Overview

Join to apply for the Hardware Quality Engineer role at Automata

Level: 4 • Salary band: £50,000- £62,000 • Bonus: 8% performance-based, discretionary • Location: Hybrid – work in our London office a minimum of 2x/wk

Why Automata

At Automata, we are transforming how scientists work by making automation accessible to every lab. Our LINQ platform combines hardware and software to streamline workflows, enabling researchers to focus on discovery while we handle the rest.

We are a team of innovators, problem-solvers, and creators who value collaboration and experimentation. We offer a culture of growth and hands-on experience in a growing hardware team.

Responsibilities

• Carry out hands-on hardware goods-in inspections for electrical and mechanical components, using measuring tools and visual inspection methods to verify quality.
• Define and maintain inspection criteria for internal checks and external supplier FATs, ensuring criteria are practical, measurable, and traceable.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, engaging in technical vetting and following up on non-conformances.
• Lead and facilitate quality and ECR meetings, ensuring actions are tracked and closed.
• Perform root cause analysis of quality issues, working with engineers and suppliers to develop and implement CAPA (corrective and preventive actions).
• Drive ISO 9001 preparation, including internal audits and maintaining quality documentation.
• Identify, test, and implement process improvements that strengthen traceability, compliance, and operational efficiency.
• Provide proactive support to Hardware and Customer Success teams to ensure development and issue resolution follow ISO 9001-aligned processes.
• Physically inspect, document, and process feedback from the field, triage issues with Customer Success, track post-launch problems, and trigger ECRs when necessary.

What it takes

• Degree or HND in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related discipline, or equivalent industry experience in hardware quality, manufacturing, or NPI.
• Proven experience in manufacturing quality, production support, or NPI engineering.
• Comfortable working with both suppliers and internal teams to resolve issues.
• Familiarity with ISO 9001 and hardware-focused quality management systems.
• Strong problem-solving mindset with practical experience in root cause analysis and CAPA.
• Excellent communication and documentation skills.

Nice to have

• Experience with life sciences or regulated industry products.
• Knowledge of FMEA, PPAP, or other advanced quality tools.
• Familiarity with electrical and mechanical inspection methods.
• Experience conducting or preparing for external audits.
• Quality management certification (e.g., Six Sigma, ISO 9001 Auditor).

Why this role is exciting

You will own quality within a small, innovative hardware team, shaping quality processes from the ground up and ensuring our lab automation systems perform reliably in demanding environments. You’ll work closely with engineers and see your work directly impact products used by scientists daily.

UK Team Benefits

• Vitality Health Insurance – private healthcare that incentivizes a healthy lifestyle
• Eye Care – annual eye tests covered
• Salary Sacrifice – EV car, bike, and tech options
• Wellbeing & Support – resources for physical and mental health
• Wellbeing & Development Allowance – invest in personal growth
• Employee Assistance – Spill access for you and family
• Additional Leave – dependents, Me days, volunteering days off
• Pension – NEST
• Group Life & Critical Illness cover
• Birthday leave – time off for your birthday

Equal opportunity statement: We are an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Discrimination of any kind is prohibited.