At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and build innovative mechanical components for cutting-edge life sciences instruments.
- Company: Join Portal Biotech, a leader in next-gen proteomics technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, benefits package, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with exciting career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in drug discovery and diagnostics while working with advanced technologies.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical Engineering and CAD proficiency required; experience in life sciences is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
About Portal Biotech
Portal Biotech is developing next-generation bench-top instruments for proteomics, building on decades of in-house expertise in nanopore technology.
By analysing full-length protein molecules at the single-molecule level, our platform delivers rapid, real-time information on protein identity, abundance, and structure.
This insight opens frontiers in drug discovery, diagnostics, and fundamental research, helping scientists and clinicians to better understand human health and disease.
About the Role
We are seeking a highly motivated, early career stage mechanical engineer, including graduates, to join our Hardware team.
Based in our headquarters in Scale Space, White City, London, and reporting to the Instrument Team Leader, this primarily on-site role will involve designing and building components, subassemblies, and fully assembled prototypes as well as developing solutions to enable scaling of common laboratory processes.
In this endeavour you will work cross-functionally on ambitious objectives with other teams and external partners.
Key responsibilities
- Design, simulate, build, and test mechanical components and assemblies.
- Develop microfluidic, electromechanical, and thermal management solutions, including integration of electronics, optics and fluidics.
- Conduct structural, thermal, and fluid dynamics simulation analyses to optimise performance.
- Support product development from concept through to manufacturing including design for manufacturability (Df M) and design for assembly (Df A).
- Develop test methods and execute experiments to validate mechanical designs and system performance.
- Help maintain instrument stock as required (carry out upgrades, repairs, compliance checks).
- Interface with vendors and manufacturing partners to ensure high quality production of products incorporating mechanical components.
- Produce engineering drawings and BOMs, document designs, processes, and test results in compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
- Protection of intellectual property (designs and patents) arising from your work.
Qualification Required
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field (e. g., automation).
- Proficiency in CAD software (Solid Works, Creo, or equivalent).
- Experience using mechanical, thermal and fluid analysis tools (FEA, CFD, thermal modelling) e. g., ANSYS, COMSOL.
- Experience of designing systems and subassemblies and building device prototypes..
- Design of parts for manufacture for CNC, sheet metal, and 3D printing.
Desirable
- 1-3 years industrial experience, preferably in life sciences instrumentation or medical devices.
- Design of parts for manufacture for injection moulding.
- Experience of producing engineering drawings with GD&T according to ASME Y14.5 or ISO GPS standards.
- Tolerance stack analysis of assemblies to ensure fit and function.
- Practical experience with rapid prototyping, e. g. 3D printing, laser cutting, CNC milling.
- Familiarity with microfluidics and the control of processes using electronic devices and software.
- Familiarity with quality management systems and regulations ISO 9001.
We offer a competitive salary and benefits package.
If you are passionate about developing cutting-edge scientific tools and want to contribute to breakthrough innovations in proteomics, we encourage you to apply!
Data Protection Statement
By submitting your application, you acknowledge that your personal data will be processed by Portal Biotech Limited.
For more information on how we handle your personal data, including your rights and how to contact us, please review our Privacy Notice at https://portalbiotech. com/gdpr .
Mechanical Engineer – Life Sciences Instrumentation in London employer: Portal Biotech
Portal Biotech is an excellent employer for those looking to grow their finance career in a dynamic startup environment. With a strong focus on employee development, you will have the opportunity to enhance your skills in various finance areas while working with modern systems like Xero and Sage Intacct. Our collaborative work culture encourages innovation and offers flexibility through hybrid working arrangements, making it a rewarding place to contribute and thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mechanical Engineer – Life Sciences Instrumentation in London
✨Get Your Hands Dirty at Engineering Events
Join local engineering meetups or industry conferences related to mechanical engineering. Whether it's a workshop or a career fair, these events are goldmines for networking and getting a foot in the door. Plus, you can showcase your passion and enthusiasm directly to potential employers like Portal Biotech.
✨Connect with Professors & Peers
Tap into your university’s resources—professors often have connections in the industry. Don’t be shy to ask about potential openings or recommendations. Your classmates might also know of companies hiring. Often, it’s who you know that gets you in front of the right people!
✨Highlight Your Projects and Practical Experience
When you land those interviews, make sure to talk about your hands-on projects or internships. Whether it's a design project or hands-on experience with CAD software, specific examples will make you stand out. Companies like Portal Biotech love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of Portal Biotech and apply directly through there. It shows initiative and interest in their specific values. Plus, you'll often find openings that aren't advertised on job boards, giving you a better chance to land that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Mechanical Engineer – Life Sciences Instrumentation in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Expertise:In mechanical engineering, it’s vital to highlight your technical skills and projects. Make sure to include relevant software proficiency (like CAD tools) in your CV. If you've worked on specific engineering projects, detail your key contributions — we want to see how you’ve applied your skills in a practical setting!
Focus on Problem-Solving Examples:Employers in mechanical engineering love to see how you handle challenges. Use your cover letter to share specific instances where you’ve solved a complex problem or improved a design. This will show us you're not just knowledgeable but also capable of applying that knowledge effectively.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Include any relevant certifications or training that can set you apart from the competition. Whether it's coursework from your degree, a recognised certification, or extra training in new technologies, we love to see candidates who continuously improve their skill set. This tells us you're serious about your career in engineering!
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don’t forget to customise your CV for Portal Biotech and the Mechanical Engineer – Life Sciences Instrumentation role specifically. Pull examples from your experience that align with the job description — it shows us you've done your research and are genuinely interested in becoming part of the team. We recommend applying through our website to ensure your application gets to the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Portal Biotech
✨Brush Up on Your CAD Skills
Since mechanical engineering often involves design processes, be ready to showcase your proficiency in CAD software like SolidWorks or AutoCAD. Bring along a digital portfolio or even some sketches that demonstrate your design capabilities — it’s a great way to show what you can bring to the table at Portal Biotech.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions that test your understanding of engineering principles and problem-solving skills. You might get hypothetical scenarios where you need to design a component or troubleshoot a mechanical system. Practising these types of questions will give you the confidence to tackle whatever comes your way!
✨Show Your Team Spirit
As a full-time mechanical engineer, collaboration is key! Be ready to share examples of past team projects or any experiences where you contributed to solving a complex problem with others. Demonstrating your ability to work in a team will resonate well with the interviewers at Portal Biotech.
✨Discuss Your Future Goals
Since this is a full-time position, your long-term vision is important. Be open about your career aspirations, whether it’s mastering a specific tool or leading projects. This shows that you're committed not just to learning but also to growing with Portal Biotech, making you a more appealing candidate.
