Mechanical Engineer, Early Research and Development

Mechanical Engineer, Early Research and Development ROCGJP00040395

• Hourly pay: $70
• Worksite: Leading biotechnology company (Santa Clara, CA 95050)
• W2 Employment, Group Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement Savings Program, PSL
• 40 hours/week, 6 Month Assignment

A leading biotechnology company is seeking a Mechanical Engineer, Early Research and Development, to support the design and development of next-generation DNA sequencing instrumentation. This hands-on role will focus on solving complex mechanical challenges related to electro-mechanical, pneumatic, thermal, and fluidic systems while contributing to highly integrated sequencing and automation platforms in a fast-paced R&D environment.

Mechanical Engineer, Early Research and Development Responsibilities:

• Lead the end-to-end design, development, integration, and testing of mechanical sub-systems, including electro-mechanical, pneumatic, thermal, and fluidic components for next-generation sequencing platforms.
• Develop novel mechanisms for automated reagent and flow cell loading, clamping, sealing, and thermal management while collaborating cross-functionally with electrical, consumables, materials, and systems integration teams.
• Drive subsystem ownership throughout integration, verification, troubleshooting, design reviews, and technical trade-off discussions to ensure performance, reliability, manufacturability, and project alignment.
• Create and maintain detailed CAD models, manufacturing drawings, specifications, and technical documentation while contributing to technical strategy, architecture decisions, and project execution timelines.
• Present technical progress, design rationale, performance data, and engineering recommendations to project teams and stakeholders while supporting innovation and continuous improvement initiatives.

Mechanical Engineer, Early Research and Development Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Bioengineering, or related discipline with 4+ years of relevant industry experience; OR
• Master’s degree with 2+ years of relevant industry experience; OR
• PhD with 1+ year of relevant industry experience.
• Hands-on experience designing, developing, and testing complex electro-mechanical, pneumatic, thermal, or fluidic systems, preferably for life science or diagnostic instrumentation.
• Strong proficiency with 3D CAD software such as SolidWorks and experience creating manufacturing drawings and designing for machining, injection molding, and additive manufacturing processes.
• Experience in troubleshooting complex issues involving hardware, software, and chemistry interfaces within multidisciplinary engineering environments.
• Proficiency with machine shop tools, test and measurement equipment, and rapid prototyping technologies such as 3D printers, laser cutters, and CNC mills/lathes.
• Strong problem-solving, organizational, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively in fast-paced and ambiguous environments.
• Experience with Python, LabVIEW, or similar tools for device control and data acquisition is preferred.
• Experience using simulation tools such as CFD or FEA to guide engineering decisions is preferred.
• Prior experience developing next-generation sequencing (NGS), genomics, or other regulated life science instrumentation is preferred.
• Experience working within regulated product development environments is preferred.