At a Glance
- Tasks: Operate and maintain advanced lab equipment while running exciting experiments.
- Company: Join a dynamic team of world-class engineers and researchers at Diffractive.
- Benefits: Inclusive culture, hands-on experience, and the chance to shape lab processes.
- Other info: Opportunity to collaborate and innovate in a fast-paced environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in materials science and AI while working independently.
- Qualifications: Hands-on experience with research-grade equipment and a methodical approach.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
We are seeking a Lab Engineer to operate and maintain our materials synthesis and characterisation lab. You will run experiments, own instruments, and take responsibility for keeping equipment in good working order with minimal supervision. This is a role for someone with solid practical experience across research-grade equipment, who is comfortable working independently and takes pride in a well-maintained instrument as in a well-executed experiment. You will be joining a small, highly ambitious team of world-renowned engineers, AI researchers, and materials scientists. We move fast and value people who are energised by that.
What You'll Do
- Operate our core instrument suite independently: high vacuum equipment, high temperature metallurgy systems, high field magnets, XRD, SEM and optical characterisation.
- Perform routine and preventive maintenance, and diagnose faults before they become failures.
- Run synthesis and characterisation experiments, ensuring reproducibility and rigorous data capture throughout.
- Write and maintain SOPs and risk assessments for the equipment and processes you own.
- Manage consumables, materials inventory, and equipment readiness for the broader research team.
- Collaborate with materials scientists and ML researchers to design experimental runs and interpret results.
- Support the integration of experimental data into our digital infrastructure and AI pipelines.
Skills & Qualifications
- Several years of hands‑on experience operating and maintaining research‑grade equipment in a professional setting.
- Direct experience with two or more instrument domains from our suite:
- High‑vacuum equipment.
- X‑ray diffraction (XRD).
- Optical characterisation setups.
- High‑temperature metallurgical synthesis equipment.
- High‑field magnets.
- Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).
- Solid working knowledge of vacuum systems: pump types, leak detection, and routine maintenance.
- Familiarity with ionising radiation safety requirements and relevant local regulations.
- Background from one or more of: semiconductor manufacturing, scientific instrumentation companies, industrial research, national laboratories or other major national facilities, or NDT.
- Careful, methodical approach to documentation: maintenance logs, SOPs, and data provenance.
Nice to Have
- Experience writing or reviewing SOPs and risk assessments from scratch.
- Some CAD experience for fixture or tooling design.
- Exposure to automated data capture or basic scripting for instrument control.
- Experience in a startup or fast‑moving research environment.
Why Join Us
- Own a broad range of advanced instrumentation across synthesis and characterisation.
- Collaborate with world‑class researchers across materials science, robotics, and AI.
- Help build a lab from the ground up: the processes, the culture, and the capabilities are yours to help shape.
Diffractive is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities. If you require any adjustments or accommodations at any point during the interview process please let us know – we will be happy to help.
Lab Engineer in London employer: Diffractive Labs
At Diffractive, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for a DevOps Engineer to shape the future of AI-driven scientific discovery. Our London-based team is composed of world-class engineers and researchers, fostering a collaborative and fast-paced work culture that values innovation and inclusivity. With competitive salaries, generous equity options, and a commitment to employee growth, you'll have the chance to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a flexible work environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lab Engineer in London
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Lab Engineer role you’re after at Diffractive Labs.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at Diffractive Labs a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at Diffractive Labs.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Lab Engineer at Diffractive Labs, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Lab Engineer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Lab Engineer, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Diffractive Labs a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Diffractive Labs specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Diffractive Labs
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Diffractive Labs, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like Diffractive Labs want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
