Quality Engineer – Manufacturing
Shape how quality is built in from day one. Define systems, manage risk, and ensure processes are controlled, documented, and ready for future regulatory requirements.
We usually respond within a week
About Us
Portal Biotech has built the world’s only platform capable of sequencing full-length proteins at the single-molecule level. Using our nanopore technology, we read intact proteins of any size, capturing both sequence and post-translational modifications in a way no other system can. This opens up entirely new ways to understand protein biology, with applications across drug discovery, diagnostics, and biosecurity.
Our technology works and customers are engaging. We’re now focused on scaling, turning breakthrough science into products that deliver real biological insight as we move beyond Series A towards global product launch
About the role
We are seeking a Quality Engineer to support and oversee manufacturing quality activities within our pilot manufacturing operation. Based at our London site and working closely with both the manufacturing team and the wider Quality organisation, this is a primarily on-site role combining hands-on involvement with the development of robust quality systems.
You will be responsible for ensuring manufacturing activities are controlled, documented, and compliant with quality system requirements. This role will support the development of a structured and audit-ready manufacturing environment aligned to ISO 9001, with progression toward ISO 13485.
In the early phase, this role will include active participation in manufacturing activities on the production line, ensuring quality systems and controls are developed based on real operational conditions.
Tasks and responsibilities
Review manufacturing records and support product release activities
Ensure manufacturing processes are documented, controlled, and consistently followed
Manage deviations, CAPA, and change control processes
Lead and maintain risk management activities (e.g. FMEA, ISO 14971 aligned)
Support design verification and validation activities, ensuring manufacturing considerations are captured
Own and maintain the Master Validation Plan (MVP) for manufacturing
Review and approve validation protocols and reports
Ensure manufacturing activities generate appropriate documentation and traceability
Maintain audit-ready records and support internal and external audits
Work closely with the central Quality organisation to ensure alignment with company quality systems
Support implementation and use of electronic quality management systems (eQMS) where applicable
Participate in manufacturing activities during early pilot phases to ensure effective quality oversight and process alignment
Qualifications
Degree in Engineering, Quality, Life Sciences, or a related discipline, or equivalent industrial experience
Proven experience in quality roles within manufacturing or regulated environments
Strong understanding of quality systems, including ISO 9001; exposure to ISO 13485 preferred
Experience with deviation management, CAPA, and change control
Track record in risk management methodologies (e.g. FMEA)
Experience supporting validation activities
Strong attention to detail and structured, methodical approach
Ability to work cross-functionally and influence without direct authority
Desirable
Proven experience in ISO 13485 and ISO 14971 environments
Hands-on experience with electronic Quality Management Systems (eQMS)
Background in computerised system validation or assurance
Exposure to pilot or early-stage manufacturing environments
Involvement in design validation activities within product development
Supporting audits or regulatory inspections
This is a hands-on role within an early-stage manufacturing team, where you will help build and refine processes based on real operational experience. You will play a key part in establishing robust, scalable systems that will underpin future manufacturing capability.
We offer a competitive salary and benefits package. If you are passionate about building robust manufacturing systems and contributing to the delivery of innovative scientific technologies, we encourage you to apply!
- Team
- QA/RA
- Locations
- London
About Portal Biotech
Founded by DNA-sequencing veterans, Portal Biotech is developing the first bench-top single-molecule protein sequencer, leveraging machine-learning algorithms and building on decades of in-house expertise in nanopore technology. By analysing full-length protein molecules at the single-molecule level, our platform delivers rapid, real-time information on protein identity, abundance, and structure. Those insights open frontiers in drug discovery, diagnostics, and fundamental research, helping scientists and clinicians to better understand human health and disease.