---
title: 'Engineer / Sr. Engineer at Unchained Labs'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/engineer-sr-engineer-unchained-labs-gent-52q4ttk2mgeh'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-11-11'
---

# Engineer / Sr. Engineer at Unchained Labs

- **Company:** Unchained Labs
- **Location:** Gent, Belgium
- **Posted:** 2026-10-13
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-11-11
- **Apply:** https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/unchainedlabs/jobs/8886102002

## Job description

The Top Line

Here’s the deal. We’re all about helping researchers break free from tools that just don’t cut it. Unleashing problem-tackling solutions that make a huge difference in the real science they do every day.  That’s our mantra, our promise and we own it. Our tribe is different. We thrive on moving fast, taking risks and persevering through failure.  We embrace the unknown and we are happy to make mistakes.  We are there for each other and we crave diversity because we know that building a truly diverse tribe will make us better at everything.

The Job

Come work with an all-star product development team to make tools that solve our customers’ most pressing needs. Work on a wide range of products and technologies, right from the early stages all the way to the final launch, developing cool solutions and overcoming technical challenges along the way. Get gritty: determine what the system needs, run tests, troubleshoot problems and make things work. You will be part of a small team that covers all the different disciplines that come into play when developing a new instrument (hardware, software, science, algorithms, etc.). This is a great opportunity to work in a fun and challenging environment where you can make a real impact.

## Responsibilities

- Work with mechanical designers on prototyping and developing new hardware
- Build small software tools to help test or calibrate the hardware
- Work closely with the manufacturing engineer to support the transfer to production
- Report progress in weekly meetings
- Be ready to be part of a multidisciplinary team and contribute wherever you can

## Qualifications

- Master or equivalent in Engineering field
- Exceptional problem-solving skills
- Analytical mindset
- Fluent in Dutch and English
- Experience in programming or strong will to learn
- LabVIEW experience/knowledge is an asset but not required
- SolidWorks/Onshape knowledge are a plus
- Excellent documentation, organizational, teamwork, troubleshooting, problem solving, and communication skills

Location and Compensation

This is a full-time, onsite position in Ghent, Belgium. The gross monthly salary range is €4,000–€5,000, depending on experience and level. Benefits include €10 meal vouchers, medical insurance and group insurance.

## About Unchained Labs

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: Unchained Labs provides tools and AI-driven automation for biologics and gene therapy researchers to characterize, process, and analyze complex molecules.
- **Entity Type**: Private (Acquired by The Carlyle Group in 2021)
- **Headquarters**: Pleasanton, California, United States
- **Founded**: 2015
- **Founders**: Tim Harkness (CEO)

## Core Business
- **Primary industry**: Life science tools, biotechnology research
- **Target customers**: Biologics and gene therapy researchers in pharma, biotech, and academia (B2B)
- **Mission statement**: “Be the go-to biologics and gene therapy tools supplier” with a path to “Uncover big scientific problems. Solve them. Period.” [unchainedlabs.com](https://www.unchainedlabs.com/about-unchained-labs/)

## Products & Services
Unchained Labs offers a wide range of instruments and software for sample preparation, characterization, and automation. Key offerings include:

- **Stuntman**: AI-driven, fundamentally flexible automation platform that turns plain-language intent into action, plans experiments, guides closed-loop automation, and interprets results. [unchainedlabs.com](https://www.unchainedlabs.com/)
- **Leprechaun**: Plate-based DSF (Differential Scanning Fluorimetry) and light scattering platform for protein stability.
- **Stunner / Stunner AF**: Single-particle biophysical characterization tool for lentivirus, exosomes, and nanoparticles.
- **Lunatic**: Plate-based UV/Vis tool for biologics and genomics.
- **Honeybun**: Low-volume viscometer for biologics.
- **Aunty**: Stability characterization platform for ADCs and biologics.
- **Big Tuna / Unagi**: Automated buffer exchange and UF/DF systems.
- **Sunbather**: GMP-ready nanoparticle production system.
- **Sunshine / Sunscreen**: Nanoparticle synthesis platforms for formulation screening and process development.

