Jobs, fresher vacancy - Development Engineer • Kidlington

Company: Mode Labs

Kidlington

We are recruiting for a talented and experienced Research and Development Engineer to drive the late-stage development of a novel sensing platform for environmental monitoring. In this role, you will design, build, and validate the core hardware components that power our technology. You will develop precision opto-mechanical assemblies, fixtures, and production-ready jigs, and integrate microfluidic, optical and electronics components into robust, field-ready subsystems. You will work within an interdisciplinary team of engineers helping deliver Mode Labs’ first commercial product.Key ResponsibilitiesBuild and evaluate functional prototypes, assessing performance, usability, robustness, and manufacturability.Test, diagnose, and resolve issues across opto-mechanical, microfluidic and electronic subsystems.Specify, design, fabricate, test, and optimise opto-mechanical assemblies, including precision fixtures and alignment mechanisms.Apply sound engineering principles to improve product reliability, thermal and mechanical stability, optical performance, and environmental durability.Create detailed 2D and 3D CAD models (e.g., SolidWorks), engineering drawings, and assembly documentation.Develop and maintain technical documentation, including requirements specifications, BOMs, test plans, and change records.Conduct feasibility studies, tolerance analyses, and design-for-manufacture (DFM) assessments.We aim to build a diverse, collaborative and cross-functional team with a passion for root-cause analysis and solving complex technical problems.RequirementsABOUT YOUYou will have a solid technical background in hardware or product development, supported by a degree, HND, or equivalent industrial experience in engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related discipline. You are hands-on, systematic, and comfortable working across mechanical, optical and product-focused challenges. We are looking for an adaptable and proactive individual, who is able to operate effectively in a fast-paced and evolving development environment.Essential Experience3+ years of professional experience in product development within a multidisciplinary R&D environment.Demonstrated experience in opto-mechanical development and the design of optical systems.Strong grounding in mechanical design principles, materials selection, and common manufacturing processes. Proficiency in 3D CAD (SolidWorks preferred), including detailed assemblies and technical drawings.Hands-on prototyping experience, including SLA/FDM 3D printing, cable assembly, machining, and laser cutting.Ability to produce clear technical documentation, including specifications, test protocols, build instructions, drawings, revision control and BOMs.Desirable ExperienceExperience working in a start-up or new product development environment.Exposure to UX/ product design.Working knowledge of electronics, firmware, or adjacent engineering domains.There is no perfect candidate, and no single person can do it all, but if this sounds like you, or what you could be and you're looking for somewhere to thrive; we want to hear from you.Eligibility: Candidates must be able to prove that they are eligible to work in the UK.BenefitsWHAT WE OFFERSalary:Salary will be dependent upon level of skill and experience. We therefore anticipate the following range:£35k – £45k per annum.Benefits: Employee share option schemeOptional 9-day fortnight work patternFlexible working arrangements where possible25 days paid leave + bank holidaysAnnual discretionary training allowanceCompany matched pension contributions up to 5%. Travel to work loan schemeThese roles are advertised as full-time, however, part-time would be considered at a minimum of 0.8 FTE. We are pleased to accommodate flexible and hybrid working where appropriate but, as a small company focussed on technology development, we find hands-on system and collaboration time to be highly valuable, and expect the successful candidate to normally spend most of their time at our offices and labs in Oxford.HOW TO APPLYPlease enclose a short statement of why you would be a perfect fit for the team and a CV to: careers@modelabs.techClosing date: Until position is filled. Applications will be reviewed as received so this vacancy may be closed earlier; early applications are therefore encouraged.Interview Process: Initial video calls will be used for shortlisting candidates. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an in-person interview. The in-person interview may include a short technical assessment based on the above job description or a short presentation of previous experience. Candidates will be informed in advance of this.Disclaimer: Whilst we will aim to get back to everyone who applies, we are a small company and may not be able to provide feedback to all applicants. We apologise for this inconvenience.EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES We are an equal opportunities employer and commit to encouraging equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace whilst creating an environment which promotes dignity and respect for all. We post our job descriptions across a wide range of recruitment platforms to enable us to garner the most diverse range of candidates we possibly can.ADJUSTMENTS AND PROVISIONSWe are dedicated to putting in place any reasonable adjustments that may be required to meet the needs of those who wish to apply for a position at Mode Labs.If you are comfortable to do so, please share if you have a declared disability, for example but not limited to: a social communication impairment such as autism spectrum disorder, a specific learning difficulty such as dyslexia, dyspraxia or ADHD; a mental health condition, a sensory impairment affecting sight or hearing or a physical or mobility impairment.ABOUT MODE LABSWe are a dynamic, customer-driven technology company focussing on the development of the next generation of autonomous chemical sensing systems for environmental monitoring. Based in Oxford – UK, Mode Labs was founded in 2024 as a spin-out from the University of Oxford Chemistry and Materials Departments with the aim to become a leading supplier of chemical sensing technologies in the environmental sector. Our Vision is to bring chemical understanding outside of the laboratory, delivering clear and concise measurement data where it is needed most. Precision sensing, anytime, anywhere. Our Mission it to protect the environment and human health by monitoring and reporting changes to our ecosystems.