Manufacturing Engineer

Cambridge, England, United Kingdom

1/2/2025

Our mission is to push the boundaries of complex cell analysis. Using the Lightcast platform we are working with major pharmaceutical companies, leading academic institutes, and innovative biotechnology leaders. Together, using our next generation microfluidic platform, we are making advances towards new science, unique clinical approaches, new therapies, and innovative products.

The Lightcast platform allows precise, highly flexible, and massively parallel control of tens to hundreds of thousands of picolitre volume microdroplets using beams of light and powerful software logic. By sequentially combining droplets containing different cells, antibodies, cancer drugs, reporters and /or other reagents, we can perform complex workflows and assays at scale with a flexibility far beyond what is currently possible on any cell analysis platform.



About the role 

We are growing our Manufacturing function and are now recruiting for a Manufacturing Engineer to join the team and help scale production. The successful candidate will contribute to developing a high-tech, semi-automated in-house manufacturing process as well as assisting our sub-contract manufacturing supply chain for the low/mid volume complex consumable.  

Your responsibilities will include:  

• Developing production processes, test and inspection protocols across a range of disciplines within manufacturing 
• DFM and NPI for next generation and product range expansion 
• Working with our R&D team and contract manufacturers to become the subject matter expert in the production and performance of our consumable components  
• Data analysis and process monitoring to ensure the highest level of product quality 
• Specification, procurement and commissioning of production equipment 
• Supporting our R&D team in late-stage product development and validation, and the QA function with supplier audits 
• Resolving quality and process issues using formal techniques, risk management and documentation 
• Collating and reporting KPI's to senior management 
• Growing the contract manufacturers production capability to meet the forecast growth in demand, and drive down costs  
  
  

To succeed in this role, you will be able to demonstrate some of the following:  

• Proven track record working in a high-tech Manufacturing Engineering role or similar 
• Knowledge of Microfluidic fabrication, coatings, plastic welding processes, injection moulding or clean room assembly 
• Exposure to automated assembly and QC in a volume manufacturing environment with data analysis using tools such as Python an advantage  
• Good understanding of statistical process control (SPC), production part approval process (PPAP), First Article inspection (FAI) or other relevant quality processes. 
• Knowledge of process or equipment validation and risk management under ISO13485 or similar regulations 
• Experience supporting contract manufacturers, and developing complex supply chains 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills 
• Willingness to travel globally to supplier sites  
  
  

This role will be based at our new manufacturing facility 2 miles from our head office in west Cambridge.

We offer a generous benefits package including:    

• 26 days holiday, plus Public Holidays
• Flexible working hours
• Pension contribution matched up to 7%
• Private medical insurance
• Income protection
• Life insurance
• Subsidized gym membership and weekly cross fit sessions
• Access to Cycle to Work and Technology schemes
• Enhanced family leave policies
  
  

At Lightcast, we recruit on a rolling basis, meaning we carry on recruiting until we find the right person for the role being advertised. We tend to compare individuals to the role specification rather than to each other.

About Lightcast

Lightcast Discovery is a bio-tools company developing a platform that combines the flexibility to analyse a wide range of cell types and assays with precise control over droplet number, occupancy, location and movement. Working with major pharmaceutical companies and leading academic institutes. Together, using our next generation microfluidic platform, we are driving scientific innovation, developing unique therapeutic approaches, and forging a path to exciting new scientific discoveries. Learn more about Lightcast Discovery at https://www.lightcast.bio/.

Lightcast Discovery is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, colour, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status.

At Lightcast, we recognize there is no perfect candidate. If you have some of the experience listed above but not all, please apply anyway. Experience comes in many forms, skills are transferable, and passion goes a long way in our book. We are dedicated to building diverse and inclusive teams and look forward to learning more about your unique background and what you can bring to Lightcast Discovery.



Recruitment & Staffing Agencies: Lightcast Discovery does not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from candidates. The submission of unsolicited resumes by recruitment or staffing agencies to Lightcast or its employees is strictly prohibited unless contacted directly by Lightcast Discovery's internal Talent Acquisition team. Any resume submitted by an agency in the absence of a signed agreement will automatically become the property of Lightcast Discovery, and Lightcast Discovery will not owe any referral or other fees with respect thereto.