Level: 3
Salary band: £40,000-£48,000
Bonus: 8% performance-based, discretionary
Office Based - Islington, London 

If you are more senior or experienced than the scope of the role, but you like the sound of the team and opportunity, please still send through an application, we're always open to speaking with great people during the growth of our teams. 

At Automata, we're on a mission to transform how scientists work by making automation accessible to every lab in the world. We believe that by giving labs the power to automate, we can unlock discoveries that will shape the future of life sciences—from diagnostics and drug discovery to synthetic biology.

But we’re more than just a company disrupting the industry—we're a team of innovators, problem-solvers, and creators passionate about empowering scientists. Our LINQ platform combines hardware and software to streamline workflows, making lab automation fast, flexible, and affordable. This means our customers can focus on groundbreaking research, while we take care of the rest.

Why Work at Automata?

• Impact: Your work will directly contribute to advancements in science and medicine, supporting labs around the globe as they push boundaries in research and innovation.
• Innovation: You’ll be part of a team solving complex problems (seriously, no one else has figured out how to do this yet), using cutting-edge technology (we have robots).
• Growth: We invest in our people. Whether through hands-on experience, professional development, or collaborative projects, you’ll grow both professionally and personally.
• Community: Join a diverse, passionate team that values collaboration (golf on a Thursday, Soccer once a month, movie nights whenever we fancy it).

We are looking for a Hardware Test Engineer whose mission is to be a key contributor in ensuring that our hardware products are safe, reliable, and fit for purpose. You will focus on testing and validating a diverse range of innovative solutions, from robotics to safety-critical components. This hands-on role offers the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology, develop your technical skills, and contribute to products that meet the highest industry standards for quality and performance.

Why is this role important for Automata?

This role is vital to ensuring Automata’s hardware products are safe, functional, and reliable. Adequate testing not only guarantees that our solutions perform as intended but also ensures compliance with industry regulations, enabling seamless entry into target markets. By identifying and addressing potential issues early, this role directly contributes to the quality and success of our products, supporting Automata’s mission to deliver dependable automation solutions to every lab.

Core Responsibilities

Product Testing & Validation

• Design, implement, and execute detailed test plans for hardware products
• Conduct safety checks, compliance verification, life testing, and functionality validation
• Set up and maintain test automation systems using Python and other tools
• Supervise and participate in off-site testing activities

Documentation & Reporting

• Produce comprehensive test reports with clear recommendations for improvements
• Maintain technical files for hardware products to ensure compliance
• Collaborate with external partners for third-party testing (e.g., EMC)
• Conduct documentation reviews and maintain regulatory compliance records

Process Improvement

• Work closely with the design team to identify testing requirements early in development
• Contribute to improving test processes, tools, and methodologies
• Develop and optimize test automation solutions

Required Qualifications

• Degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or equivalent professional experience
• Demonstrated understanding of electrical systems and hardware engineering principles
• Hands-on experience testing hardware systems from prototype to production
• Programming experience and ability to write automation scripts
• Outstanding written communication skills for technical documentation
• Methodical problem-solving approach with strong attention to detail

Preferred Qualifications

• Python proficiency for test automation and data analysis
• Experience with regulatory compliance testing (EMC, CE) and safety-critical systems
• Background in laboratory automation or medical device environments
• Expertise in data analysis and statistical techniques

What You'll Love About This Role

• Working hands-on with cutting-edge hardware and robotics systems
• Developing comprehensive testing processes that directly impact product quality
• Collaborating with a dynamic, multidisciplinary engineering team
• Growing your expertise in testing methodologies and automation tools
• Contributing to products that meet rigorous safety and compliance standards
• Being part of a company that values precision, innovation, and continuous improvement

We are an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Discrimination of any kind based on race, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status is strictly prohibited.