Mechanical Design Engineer (Mid-Senior Level)

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Position:  Mechanical Design Engineer (Mid-Senior Level)
Corporate Office:  San Ramon, California 
Relocation Assistance:  No – Relocation assistance is not available. This is an onsite position based in San Ramon, California. Remote and hybrid work arrangements are not available.
Closing:  We are continuously accepting applications to build a pool of qualified candidates. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications outlined in this announcement will be reviewed on an ongoing basis and may be considered for immediate hiring needs as well as future opportunities.
Application Screening Process:  Your application will not be considered if you fail to meet the minimum qualifications listed below or do not submit a detailed cover letter and resume as required for the application screening process. Candidates who are selected to move forward after the prescreening questionnaire will be required to complete a video introduction before advancing to the next stage of the hiring process.
Salary Range: $120,000–$150,000 annually. The starting salary for the selected candidate will be determined based on job-related, non-discriminatory factors, including skills, experience, qualifications, and geographic location. Starting salaries are typically positioned within the range and are not commonly offered at or near the maximum of the salary band.

Who You Are
You are an experienced mechanical engineer with demonstrated success designing and developing complex products, systems, or advanced instrumentation in a fast-paced environment. You possess strong technical aptitude, practical problem-solving skills, and the ability to quickly contribute to engineering projects with minimal supervision.

You have recent, hands-on experience using SOLIDWORKS to create detailed parts, assemblies, engineering drawings, and prototypes. You enjoy collaborating with cross-functional teams and are comfortable taking ownership of design tasks from concept through testing and implementation. You thrive in dynamic environments, communicate effectively, and are motivated by solving challenging technical problems.
Job Summary

The Mechanical Design Engineer is responsible for planning and executing mechanical engineering activities supporting the development of advanced instruments and related technologies. This role works closely with multidisciplinary teams to translate product requirements into innovative mechanical designs, working prototypes, and production-ready solutions.

The successful candidate will contribute throughout the product development lifecycle, including concept development, design, testing, verification, validation, and manufacturing support. This position offers opportunities to independently lead mechanical design efforts while collaborating with senior engineers and project teams on larger initiatives.

Job Responsibilities and Expectations
This is not necessarily an all-inclusive list of job-related responsibilities, duties, skills, efforts, requirements, or working conditions. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed as assigned.

• Design all advanced instrument parts and assemblies using SOLIDWORKS to meet specifications and for Design for Manufacturability (DFM) on integrated microfluidics, pneumatic, and liquid handling systems.

• Create test fixtures for Design of Experiments (DOE) as well as Verification, and Validation processes.

• Perform experimental testing and analyze resulting data.

• Lead project teams in the preparation of engineering inputs, cost estimates, schedules, and project management.

• Prepare for, and participate in, comprehensive design reviews.

• Evaluate performance at the component and system levels via both SOLIDWORKS modeling and hands-on experimental methods.

• Develop and execute component reliability and qualification tests.

• Develop quality procedures to support the manufacturing team in pilot builds and troubleshooting during production.

• Write engineering change orders on existing products to improve designs and correct problems.

• Meet deadlines, sustain superior personal task management, and deliver consistent high performance.

• Perform other department-specific duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline.
• 3-8+ years of professional mechanical engineering experience, with consideration given to the complexity of prior work, technical expertise, and demonstrated accomplishments.
• Recent, hands-on experience using SOLIDWORKS for mechanical design, assemblies, and engineering documentation.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical drawings, specifications, and engineering documentation.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with scientific instrumentation, laboratory automation, diagnostics, biotechnology, medical devices, or related product development environments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with microfluidic, pneumatic, liquid handling, or electromechanical systems
• Familiarity with DFM, DFA, and tolerance analysis
• Experience developing test fixtures and supporting verification and validation
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes such as machining, injection molding, sheet metal, and additive manufacturing
• Experience supporting pilot builds, production troubleshooting, and engineering change management

Physical Requirements
These physical requirements are not exhaustive, and additional job-related physical requirements may be added to these on an as-needed basis.

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while working at a computer, lab bench, or assembly station
• Ability to walk between office, laboratory, and light‑manufacturing areas throughout the workday
• Ability to lift, carry, and move equipment, prototypes, or components up to 25–40 lbs.
• Manual dexterity to assemble, adjust, and test small mechanical and microfluidic components
• Ability to use precision tools and instruments, including calipers, micrometers, torque drivers, and hand tools
• Ability to bend, reach, kneel, or crouch occasionally to access equipment, test setups, or storage areas
• Adequate vision and hand‑eye coordination for detailed inspection, assembly, and reading engineering drawings
• Able to work safely in laboratory environments, including wearing PPE such as safety glasses, gloves, and lab coats
• Ability to tolerate moderate noise levels typical of lab and light‑manufacturing environments
• Ability to handle chemicals, adhesives, and cleaning agents in accordance with safety guidelines
• Ability to travel occasionally for vendor visits, customer support, or field evaluations (if required)

What We Offer

At RheoSense, you can build an excellent job that grows into a meaningful and rewarding career. Our comprehensive benefits and workplace culture include:

• Financial stability through competitive compensation, performance incentives, and retirement plans
• Training and professional development to support long‑term career growth
• Health and welfare benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and wellness programs
• Paid Time Off (PTO) to support work–life balance
• Paid parental leave for both maternity and paternity
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with a company match of up to 4%
• Employee stock ownership (ISO) opportunities
• A collaborative, creative, inclusive, and engaging team environment

RheoSense is an equal‑opportunity employer and is committed to maintaining a diverse and inclusive workplace.

About RheoSense, Inc.

RheoSense, Inc. (RheoSense) is a leading scientific instrumentation company specializing in high‑precision microfluidic viscosity measurement technology. Our innovative VROC® platform is trusted by researchers, engineers, and scientists across biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, materials science, and advanced manufacturing.

We are committed to delivering accurate, reliable, and user‑friendly measurement solutions that empower our customers to accelerate discovery, improve product performance, and drive scientific advancement.

At RheoSense, we foster a collaborative, fast‑moving environment where innovation, continuous improvement, and customer focus guide everything we do. As we continue to grow, we’re looking for talented individuals who are excited to contribute to cutting‑edge technology and make a meaningful impact in the scientific community.