate systems repeatably.
- Work across engineering, quality, and preclinical teams to develop technically meaningful and regulatory-relevant test methods.
- Troubleshoot complex hardware, software, instrumentation, and measurement issues.
- Mentor junior engineers and support the transition of test systems into controlled verification and manufacturing methods.
- Required Qualifications and Skills
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Physics, or a related discipline.
- 4+ years of experience developing automated test systems, electrical test equipment, laboratory instrumentation, or product characterisation platforms.
- Experience independently designing and commissioning custom test hardware.
- Experience automating laboratory equipment using Python, Lab VIEW, or a comparable environment.
- Experience with PCB design, interface electronics, fixtures, sensors, and cable assemblies.
- Strong hands‑on troubleshooting skills across hardware, software, instrumentation, and devices under test.
- Understanding of measurement accuracy, repeatability, calibration, and uncertainty.
- Ability to turn loosely defined engineering questions into practical and reliable test methods.
- Strong technical documentation, communication, and mentoring skills.
- Bonus Skills
- Experience developing test systems for medical devices, implantable electronics, or other regulated products.
- Experience with electrode characterisation, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, electrical stimulation, or bioelectronic interfaces.
- Experience with wireless power, RF, inductive systems, or power‑conversion testing.
- Familiarity with test‑method validation, equipment qualification, design verification, or ISO 13485.
- Familiarity with IEC 60601, ISO 14708, or related medical‑device standards.
- Experience scaling engineering test systems toward production use.
Benefits
- Competitive salary and share options
- Matched pension
- on-site daily meals + snacks
- 25 days PTO + England bank holidays
- Professional development support and training opportunities
- Flexible working hours and travel opportunities (We have sites in Australia, UK and US!)
- A chance to work on impactful, life‑changing technologies in a dynamic, innovative environment.
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Senior Automation/Test Development Engineer in Cambridge employer: black.ai
At black.ai, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work environment that empowers our employees to thrive. As a UK Events & Community Leader, you will have the opportunity to shape the automotive community while enjoying comprehensive benefits, professional development opportunities, and a culture that values creativity and collaboration. Join us in a location that is not only central to the industry but also rich in innovation and networking potential.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Automation/Test Development Engineer in Cambridge
✨Get Involved in Local Automation Meetups
We can’t stress this enough – getting your face out there in the automation and control systems community can really set you apart. Look for local meetups or workshops where you can chat with industry professionals, learn about what’s trending, and even discover hidden job gems. Who knows, you might meet someone from a company like black.ai!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Make sure you have a portfolio of your work ready to roll. Whether it’s academic projects, internships or personal experiments, showcase how you’ve tackled automation challenges. When you apply for the Senior Automation/Test Development Engineer position at black.ai, linking your portfolio gives your application that extra oomph and demonstrates your practical knowledge.
✨Leverage Your Uni Career Services
If you’re fresh out of uni, don’t forget about your career services! Many universities have established connections with companies in the automation field. They may know when black.ai is looking for fresh talent or even have internships that lead to full-time positions. So, hit them up!
✨Keep an Eye on Industry Certifications
While hunting for roles, consider getting certified in relevant automation technologies. It shows dedication and gives you a leg up in the job market. Plus, many organisations offer job boards or networking events to certified professionals. This might just lead you to that coveted Senior Automation/Test Development Engineer role at black.ai!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Automation/Test Development Engineer in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for an automation-control-systems role, it’s crucial to highlight your technical skills. Whether it's your proficiency in programming languages like Python or understanding control systems, make sure your CV showcases these prominently. Don't forget to mention any specific software or tools you're experienced with – that’s music to the ears of hiring managers!
Tailor Your Projects to Automation:If you've worked on any relevant projects, especially those involving automation or control systems, make them stand out in your CV. Use a dedicated section to highlight these projects, explaining your role and the impact of your contributions. This could be the difference between getting noticed and getting overlooked!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tell us why you’re passionate about automation-control-systems! Discuss specific experiences that sparked your interest in this field. Maybe it's a university project or a previous job that truly got you hooked. We love seeing that spark! Make sure to reference how you can contribute to black.ai and its goals.
Quantify Your Achievements:In the world of automation, results matter. When listing your experiences, quantify your achievements wherever possible. Did you improve system efficiency by a percentage? Did you reduce downtime? Putting numbers to your successes not only demonstrates your impact but also lets us see the tangible outcomes of your efforts. It makes your application pop!
How to prepare for a job interview at black.ai
✨Master Your Technical Knowledge
In the automation control systems field, you need to brush up on your technical know-how. Be prepared to talk about specific control systems you’ve worked with, such as PLCs or SCADA systems, and expect technical questions or even hands-on problem-solving scenarios during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Whether it's freelance projects or your academic work, come ready to showcase your portfolio of automation projects. Bring along any diagrams, code samples, or automation solutions you’ve implemented—these can really set you apart and demonstrate your applied skills to black.ai.
✨Understand Industry Trends
Stay updated on the latest trends in automation technologies and methodologies, like Industry 4.0 or IIoT. We'll want to discuss how these concepts may affect the role and future projects at black.ai, so showing that you're knowledgeable about current and emerging technologies can give you an edge.
✨Commit to Continuous Learning
As this is a full-time role, it's essential to express your eagerness for continuous improvement and learning. Share how you plan to enhance your skills and keep pace with the evolution of automation in the workforce – companies love candidates who are committed to growth and adaptability.
