Join to apply for the R&D Test Engineer (Hardware) role at GenomeKey
This range is provided by GenomeKey. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.
Base pay range
Location: On-site working at our state of the art labs in Bristol, UK.
Start Date: January/ February 2026
Eligibility: Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK to apply for this role.
Company: GenomeKey is a Bristol based biotech startup developing a next‑generation diagnostic device for bloodstream infections, using machine learning and DNA sequencing. Within GenomeKey we provide an encouraging environment where knowledge is shared and professional development is supported across both technical and non‑technical skillsets. Join GenomeKey to help build a world where nobody dies from a treatable infection.
Role Responsibilities
We are seeking a constantly curious, creative and broadly skilled engineer to assist in developing active systems to operate within GenomeKey’s innovative ecosystem. You will be working alongside a talented and dedicated team of engineers and scientists working on exciting products with real‑world, life‑saving applications.
* Integrating and testing custom‑built instrument systems, including electromechanical hardware, electronics, software, thermal, and optical subsystems, managing the interfaces between instrument and consumable devices.
* Collaborating with in‑house mechanical and manufacturing engineers to optimise and develop test protocols for an automated biochemical processing platform.
* Building, troubleshooting, deploying, and maintaining specialised instrumentation. This will include off‑site work.
* Providing architectural insights, based on test results, to support design trade‑offs and critical decision‑making.
* Planning, managing, and delivering your own projects from concept through to delivery.
* Proactively collaborating with cross‑functional teams, offering technical input across a range of projects.
* Contributing to the implementation and maintenance of ISO13485‑compliant quality systems, supporting audit readiness.
* Developing and maintaining documentation about and relating to testing e.g. test procedures and related design files.
Person Specification
You are a highly detail‑oriented engineer with excellent systemic thinking and organisational skills. You have a passion for identifying and solving complex technical challenges with creative, scalable solutions. You are enthusiastic about continuous learning and applying fundamental engineering principles to innovative problem solving. You’ll thrive at the intersection of disciplines, collaborating closely with biologists, engineers, and computer scientists to assist in the validation and verification (V&V) of new technologies. You enjoy translating complex ideas between teams with varying technical backgrounds, ensuring clear communication and shared understanding across the business. You will bring a proactive, adaptable approach, embracing the fast‑paced, evolving environment of a startup, learning on the job, and rising to new challenges with enthusiasm.
Qualifications & Experience
We welcome candidates from varied backgrounds and recognise that you may not meet every listed qualification. If you are excited about this role and believe your unique experience or transferable skills position you for success, we encourage you to apply – we’d love to hear from you.
* Bachelor’s degree (BSc/BEng) in an engineering discipline (e.g., Biomedical, Systems, Mechanical, or Electronics).
* 3 years industry experience.
* Practical, hands‑on experience in testing, validating, and maintaining systems comprised of some of the following: fluidic, mechanical, optical, and thermal subsystems, and mechanical assembly skills.
* Proven ability to design test rigs and execute V&V protocols.
* Experience making and interpreting technical drawings and circuit diagrams.
* Proven ability to plan, schedule, and deliver complex projects independently.
* Clear communication of experimental results to both internal and external stakeholders.
* Proficiency with Fusion360 or similar CAD software.
* Ability to balance rapid, fail‑fast iterative prototyping in early development with the rigour of ISO 13485 or compliance as the product matures.
* Adaptability and resilience to thrive in a fast‑paced, dynamic startup environment.
* Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Desirable
* Experience in the Biotechnology, Life Sciences, or Medical Device industry.
* Experience testing and maintaining early prototype stage systems.
* Knowledge of electrical circuit design and electromechanical and fluidic systems.
* Prior experience with design for manufacturing.
* Hands‑on experience with equipment such as microscopes, surface profiling, oscilloscopes, and other component analysis methods.
* Experience developing products under Design Controls, ideally within an ISO‑13485 compliant Quality Management System, and
* Risk Management, an ISO‑14971 compliant process.
Our Hiring Process
Intro call with hiring manager (15 minutes)
Take‑home task (approx. 2hrs)
Role‑fit interview (60 minutes)
Final stage interview (45 minutes)
GenomeKey is an equal opportunities employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.
Seniority level
Associate
Employment type
Full‑time
Job function
Research
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