Want to own the electronics on a next-generation scientific instrument, from first concept to released product? This is a hands-on senior role in a small, mission-driven team where your design decisions will shape the platform.
Our client is an established global provider of analytical and scientific instrumentation, with a long history of advancing science and a mission of innovating for a healthier world. Their High Wycombe electronics team is developing a new generation of material-characterisation laboratory instruments while sustaining the existing product range.
The role
You will own subsystems from requirements through to verified hardware: low-noise detection front-ends, power distribution, MCU- and FPGA-based control boards, and the integration of cables, actuators and motors. The team needs two things most – a structured product-design approach and strong high-speed digital / Xilinx FPGA capability.
- Design and verify low-noise analogue front-ends, mixed-signal, power and control boards for the new instrument.
- Own high-speed digital and FPGA/SoC (Xilinx Zynq) design, with PCB design in Altium 365 to IPC standards.
- Take technical ownership of the electronics architecture for your subsystems, from concept through prototype, verification and product release.
- Run the product-design process: HRS/PRS, design proposals and reviews, DFMEA, verification plans and reports.
- Prototype quickly with breadboards, proto and rework boards to prove concepts before full PCBA spins.
- Bring up, debug and validate boards on the bench alongside the firmware team – soldering, modifying and testing hardware yourself.
- Own the electrical BOM, datasheets and safety/EMC considerations, and support DFM/DFA into production.
- Sustain released products: obsolescence, alternates, manufacturing and field issues, root cause.
- Work closely with optics, mechanics, firmware, software and scientists to prove out designs.
What you will bring
- A degree in electrical/electronic engineering or a closely related discipline, with 5+ years' design experience in instrumentation or test and measurement products.
- Mixed-signal design in low-noise environments.
- MCU-based control boards and interfaces such as 1G/10G Ethernet, USB, SPI, I²C, UART/RS-232, RS-485, CAN and PCIe.
- High-speed multilayer (8+ layer) digital design from schematic to PCB, including DDR3/DDR4, and FPGA/SoC design on Xilinx Zynq in VHDL or Verilog.
- Altium 365 schematic and PCB design to IPC-2221 / IPC-7351, with managed libraries, version control, and DFM/Gerber review with a contract manufacturer.
- Confident hands-on bring-up and fault-finding with oscilloscopes, DVMs, spectrum and logic analysers, plus disciplined root-cause analysis.
- EMC and product safety for laboratory equipment (IEC 61326-1, IEC 61010-1) through to passing compliance testing.
- A structured approach to requirements, design reviews, DFMEA and verification, and experience of obsolescence management.
- A system-integration mindset – how a board fits the whole system, including cabling, harnessing and connectivity.
Nice to have
- Power supply design.
- Working with suppliers and manufacturers on quotes, costings and assembly options.
- PLM tools, Git workflows, Jira and Confluence.
- Applied use of AI tools and agentic workflows in engineering.
- UV instruments, high-voltage lamp drivers, or thermal control design.
You will be analytical, well organised and comfortable across several projects at once. You communicate clearly, are happy to challenge a design when the evidence says so, and enjoy mentoring others and helping a team grow.
What is on offer
- Salary of £70,000 – £80,000 [plus benefits – to confirm].
- Your own well-equipped bench, with the test equipment and software you need.
- The chance to help shape a new lab and instrument set-up being built now.
- Cross-discipline project teams and direct influence on next-generation instruments, in a compact electronics team of two engineers plus placement students.
Interested?
Apply now or contact Steve Bernat at Octagon Group at sbernat@octagongroup.co.uk for a confidential conversation.
Senior Electronics Design Engineer in High Wycombe employer: Octagon Recruitment Group
Join a dynamic engineering organisation that prioritises innovation and employee growth, offering a supportive work culture where your expertise in electrical commissioning will be valued. With opportunities to work on cutting-edge renewable energy projects across the UK and offshore, you will not only enhance your technical skills but also contribute to meaningful advancements in the energy sector. Enjoy a full-time role with a commitment to health and safety, alongside career development prospects in a rapidly evolving industry.