## Market Standing
- **Valuation / Market Cap**: Not publicly disclosed (acquired by The Carlyle Group in 2021 for $435 M) [linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/company/unchained-labs)
- **Key Metric**: Annual revenue of $60 M (estimated) [linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/company/unchained-labs)
- **Total Funding**: $285 M across multiple rounds, including Series A (Novo Ventures, TPG Biotech), Series B, C, D, and debt financing from Silicon Valley Bank [linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/company/unchained-labs)
- **Notable Investors / Partners**: The Carlyle Group (parent), Novo Ventures, TPG Biotech, Silicon Valley Bank
- **Growth Signals**: Headcount of 166 employees (‑11.1% YoY), operations in 9 countries; recent product launches include Stuntman (AI automation), Sunbather (GMP nanoparticle production), and Stunner AF; acquisitions of AVIA Biosystems, Nanoview Biosciences, Blacktrace Ltd., Rap.ID, and Trinean to expand capabilities [linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/company/unchained-labs) [unchainedlabs.com](https://www.unchainedlabs.com/)

## Competitive Advantages
- **Broad portfolio** covering characterization, buffer exchange, nanoparticle synthesis, and AI-driven automation – a one-stop shop for biologics and gene therapy workflows.
- **AI-driven automation** with Stuntman reduces manual intervention and accelerates experimental design and execution.
- **Deep focus on gene therapy and LNP** (lipid nanoparticle) applications with dedicated tools like Stunner, Sunbather, and Sunshine.
- **Private equity backing** from Carlyle provides capital for acquisitions and R&D without quarterly earnings pressure.

## Strategic Focus
- **Expand AI-driven automation**: Stuntman represents a shift toward autonomous lab workflows, capturing structured data and enabling closed-loop experimentation.
- **Strengthen gene therapy and LNP offerings**: New products like Sunbather and Stunner AF target the growing demand for GMP-compliant nanoparticle production and characterization.
- **Continue M&A integration**: Absorbing acquired companies (e.g., Nanoview, Blacktrace) to fill technology gaps and broaden customer reach.

## Why Work Here
- **Culture**: Unchained Labs describes itself as fast-paced, autonomous, and accountable. “We move fast and expect a lot. … If a fast pace, autonomy, flexibility and real responsibility float your boat, check out our open positions.” [job-boards.greenhouse.io](https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/unchainedlabs)
- **Team philosophy**: “The right group of people can accomplish anything.” Emphasis on “we, not I” and persistence. [unchainedlabs.com](https://www.unchainedlabs.com/about-unchained-labs/)
- **Work model**: Hybrid/office presence at headquarters in Pleasanton, CA, and field roles across the US, UK, Germany, Japan, and other countries.
- **Engineering culture**: Software engineers work on cutting-edge automation and AI; roles in manufacturing, field service, and sales also available.
- **Recent departures** (e.g., Director of Engineering, HR Director) may indicate organizational change, but the company continues to hire for key positions (Software Engineer, Field Automation Scientist, Sr. Manufacturing Engineer) [linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/company/unchained-labs) [job-boards.greenhouse.io](https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/unchainedlabs)

## Sources
1. [unchainedlabs.com](https://www.unchainedlabs.com/) – Product overview, news, and company description
2. [unchainedlabs.com/about-unchained-labs](https://www.unchainedlabs.com/about-unchained-labs/) – Mission, vision, and values
3. [unchainedlabs.com/jobs](https://www.unchainedlabs.com/jobs/) – Culture and open positions
4. [job-boards.greenhouse.io/unchainedlabs](https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/unchainedlabs) – Current job listings
5. [linkedin.com/company/unchained-labs](https://www.linkedin.com/company/unchained-labs) – Revenue, headcount, funding, acquisitions, and employee data

## Other roles at Unchained Labs

- [Digital Demand Specialist](https://feeny.ai/job/digital-demand-specialist-unchained-labs-bay-area-ny6dfyjmt8xc) — Bay Area
- [Engineering Technician](https://feeny.ai/job/engineering-technician-unchained-labs-pleasanton-absj49ne1zyk) — Pleasanton, CA
- [Materials Handler - Temp, Belgium](https://feeny.ai/job/materials-handler-temp-belgium-unchained-labs-belgium-8am2he8m8h7w) — Belgium
- [Field Application Scientist, Northeast/Mid-Atlantic](https://feeny.ai/job/field-application-scientist-northeast-mid-atlantic-unchained-labs-east-w5zwj5rbb9c7) — East, United States
- [Field Service Engineer, Japan](https://feeny.ai/job/field-service-engineer-japan-unchained-labs-asia-field-t90q5nn8tzra) — Asia Field