Principal Mechanical Engineer - Instrument Design

Cambridge
2 months ago
Applications closed

Related Jobs

View all jobs

Principal Mechanical Design Engineer - Medical Devices

Principal Operations Engineer

Principal Operations Engineer

Principal Operations Engineer

Principal Operations Engineer

Principal Operations Engineer

Principal Mechanical Engineer - Instrument Design

Newton Colmore is excited to be working with a laboratory automation company in Cambridgeshire, helping them search for a key mechanical engineering hire.

We are seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to take a leading role in the development of next-generation lab automation systems. This is a senior position offering the opportunity to work on highly complex, precision engineering challenges and to shape the technical direction of novel automation platforms.

You'll be working on cutting-edge mechanical systems that demand the highest levels of precision, reliability, and innovation for a range of applications. This role offers technical leadership responsibilities and the chance to make a substantial impact on product development and future R&D roadmaps.

You will be taking your ideas from initial "eureka moment" through to readying the product for manufacturing. Your work will mainly be to GMP standards, however depending on the application of the product, you may also need to work to ISO 13485 standards.

What's on offer

Tailored package plus monetary bonuses.
Comprehensive benefits with a full suite of options.
Outstanding mentoring and career development opportunities
Technical leadership on complex, high-impact projects with a range of applications.
Collaborative environment with world-class engineers
Cambridge location within a thriving tech and life sciences hubThe candidate we are looking for

We're looking for a highly experienced mechanical engineer with proven expertise in complex automation systems. You'll bring principal-level technical capability, ideally with a background in precision engineering, laboratory equipment, robotics, or automated systems.

Strong problem-solving abilities, engineering fundamentals, and the capacity to lead technical initiatives are essential. The company are flexible on seniority level and can therefore modify the role to suit the right person.

How to Apply

For a confidential discussion about this principal-level opportunity, please contact me or make an application now. I can then provide comprehensive details about the role, the technology, and the company and see if it could be a strong fit for you.

Matt Lowdon

Newton Colmore

Subscribe to Future Tech Insights for the latest jobs & insights, direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

How Many Robotics Tools Do You Need to Know to Get a Robotics Job?

If you’re pursuing a career in robotics, it can feel like the list of tools you should learn never ends. One job advert asks for ROS, another mentions Gazebo, another wants experience with Python, Linux, C++, RobotStudio, MATLAB/Simulink, perception stacks, control frameworks, real-time OS, vision libraries — and that’s just scratching the surface. With so many frameworks, languages and platforms, it’s no wonder robotics job seekers feel overwhelmed. But here’s the honest truth most recruiters won’t say explicitly: 👉 They don’t hire you because you know every tool — they hire you because you can apply the right tools to solve real robotics problems reliably and explain your reasoning clearly. Tools matter — but only in service of outcomes. So the real question isn’t how many tools you should know, but which tools you should master and why. For most robotics roles, the answer is significantly fewer — and far more focused — than you might assume. This article breaks down what employers really expect, which tools are core, which are role-specific, and how to focus your learning so you look capable, confident, and ready to contribute from day one.

What Hiring Managers Look for First in Robotics Job Applications (UK Guide)

Robotics is one of the most dynamic, interdisciplinary fields in technology — blending mechanical systems, embedded software, controls, perception (AI/vision), modelling, simulation and systems integration. Hiring managers in this space are highly selective because robotics teams need people who can solve real-world problems under constraints, work across disciplines, and deliver safe, reliable systems. And here’s the reality: hiring managers do not read every word of your CV. Like in many tech domains, they scan quickly — often forming a judgement in the first 10–20 seconds. In robotics, those first signals are especially important because the work is complex and there’s a wide range of candidate backgrounds. This guide unpacks exactly what hiring managers look for first in robotics applications and how to optimise your CV, portfolio and cover letter so you stand out in the UK market.

The Skills Gap in Robotics Jobs: What Universities Aren’t Teaching

Robotics is no longer confined to science fiction or isolated research labs. Today, robots perform critical tasks across manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, agriculture, defence, hospitality and even education. In the UK, businesses are embracing automation to improve productivity, reduce costs and tackle labour shortages. Yet despite strong interest and a growing number of university programmes in robotics, many employers report a persistent problem: graduates are not job-ready for real-world robotics roles. This is not a question of intelligence or dedication. It is a widening skills gap between what universities teach and what employers actually need in robotics jobs. In this article, we’ll explore that gap in depth — what universities do well, where their programmes often fall short, why the disconnect exists, what employers really want, and how you can bridge the divide to build a thriving career in robotics.