- Salary: £30–45k (experience dependent)
- Reports to: Chief Technology Officer
- Start date: July
- Role type: Full-time, on-site
About K3Metrology
K3Metrology is a deep-tech spin-out from the UK’s National Physical Laboratory (NPL), commercialising Metralis® — a next-generation, laser-based, large-volume coordinate measurement system developed over 15 years at the UK’s National Measurement Institute.
Metralis delivers real-time, multi-object tracking with sub-0.1 mm precision, SI traceability, and built-in uncertainty, enabling fully digital and automated manufacturing. The technology is backed by major industrial partners including aerospace primes and advanced clean energy companies.
The Junior Instrument Engineer will play an important role in supporting the development of the core technology and contributing to the engineering culture of the company.
Role overview
We’re looking for an early-career Instrument Engineer to join our team and help turn our technology into a commercial product.
This is a hands-on engineering role where you’ll contribute across hardware, testing, and system development. You’ll work closely with experienced engineers and gain a broad understanding of how a complex measurement system is designed, built, and tested.
You don’t need to know everything — we’re looking for someone curious, practical, and keen to learn.
What you’ll be doing
Hardware & system build
- Help build and improve hardware components.
- Support integration of sensors, electronics, and optical parts.
- Contribute to mechanical designs using CAD.
Testing & troubleshooting
- Help set up and run test rigs.
- Investigate issues and support problem-solving.
- Analyse test data and share findings with the team.
Early production
- Support building early versions of the product.
- Work with external suppliers and manufacturers.
- Help ensure products meet required standards (e.g. CE/UKCA).
Team collaboration
- Work with software engineers, physicists, and other engineers.
- Help document designs, tests, and processes.
- Support development of lab and workshop setups.
What we’re looking for
You don’t need to meet every requirement — we value potential and attitude.
Essential
- Degree in Mechanical, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Physics, Mechatronics, or similar.
- Some hands-on experience (e.g. university projects, placements, internships).
- Passionate about building, testing, and improving hardware systems that will shape our future.
Nice to have
- Experience with CAD.
- Basic programming (Python, MATLAB, etc.).
- Interest in measurement systems, sensors, or robotics.
Mindset
- Curious and willing to learn.
- Practical and enjoys solving problems.
- Comfortable working both independently and in a team.
What you’ll get
- Hands-on experience developing cutting-edge technology.
- The chance to grow with a fast-moving deep-tech company.
- Exposure to world-leading customers (e.g. aerospace and energy sectors).
- Opportunities to shape how the product and processes evolve.
- A supportive, learning-focused engineering culture.
What success looks like (first 12 months)
- You understand how the system works end-to-end.
- You’ve helped build and run reliable test setups.
- You’ve contributed to improving hardware and performance.
- You’ve become a trusted member of the engineering team.
Applicants must have the right to work in the UK and be able to successfully complete BPSS (Baseline Personnel Security Standard) screening.
To apply, email careers@k3metrology.com with your CV.