Research & Development Engineer II-III

Coherence; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading medical device company in Cambridge seeks a Research and Development Engineer II-III to contribute to groundbreaking medical technologies. The role involves designing implant-system interface boards, validating PCB assemblies for neural stimulation, and supporting mechanical prototyping. Applicants should have a degree in Electronic Engineering and over 3 years of experience in designing low-noise electronic circuits. Ideal candidates thrive in dynamic environments and possess strong problem-solving and communication skills. Competitive salary and benefits offered.

Benefits

Competitive salary and share options

Daily meals provided

Professional development support

Flexible working hours

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in electronic circuit design for low-noise systems.
• Experience with ECAD tools and PCB design.
• Comfortable working in fast-paced research environments.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement implant-system interface boards.
• Prototype and validate PCB assemblies for neural stimulation.
• Conduct root-cause analysis of device failures.

Skills

Design and develop analog/digital electronic circuits

PCB design constraints

Embedded firmware development

Rapid mechanical design and prototyping

Strong analytical and problem-solving

Communication and teamwork

Education

Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in Electronic Engineering

Tools

Altium

Cadence

Job description

Coherence Neuro is a fast-growing, venture-backed company pioneering implantable technologies that interface with the human body to address critical unmet medical needs. We're looking for driven individuals who are passionate about pushing the boundaries of engineering and science to solve some of the most complex biological challenges. In this early-stage environment, we seek versatile team members with a hands-on approach and a willingness to learn quickly and adapt. We value diversity and encourage applicants from all backgrounds to join us in our mission. Learn about our team here !

We are building a robust translational research pipeline and looking for a detail-orientated and ambitious Research and Development Engineer II-III who is excited to contribute to the research and development of novel medical devices targeting the nervous system.

The successful candidate will work closely with our surgical and data scientists across our preclinical research team to deliver implantable hardware. You must be comfortable in a fast-paced start-up environment where requirements and designs evolve rapidly. We are seeking someone with prior experience designing electronic hardware for low-power miniaturised applications, who is also able to support mechanical prototyping of our preclinical hardware.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement implant–system interface boards, including micro-connectors, flex PCB adapters, custom headstages, breakouts, adapter boards, and tethered/wireless interposers.
• Design and validate PCB assemblies for neural stimulation, including programmable drivers, charge-balancing circuits, compliance voltage management, and stimulation-safe protection networks.
• Prototype, assemble, and bring up multi-layer PCBs, perform schematic capture, layout review, component selection, soldering/rework, and hardware verification.
• Develop hardware test plans and run board-level characterisation using oscilloscopes, function generators, impedance analysers, and specialised neurotech instrumentation.
• Build and refine full hardware prototypes, including PCB assembly and mechanical components.
• Develop and test mechanical prototypes using rapid-prototyping methods (3D printing, laser cutting, basic machining), working collaboratively with surgical collaborators on implant form factors and fixtures.
• Work with external fabrication partners, PCB manufacturers, and component suppliers.
• Develop and maintain benchtop test setups, jigs, and automated test rigs for device characterisation.
• Conduct root-cause analysis of device failures (electrical, mechanical, packaging, or interface-related) and implement design improvements.
• Maintain well-organized and detailed design records and documentation.
• Contribute to cross-functional projects alongside data scientists, preclinical researchers, and other engineers.

Required Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in Electronic Engineering, Mechatronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or equivalent.
• 3+ years of experience designing and developing analog/digital electronic circuits, ideally for low-noise, low-power, or miniaturised systems.
• Experience with ECAD tools (Altium, Cadence) and an understanding of PCB design constraints.
• Experience with embedded firmware development, including timing-critical and low-power design.
• Experience with rapid mechanical design and prototyping using 3D printing, laser cutting, and machining.
• Adaptability to fast-paced research with dynamic priorities.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively in a interdisciplinary environment.
• Strong analytical, documentation, and problem-solving abilities.

Bonus Skills

• Experience with RF communication and wireless power delivery systems.
• Direct experience with neural recording or stimulation hardware in animal or clinical applications.
• Familiarity with neural recording/stimulating systems, stimulation hardware, or custom current/voltage driver circuitry.
• Understanding of hermeticity, packaging, low-noise electronics, or flexible PCB design.
• Experience designing devices for rodent or large-animal testing environments.

Reporting Structure

This role is an integral part of the Research Engineering team and reports directly to the Lead R&D Engineer.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and share options.
• Daily meals provided.
• Professional development support and training opportunities.
• Flexible working hours and travel opportunities (We have sites in Australia, UK and US!).
• A chance to work on impactful, life-changing technologies in a dynamic, innovative environment.

If you are passionate about innovation in healthcare, we would love to hear from you! Please submit your application here.