Cambridge, UK (on-site) Position Type: Internship (6 months, full-time, with potential to transfer to a full-time role)
At Engivent, we are driven by impact and bring excellence to meaningful challenges, focusing on industries such as life sciences and agri‑tech by combining expertise in automation, AI, microfluidics, and synthetic biology. Engivent is growing, and we’re looking for a Microfluidics Engineer to design, build and integrate next‑generation microfluidic hardware. If you excel at turning concepts into reliable devices and enjoy bridging engineering with biology, we encourage you to apply.
As a Microfluidics Engineer you will develop the physical components that power Engivent’s hardware and automated discovery platforms. You will design microfluidic architectures, fabricate prototypes with soft lithography, 3‑D printing, micromachining and injection moulding. You will integrate pumps, valves and sensors, and validate performance with modelling and bench testing. Evidence of rigorous problem solving—whether gained through employment, research projects or competitive engineering challenges—is considered more important than formal credentials.
Create 2‑D/3‑D CAD layouts for microfluidic chips, manifolds and interfaces.
build electronic control boards where needed.
Testing & troubleshooting : diagnose and resolve leaks, clogs or performance drift.
Automation support : Work with software and robotics engineers to integrate microfluidic modules into high‑throughput workcells; uphold lab safety and engineering best practices.
We welcome exceptional engineering talent who have no experience in microfluidics but are eager to learn.
Demonstrated experience tackling hard engineering problems, such as building a custom microfluidic or MEMS device, leading a complex prototyping project or competing in design challenges.
BEng/BSc/MSc/PhD (or demonstrable equivalent experience) in Mechanical Engineering, Bioengineering, Physics, Chemical Engineering or a related field.
Proficiency with CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Fusion 360, AutoCAD ) and at least one rapid‑fabrication method (soft lithography, resin 3‑D printing, CNC micromilling).
Working knowledge of fluid mechanics and basic FEM/CFD analysis.
Hands‑on experience with flow‑control hardware (pressure pumps, syringe pumps, valves) and basic electronics assembly.
Working knowledge of Python /C++ particularly for microcontroller programming and digital signal processing.
Ability to communicate findings clearly in spoken and written English.
Bonus Skills and Experiences
Droplet or digital microfluidics workflows.
PCB design and microcontroller programming (Arduino, STM32, Raspberry Pi).
Experience with laboratory‑automation interfaces (Opentrons, PLC).
Contributions to open‑source hardware or publications in relevant technical fields.
Interest in working across interdisciplinary teams, with a focus on impactful industries such as life sciences and agri-tech.
Career‑Acceleration Opportunities
Showcase your science worldwide. Present at conferences or visit partner labs abroad - travel is encouraged but never compulsory.
Work at the crossroads of biology, automation & AI. Sit beside biologists and data scientists, join cross‑functional sprints, and broaden your skills beyond engineering.
We’ll actively fund the experiments, generate PoC studies and explore commercial pathways with you.