Associate Engineer in Cambridge

We are seeking an adaptable, curious Associate Engineer to join our Product Engineering team within R&D at SPT Labtech, working on Lab2Lab. This role offers broad exposure across electronic, electrical, software, mechanical, and pneumatic engineering disciplines, contributing to the full product lifecycle, from early-stage prototyping through to product release, customer commissioning, and in-field support. You will be mentored by experienced multi-disciplined engineers and quickly given real responsibility within live product development projects. The expectation is not that you arrive with a complete skillset, but that you learn rapidly, ask the right questions, and apply a structured, hands-on approach to solving engineering problems. You will work with increasing autonomy as your capability develops, supported by a team that values practical learning and sound engineering judgement.

The product range sits at the intersection of electronics, software, pneumatics, and precision mechanics. This creates a working environment where you will develop practical, cross-disciplinary skills rarely gained in a single role. We encourage you to step outside your core discipline, helping you build a well-rounded engineering capability while contributing to complex, real-world systems.

Based in Melbourn, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom, SPT Labtech makes products that transform the way scientists work. For decades, our expert scientists, engineers and business innovators have provided scientists with world-leading, innovative solutions for liquid handling, sample preparation, and sample management that help accelerate research and make a real difference to human health. We work collaboratively with our customers, building trusted relationships that enable us to deliver exceptional, personalised experiences designed for real-world challenges in the lab.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assisting in the design and development of electrical and electronic systems, including schematics, wiring diagrams, and PCB layouts
• Supporting hands-on build activities: panel wiring, cable assembly, soldering, and system integration across mixed-technology platforms
• Participating in prototype builds, iterative design refinement, and engineering change processes
• Supporting PCB bring-up, debugging, and functional verification activities
• Assisting with integration testing of multi-disciplinary systems (electronics, software, pneumatics, mechanics) both in-house and on-site
• Contributing to structured verification and validation activities, including executing test plans and recording evidence
• Supporting root-cause analysis and fault-finding across hardware and software systems, contributing to corrective actions
• Developing and maintaining test procedures, reports, and documentation for engineering, manufacturing, and service use
• Assisting in software-related activities including configuring PLCs, working with embedded systems, and contributing to Python and C# development tasks
• Supporting development of automation scripts for testing, data processing, and hardware control
• Contributing to compliance activities, including preparation of technical documentation and exposure to relevant standards (e.g. EN 61010, EN 60204-1)
• Supporting maintenance of Bills of Materials, build documentation, and engineering records
• Assisting with pneumatic system assembly, documentation, and basic fault diagnosis
• Supporting mechanical design updates and drawing reviews using CAD tools such as SolidWorks
• Providing technical support for deployed systems, including occasional customer site visits (UK and international)

Skills & Attributes:

• Curious and motivated to learn across multiple engineering disciplines
• Methodical and structured in problem-solving and fault-finding
• Hands-on, practical, and comfortable working with hardware
• Detail-oriented with a strong commitment to quality
• Self-motivated and able to manage tasks with guidance rather than constant direction
• A clear communicator who asks questions early and engages constructively with the team
• Comfortable working in a small, collaborative, low-hierarchy environment

The essentials:

• Degree qualification: BEng or MSc or similar in Engineering or a closely related discipline (Electrical, Electronic, Mechanical, Mechatronics, Systems, or similar)
• Strong academic foundation in at least one engineering domain
• Demonstrable ability to learn new tools, technologies, or concepts quickly
• Some practical engineering experience (academic, personal, or internship-based)
• Ability to read and interpret technical documentation, drawings, and datasheets
• Interest in hands-on engineering and product development

Our Commitment to you:

You’ll be working with talented professionals in a motivated and driven team. We offer a competitive salary package and comprehensive, valued benefits, including private medical insurance, a generous pension plan, and an annual discretionary bonus. We embrace diversity and inclusivity, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical ability, or family status. We prioritise supporting our employees' diverse needs as we strive for excellence together. If the above resonates with you, apply with an up-to-date CV and be a part of our journey to reshape the future of science.