At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead quality investigations and drive continuous improvement in production processes.
- Company: Join a pioneering biotech company transforming scientific discovery worldwide.
- Benefits: Attractive salary, bonuses, private healthcare, and generous pension contributions.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for mentorship and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on life-changing products and enhance your career visibility.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical Engineering and experience in Quality Engineering required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Oxford Nanopore Technologies is a global biotechnology company pioneering nanopore-based sensing technology that enables the analysis of DNA, RNA and other molecules. Our mission is to bring the widest benefits to society by enabling the analysis of anything, by anyone, anywhere! Headquartered in the UK and serving customers in over 125 countries, we are transforming scientific discovery and advancing research across human health, cancer, infectious diseases, agriculture and environmental science.
In this role, you won't just be managing paperwork—you will be the bridge between Engineering, Production, and Supply Chain, driving root-cause investigations, closing capability gaps, and embedding a proactive, gold-standard quality culture across our entire production landscape.
The Role:
- Leading Investigations: Take full ownership of internal and supplier NCRs and CAPAs from initiation to verification, using structured root-cause analysis (5-Why, Fishbone, etc.).
- Standardising Excellence: Define, document, and standardise our goods-in inspection processes, creating clear acceptance/rejection criteria and training the inspection teams to execute them flawlessly.
- Mitigating Risk Early: Participate heavily in risk assessment activities (DFMEA/PFMEA) and review engineering drawings to ensure everything is clear, robust, and inspectable.
- Driving Continuous Improvement: Analyse quality data to spot trends, eliminate systemic defects, and lead change control activities (including BOM and work instruction updates).
- Auditing & Compliance: Keep us sharp and audit-ready, actively participating in internal and external audits (including ISO 13485).
What We Are Looking For:
We need someone who understands the rigor of regulated manufacturing but possesses the soft skills to coach, mentor, and constructively challenge existing practices.
Essentials:
- A degree in Mechanical Engineering (or a closely related discipline).
- Proven track record in a Quality Engineering or Manufacturing Quality role, ideally working with electromechanical devices.
- Hands-on working knowledge of ISO 13485 and ISO 14971.
- Expertise in structured problem-solving (CAPA/NCR management) and the ability to interpret engineering drawings and risk documentation.
- A proactive, collaborative team player who can manage multiple moving parts, drive investigations forward, and work effectively in teams of 2 to 20 people.
Desirables:
- A formal qualification in Quality or a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt.
- An ISO 13485 Lead or Internal Auditor certification.
- Experience specific to the medical device industry.
- A knack for mentoring others and a strong grasp of statistical quality tools.
Why Join Us?
This isn't a role where you will be an invisible cog in a massive machine. You will report directly to the Associate Director of Production Engineering, giving your work high visibility and real strategic weight. You will have the autonomy to build out processes, coach teams, and directly influence the reliability of life-changing products. We offer outstanding benefits to include an attractive bonus, generous pension contributions, private healthcare and an excellent starting salary. If you are looking to utilise your skills to really make a difference to humankind, then consider joining our team and apply today!
Senior Production Quality Engineer in Oxford employer: Oxford Nanopore Technologies
Oxford Nanopore Technologies is an exceptional employer that champions innovation and quality in the biotechnology sector. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will have the opportunity to lead impactful projects and drive a proactive quality culture in a collaborative environment. Our competitive benefits package, including generous pension contributions and private healthcare, ensures that you are well-supported while making a meaningful difference in scientific discovery.
Contact Details:
Oxford Nanopore Technologies Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Production Quality Engineer in Oxford
✨Get Involved in Local Research Communities
Tap into local biotechnology meetups and research forums. These are great places to mingle with industry professionals, share your passion, and even discover unadvertised job openings. It's all about getting your face known in the field!
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If you're a recent grad, don’t underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network! Reach out to alumni working in biotechnology to gather tips about job openings at companies like Oxford Nanopore Technologies. You'd be surprised how willing people are to help out a fellow grad!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Curate a portfolio showcasing any research projects or internships you've completed in biotechnology. This tangible evidence of your skills can really impress employers when you chat with them at networking events or interviews. It's about making that killer first impression!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Biotech is a fast-paced field, so keeping yourself updated with the latest advancements is crucial. Attend industry conferences, webinars, or workshops to broaden your knowledge and meet potential employers. Plus, it’ll give you fantastic talking points for your interviews at places like Oxford Nanopore Technologies!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Production Quality Engineer in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:In the biotechnology field, it's super important to highlight your lab experience in your CV. Be sure to mention specific techniques or instruments you've mastered (think PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.) and any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show Oxford Nanopore Technologies that you have the hands-on skills they need.
Tailor Your Technical Skills:Make sure to emphasise your technical skills, especially those relevant to the biotechnology sector. Include any software tools or programming languages you've used, like R or Python for data analysis, which could be key for this role at Oxford Nanopore Technologies.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time role, your cover letter should reflect not only your passion for biotechnology but also your long-term career ambitions. Share why you're excited about the work that Oxford Nanopore Technologies does and how you envision contributing to their goals. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but you're genuinely invested in this opportunity.
Include Your Papers and Projects:If you've published any papers or contributed to significant projects, mention them! These documents can boost your application and provide tangible evidence of your expertise in the biotechnology field. Don’t forget to link to any relevant publications or project summaries—this can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Oxford Nanopore Technologies
✨Brush Up on Lab Techniques
Since you're eyeing a full-time gig in biotechnology, make sure you're well-versed in the lab techniques relevant to the role. Be ready to talk about PCR, CRISPR, or any specific methods mentioned in the job description at Oxford Nanopore Technologies. You might even be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these processes.
✨Know Your Bioinformatics Tools
Get comfortable with bioinformatics tools that are commonly used in the industry, like BLAST or Bioconductor. These are key in biotechnology, and having hands-on experience or at least familiarity can set you apart. Prepare to discuss any relevant projects you've worked on, especially if they involved data analysis or genomic research.
✨Show Your Teamwork Skills
Biotech often involves collaboration across multiple disciplines. Be ready to share stories that highlight your teamwork and communication skills, especially in research projects. Think about working with different teams at university or any internships – this is where you can show how well you fit into Oxford Nanopore Technologies's culture.
✨Research Recent Biotech Innovations
Stay updated on the latest trends and breakthroughs in biotechnology. Knowing what's happening in the field can help you engage in more meaningful discussions during your interview. Bring up recent articles or advancements that excite you, especially those related to the work being done at Oxford Nanopore Technologies. This shows your passion for the industry!
