Mechanical & Systems Engineer (Hardware + Linux)
Location: London, UK (Hybrid/On-site)
Type: Full-time
Salary: GBP38,000-GBP55,000 + Equity Options
About Netholabs
Netholabs is a neurotechnology company building the interface between brains and intelligent machines. Our mission is to achieve functional whole-brain emulation — a foundation for understanding consciousness, cognition, and control in living systems.
We operate at the convergence of neuroengineering, machine learning, and complex systems, developing technologies that close the loop between perception, computation, and behaviour. Our long-term goal is to eliminate animal testing by building accurate, data-driven brain models — and to ensure that as AI grows more capable, human agency and understanding grow alongside it.
The Role
We are seeking a versatile Electrical & Systems Engineer with some Mechanical Design experience who can bridge hardware, control systems, and Linux administration. You’ll design and build smart electrical control panels, integrate embedded systems, and maintain the Linux-based infrastructure that powers our research instrumentation. This is a hands-on, multidisciplinary role ideal for someone who enjoys creating robust, reliable hardware systems that merge electronics, software, and research.
What You’ll Do
Hardware, Panels & Instrumentation
* Design, wire, assemble, and test smart electrical control panels used in preclinical research equipment.
* Integrate sensors, actuators, embedded controllers, and data-acquisition modules.
* Create wiring diagrams, schematics, assembly documentation, and mechanical layouts.
* Troubleshoot electrical and hardware integration issues — from component-level to system-level.
* Configure and maintain Linux-based edge devices, embedded systems, and lab computers.
* Handle system setup: networking, user management, security hardening, backup strategies.
* Deploy, update, and manage software stacks related to research instrumentation.
* Monitor system performance and logs; support researchers and internal teams with system-level issues.
Enclosure Fabrication & Mechanical Integration
* Design custom housings, mounts, and enclosures for research hardware (laser-cut, CNC, 3D-printed, etc.).
* Generate CAD files for manufacturable boxes, laser-cut panels, and precision-fit assemblies.
* Collaborate with mechanical engineers or external fabrication partners to iterate designs.
* Commission hardware in research labs and perform functional validation.
* Collaborate closely with embedded software, firmware, mechanical engineering, and research staff.
* Maintain high standards of build quality, electrical safety, and clean documentation.
What We’re Looking For
* Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechatronics, or equivalent hands-on experience.
* Experience building electrical control panels, wiring harnesses, and instrumentation assemblies.
* Proficiency with Linux administration (Ubuntu, Debian, or similar).
* Familiarity with networking, automation scripts, and systems troubleshooting.
* Experience with laser cutters, CNC, or other rapid-fabrication workflows.
* Ability to work cross-functionally with engineering and research teams.
* Nice-to-have: experience with animal-research instrumentation or regulated lab equipment.
What We Offer
* Work on unique, impactful hardware for life-science and preclinical research.
* Blend hands-on fabrication with systems engineering and Linux administration.
* Opportunities to expand into instrumentation design, R&D, and hardware leadership.
* Flexible working environment and cross-disciplinary team.
Include links to past work, repositories, or documentation if available.
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