Hardware Development Engineer in Manchester

About Smarterile
Smarterile Limited has developed a proprietary, advanced sterilisation platform that offers a rapid, non-destructive solution for handling delicate, bespoke products, such as personalised medicine and advanced point-of-care devices. Built by a world-class multidisciplinary team and validated through global industry partnerships, our modular systems are designed for seamless integration into complex clinical and industrial workflows.

About the Role
As the Hardware Development Engineer, you will deliver a manufacturable hardware system, from conceptual modelling and simulation to the hands-on design of the architecture. This autonomous role requires deep analytical capability to successfully set up, optimise, and stabilise experimental platforms while ensuring precise sensor integration, robust electromagnetic shielding, and rigorous safety compliance.

Salary: £40,000 – £50,000 (dependent on experience level).
Pension: Defined benefit scheme with employer contribution.
Annual Leave: 25 days annual leave, plus Christmas closure and Bank Holidays.
Working Model: Based onsite 5 days a week to support hands-on R&D, with flexible and hybrid working requests supported.
Culture & Growth: Experience an open, collaborative environment with accelerated career progression and promotional opportunities as the company scales.
Right to Work: Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK. Please note that we are currently unable to offer visa sponsorship.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and prototype the core hardware architecture, seamlessly integrating high-vacuum systems, electromagnetic components, and automated sensor control systems.
• Design automated interlocking doors and mechanical handling systems to ensure the unit functions as a perfectly sealed isolation system for controlled, high-purity environments.
• Transition bespoke R&D prototypes into scalable, repeatable product designs while upholding ISO 13485 and ISO 9001 QMS requirements throughout the project lifecycle.
• Support the integration of sensor data into automated control systems, utilising DAQ setups to dynamically control and monitor parameters in real time.
• Apply robust electromagnetic shielding to protect sensitive diagnostics from interference.
• Ensure all hardware strictly complies with rigorous international standards, including IEC 61010 (Electrical Safety), IEC 61326 (EMC), and relevant machine directives.

Education & Background:
MSc or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Proven experience and deep practical understanding of high-vacuum architecture (turbomolecular pumps, roughing pumps, MFCs) and pulsed-power systems, with a focus on electromagnetic field stability.
• Experience installing and integrating a sophisticated array of sensors for real-time process monitoring and environmental control, alongside expertise in combining data streams to inform machine control systems.
• Deep knowledge of rigorous international compliance standards for hardware, including IEC 61010 (Electrical Safety), IEC 61326 (EMC), and relevant machine directives.
• Advanced CAD design experience (SolidWorks preferred), demonstrating hardware mastery through a strong portfolio of complex, multi-part assemblies.

Preferred Experience

• Experience with numerical analysis and simulation tools (e.g., COMSOL) from first principles, alongside proficiency in Python, C++ for control systems and experimental data analysis.
• 5+ years of industrial experience within agile deep-tech environments, medical devices, or advanced manufacturing sectors.
• Accredited training in medical device regulatory pathways and quality management systems.

Why Join Smarterile?
At Smarterile, we foster a collaborative, mission-driven environment offering high autonomy, exposure to multidisciplinary technology, and rapid career progression as we scale. To ensure a fantastic work-life balance, we provide a highly competitive, family-friendly rewards package featuring a strong starting salary, an employer-contributed defined-benefit pension, global bonuses, share incentives, and customisable perks.

Smarterile is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that a more inclusive workplace, where people of diverse backgrounds work collaboratively, ensures better outcomes for all. We place inclusion at the heart of everything we do and welcome applicants regardless of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, religion, or background. If you face any barriers during the application process, please reach out to us so we can provide the necessary support and adjustments.

How to Apply
To apply, please submit the following to zare@smarterile.com or apply directly through this post before midnight on the closing date (14/06/2026):
Your CV/Resume.
A brief portfolio or technical summary (maximum two pages) detailing your experience in complex electromechanical systems you have successfully taken from concept to physical prototype. Once submitted, your application will be reviewed by our team. Shortlisted candidates will progress to a two-stage interview process. Due to the highly proprietary nature of our innovation, further technical specifics will be shared under appropriate confidentiality agreements (NDAs) during the later stages of the process.