NPI Manufacturing Engineer

Help build the manufacturing capability behind the next generation of opto-chemical sensors.

Mode Labs is developing autonomous opto-chemical sensing systems for remote environmental monitoring. We are looking for a driven, collaborative engineer to help industrialise our first commercial sensor platform and help deliver it into customers' hands.

As our first NPI Engineer, you will work closely with R&D and engineering colleagues to take evolving designs from prototype through pilot builds and into repeatable, controlled production. You will take ownership of defined manufacturing processes, tooling, documentation and test activities, while coordinating pilot-build work and supporting the product’s transfer into production.

This is a varied, hands‑on role spanning product build and test, process development, tooling and manufacturing data. You will own defined work packages and play a central part in establishing a safe, repeatable and scalable production capability.

NPI and Industrialisation

• Coordinate pilot and pre‑production build activities, capturing issues, actions and learning between build iterations.
• Provide practical design‑for‑manufacture, design‑for‑assembly and design‑for‑test input across optical, mechanical, electronic, fluidic and sensing‑chemistry interfaces.
• Review designs, bills of materials, specifications and production documentation with engineering colleagues, identifying manufacturing issues and documentation gaps.

Manufacturing Process and Quality

• Develop, document and release assembly, inspection, calibration and end‑of‑line test processes.
• Design or specify tooling, jigs, fixtures and test equipment required for repeatable production.
• Establish appropriate process controls, acceptance criteria, traceability and production records.
• Investigate build and test failures using structured root‑cause analysis, implementing effective corrective actions with engineering and quality colleagues.

Suppliers and Delivery

• Work with suppliers and manufacturing partners on process development, component quality, supplier readiness and manufacturing transfer.
• Support engineering change control, ensuring changes are implemented accurately in production documentation, tooling, inventory and supplier processes.
• Maintain safe, organised and appropriate production environments, including cleanliness or contamination controls where required.
• Support the on‑time delivery of high‑quality products while contributing to a culture of safety, quality and continuous improvement.

During your first 12 months, you will have:

• Developed strong hands‑on knowledge of the product's assembly, calibration and test processes.
• Contributed effectively to pilot and pre‑production builds and delivery of finished products.
• Produced and maintained clear work instructions, test procedures and build records for assigned processes.
• Delivered practical tooling, fixture or test improvements that improve repeatability and ease of manufacture.
• Helped put traceability and manufacturing data collection into routine use.
• Used build data and structured problem solving to deliver measurable improvements in yield, repeatability, cycle time or quality.

You will thrive in a small, passionate team and enjoy turning evolving designs into practical, reliable production processes. You are comfortable moving between hands‑on build work, data‑led problem solving, technical documentation and cross‑functional collaboration, and you are keen to grow your NPI experience.

You may have an HND, degree or apprenticeship in a relevant engineering or scientific discipline, or an equivalent path through practical industry experience.

Essential Experience

• Typically two or more years' relevant…