Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical Engineer -- Early Research and Development 
Location: Santa Clara, CA
Duration: 6 months

We are seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead the mechanical design, development, characterization, and integration of cutting-edge sequencing systems.

This is a hands-on role for a multidisciplinary expert focused on solving the core mechanical challenges at the heart of our next-generation platforms. You will be responsible for concepting, designing, building, and testing novel electro-mechanical, pneumatic, thermal, and fluidic solutions that ensure the ultimate performance, reliability, and longevity of our systems.

The Principal Mechanical Engineer will play a vital role in driving innovation for our next-generation instrumentation. We are looking for someone that exhibits a high degree of motivation, independence, and resourcefulness to help us develop solutions to novel DNA Sequencing and automation challenges in a fast-paced and collaborative environment.

Core Responsibilities

• You will lead the end-to-end mechanical design and development of mechanical sub-systems including electro-mechanical, pneumatic, fluidic, and thermal components.
• You will collaborate with engineers from other disciplines (electrical, consumables, materials) to define and manage all critical technical interfaces for your module.
• You will develop novel mechanisms for automated reagent and flow cell loading, clamping, and sealing, ensuring reliability over repeated use.
• You will architect and design thermal control systems, including the specification and integration of heating/cooling elements, sensors, condensation control, and heat management.
• You will partner with internal and external simulation experts to guide and validate CFD, thermal, and optical models, using empirical data to refine designs.
• You will serve as the primary technical expert for your sub-system during integration, verification, and troubleshooting activities, working directly with the Systems Integration team.
• You will lead cross-functional design reviews, driving alignment and resolving technical trade-offs between mechanical design, consumables, materials, and assay requirements.
• You will drive the technical execution for sub-systems, manage timelines for your design deliverables, and contribute to the overall project plan.
• You will create and maintain all design documentation for your sub-systems, including detailed CAD models, drawings, and specifications.
• You will contribute to the technical strategy for the future integrated system, providing data-driven recommendations on architecture and technology choices based on your sub-system's performance.
• You will present technical progress, data, and design trade-offs to the broader project team and key stakeholders, clearly articulating the rationale and impact of engineering decisions.

Who You Are:

• You have a PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Bioengineering, or a related discipline with at least 3 years of relevant industry experience; or a Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Bioengineering, or a related discipline with at least 4 years of relevant industry experience; or a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Bioengineering, or a related discipline with at least 7 years of relevant industry experience.
• You have demonstrated deep, hands-on expertise in the design, development, and testing of complex mechanical, electro-mechanical, and pneumatic systems, preferably for life science or diagnostic instrumentation.
• You have demonstrated hands-on expertise in thermal management and the design of precision temperature control systems.
• You have experience developing fluidics systems and their interfaces including pumps, valves, tubing, sensors, and material selection.
• You possess strong proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks) for detailed design and the creation of manufacturing drawings.
• You have expertise designing components for a variety of manufacturing processes (e.g., machining, injection molding, 3D printing).
• You are a creative and resourceful problem-solver, with the ability to troubleshoot complex issues at the interface of hardware, software, and chemistry.
• You are proficient with common machine shop tools, as well as test and measurement equipment; proficient with rapid prototyping technology such as 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC mills/lathes, etc; and
• You have a demonstrated level of proficiency with Python, LabVIEW, or similar tools for device control and data acquisition.

Preferred:

• You have demonstrated the ability to lead technical projects and mentor junior engineers, providing clear guidance and delegating tasks to achieve project goals.
• You have experience using simulation tools (CFD, FEA) to guide design decisions.
• You have previously worked on the development of next-generation sequencing (NGS) or other genomics instrumentation.
• You have experience working in a regulated product development environment
• You have demonstrated strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to communicate technical knowledge in a clear and understandable manner, especially to non-experts; you excel at problem-solving skills and the ability to work under ambiguous situations.
• You have excellent organizational skills, including the ability to efficiently evaluate, prioritize and handle multiple changing projects and priorities; you complete work in a timely, accurate and thorough manner.