Instrument Support Engineer (Hands-on R&D) in London

Instrument Support Engineer (Hands-on R&D) in London

London Full-Time 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
HCL International

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join a hands-on R&D team to innovate and support cutting-edge laboratory instruments.
  • Company: Dynamic life sciences company pioneering next-gen lab instrumentation.
  • Benefits: Flexible working hours, mentorship, competitive salary, and health care benefits.
  • Other info: Enjoy a supportive, non-bureaucratic environment with excellent career growth opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on groundbreaking products while collaborating with passionate engineers.
  • Qualifications: Degree in engineering or related field; practical skills and problem-solving mindset preferred.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

Hands-on, practical-minded instrument engineer to join an innovative, small life sciences company pioneering the next generation of laboratory instrumentation. The successful Engineer will work within a close-knit R&D team. This role would suit both a graduate and experienced engineer. The graduate must demonstrate projects and/or work experience to reflect abilities to do the job.

This position serves as a vital bridge between the core engineering team and the application support staff. It is ideally suited for an individual who enjoys taking things apart to see how they work, modifying hardware, and solving practical, real-world puzzles. Reporting directly to the R&D Director, the successful candidate will take ownership of supporting a brand-new diagnostics instrument. This involves hands-on troubleshooting, device assembly and disassembly, mechanical tweaking, and collaborating closely with external third-party partners.

Key Responsibilities

  • Hardware Interaction: Disassemble, reassemble, modify, and maintain complex, cutting-edge laboratory instrumentation.
  • Troubleshooting & Problem Solving: Diagnose mechanical and basic electronic or instrumentation faults to identify and implement solutions.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Act as the technical translator between the R&D engineers who build the technology and the applications teams who utilize it.
  • Independent Project Management: Manage a personal workspace and handle projects autonomously within a highly collaborative, small-team environment.

Candidate Profile

  • Education: A degree (BSc, BEng, MSci, or PhD) in Engineering (Mechanical, Biomedical, Electronic), Physics, Biosciences, Biotechnology, or a related instrumentation discipline highly advantageous – but experience alone always welcome.
  • Practical Aptitude: A natural mechanical intuition. Ideal candidates often have a passion for practical prototyping, like building 3D printers, mechanical repairs, or designing remote-controlled models, for example.
  • Analytical Skills: Basic technical troubleshooting abilities and a logical, step-by-step approach to fault-finding.
  • Communication: Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to confidently discuss technical details with both internal teams and external suppliers.
  • Work Style: A self-starter who enjoys autonomy, manages time effectively, and thrives within a small, cohesive, and friendly team culture.

What is Offered

  • Direct mentorship from an experienced R&D Director.
  • The opportunity to see engineering work directly influence a brand-new product coming to market.
  • Flexible working arrangements based out of a Stevenage site.
  • A supportive, collaborative, and non-bureaucratic working environment.

5 days, on-site for core hours 9.30am - 3pm - otherwise flexible. Pension, Bonus and Health Care + more.

Instrument Support Engineer (Hands-on R&D) in London employer: HCL International

Join a pioneering life sciences company in Stevenage as an Instrument Support Engineer, where you will be part of a close-knit R&D team dedicated to innovating laboratory instrumentation. Enjoy direct mentorship from experienced leaders, flexible working arrangements, and a supportive culture that fosters collaboration and personal growth, making it an ideal environment for both graduates and seasoned engineers alike.

HCL International

Contact Details:

HCL International Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Instrument Support Engineer (Hands-on R&D) in London

Tip Number 1

Get hands-on! If you're applying for a role like Instrument Support Engineer, show off your practical skills. Bring along examples of projects you've worked on or tinkered with – whether it's building a 3D printer or fixing up an old gadget. We love seeing that passion for problem-solving!

Tip Number 2

Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at the company or connect with professionals in the field. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have. We’re all about collaboration, so don’t be shy – it could lead to valuable insights or even a referral!

Tip Number 3

Prepare for hands-on assessments! For a role that involves troubleshooting and modifying instruments, you might face practical tests during interviews. Brush up on your technical skills and be ready to demonstrate your thought process while solving real-world problems. We want to see how you think on your feet!

Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our innovative team. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!

We think you need these skills to ace Instrument Support Engineer (Hands-on R&D) in London

Hands-on Troubleshooting
Mechanical Aptitude
Device Assembly and Disassembly
Modification of Hardware
Problem Solving
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Project Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Hands-On Experience:Make sure to highlight any practical projects or work experience you've had that relate to the role. Whether it's tinkering with instruments, building prototypes, or troubleshooting devices, we want to see your hands-on skills shine through!

Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic CV and cover letter. Take the time to tailor your application to our job description. Mention specific skills and experiences that align with what we're looking for, especially in hardware interaction and problem-solving.

Be Yourself:We’re a small, close-knit team, so let your personality come through in your application. Share your passion for engineering and any quirky projects you’ve worked on. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely excited about the role!

Apply Through Our Website:To make sure your application gets to us directly, apply through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we see your application and can get back to you quickly. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at HCL International

Show Your Hands-On Skills

Since this role is all about practical engineering, make sure to highlight any hands-on projects you've worked on. Whether it's building a 3D printer or tinkering with electronics, share specific examples that showcase your mechanical intuition and problem-solving abilities.

Brush Up on Troubleshooting Techniques

Be prepared to discuss your approach to diagnosing faults in instrumentation. Think of a time when you faced a technical challenge and how you resolved it. This will demonstrate your analytical skills and logical thinking, which are crucial for the role.

Communicate Clearly and Confidently

You'll need to act as a bridge between different teams, so practice explaining complex technical concepts in simple terms. During the interview, focus on your communication style and ensure you can convey your ideas effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Emphasise Your Team Spirit

This position thrives in a collaborative environment, so be ready to talk about your experiences working in small teams. Share examples of how you've contributed to team projects and how you manage your time and workspace independently while still being a supportive team member.