Senior Electronic Design Engineer

Location: Oxford

Salary: TBC

Type: Permanent, Full-time

About the company

Pictura Bio are an innovative biotech start-up examining biology with advanced microscopy and image analysis techniques. Founded in 2021 as a spin-out from University of Oxford, the company is capable of pathogen identification faster than any other diagnostic tools. This approach ensures testing can take place, and action taken, without the lengthy wait for external laboratory results.

Following initial prototype devices which have been built and are taking experimental data, the next challenge focuses on product realisation; an invitro diagnostic medical device that is suitable for clinical studies and future regulatory submission. In parallel, other applications for this cutting-edge technology are being constantly explored, requiring suitable proof-of-concept devices being created, as required.

Overview of the role

To support this journey, the search is on for someone to lead the design and release of device electrical systems and sub-systems. The current build relies heavily on off-the-shelf hardware which must work seamlessly and robustly with bespoke control software. In addition to ensuring this continues, your role will be to design and evolve this architecture towards a product-ready solution in a regulated environment. This includes identifying, designing, and testing any new hardware that can be developed in-house.

The position requires a general knowledge of, and interest in, multiple disciplines, with a deep expertise in some, and the experience to understand the shape of external support required to fill company knowledge gaps. The start-up environment does not suit everybody. If you'd prefer rigid development structures and consistent long-term deliverables this might not be the role for you. However, if you enjoy an interesting mix of the practical and theoretical and can adjust your workload depending on competing priorities, we'd like to hear from you.

Essential criteria

• An Electrical/Electronic Engineer degree or equivalent qualification, or a background in electronics, mechatronics, or robotics.
• Multi-year experience in electronics systems and verification.
• A good balance of theoretical and practical experience.
• Involvement in system architecture design and integration strategies, and leading electronics development.
• Knowledge of embedded systems, including strong understanding of communications protocols and standards (RS232, RS485, CAN, I2C, UART).
• Ability to produce and check schematics, harness drawings, and 3D cable routings using EDA/ECAD software.
• Experience gathering and understanding project requirements, creating specification documents, and generating engineering reports.
• Experience of prototype production, testing, and analysis.
• Working knowledge of industry quality and safety standards. 

Desirable criteria

• Familiarity with programming languages such as Python, JavaScript, Rust, C, or C++.
• Knowledge of microscopy or optical systems.
• Experience of working within the constraints of medical device regulatory compliance (ISO13485).
• Engineering design experience.
• Previous experience in a start-up environment.

Soft skills

• Pragmatic problem solver with good attention to detail.
• Highly self-motivated and highly adaptable.
• Capable of taking technical ownership and driving projects independently, including the ability to manage own time and workload effectively.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, with confidence in cross-discipline collaboration and the ability to convey technical information in clear and simple terms.
• Proactive and ambitious in growing own technical and professional expertise.
• The ability and desire to coach, inspire, and review the work of less experienced engineers, and contribute to continuous improvement in tools and process.

Alongside a competitive salary, you’ll enjoy:

• Private healthcare
• Pension scheme
• Company equity
• Cycle to work scheme
• Institute subscription payments

This is a unique opportunity for a talented Senior Electronic Design Engineer to join an exciting biotech company at a pivotal time in their development. You'll be working in a small, friendly team, where you'll be central to the advancement of an analysis platform with a wide-ranging ethical impact.