Sr. Mechanical Engineer
$150k - $170k USD
At Alamar, we are passionate about enabling our customers to make scientific discoveries that translate into clinical outcomes and benefit patients. Our team is growing quickly as we develop innovative approaches to measure critical protein biomarkers from liquid samples that can enable the earliest possible detection of disease. We believe the next frontier in biology is enabled by measuring proteins at higher sensitivity in highly multiplexed assays at the push of a button, which is something only Alamar can do. As we build our team, we seek collaborative, driven, intellectually curious people committed to solving complex challenges. Our culture rewards accountability and cross functional teamwork because we believe this enables the kind of breakthrough thinking that will accelerate our mission.
As a Senior Mechanical Engineer, you will play a critical role in sustaining our current proteomics instrument platform while driving the development of next-generation systems. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams—including R&D scientists, system engineers, software developers, and manufacturing experts—to ensure reliability, optimize performance, and innovate robust solutions. This role demands hands-on expertise, creative problem-solving, and a passion for advancing biotech instrumentation in a fast-paced startup environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Sustaining Engineering: Own mechanical reliability improvement projects (life testing, FMEA updates, failure analysis).
- Drive design changes via ECOs and partner with Manufacturing to validate fixes.
- Next-Generation Development: Build and bring‑up alpha/beta prototypes; define verification methods (gage R&R, test fixtures, acceptance criteria) and analyze results to iterate designs.
- Partner with Systems/Software/Vendor to integrate sensors/actuators; define interfaces, alignment/adjustment schemes, and calibration methods.
- CAD: Develop and maintain 3D CAD models and assemblies using SolidWorks. Release production drawings with full GD&T and critical‑to‑quality callouts.
- Hands-On Execution: Perform assembly, testing, and debugging in lab settings using diagnostic tools and equipment to verify functionality. Develop and validate testing or manufacturing fixtures.
- Documentation: own BOMs, CAD, and production drawings with full GD&T; ensure change of traceability, serviceability, backwards compatibility and smooth change management with CM.
- Manufacturing Integration: Identify advanced materials, suppliers and processes (e.g., injection molding, CNC machining, sheet metal fabrication) to improve cost-efficiency and system robustness.
Requirements:
- Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.
- Experience: 6+ years in mechanical engineering for biotech instrumentation, medical devices, or life sciences platforms (e.g., NGS sequencers, PCR analyzers, or protein detection systems), with expertise in both sustaining and developing complex electro-mechanical systems.
Technical Skills:
- Expert in 3D CAD modeling (SolidWorks preferred)
- Experience designing precision gantry systems (e.g., XY/XYZ): linear guides, belts/lead screws/ball screws, stepper/BLDC drives, kinematics and backlash management, alignment/calibration methods, tolerance analysis, and safety/interlocks.
- Expertise in mechanisms, materials, GD&T, and tolerance analysis.
- Proficiency in structured problem-solving, verification/validation (V&V), and risk management processes.
Soft Skills:
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, written, and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to collaborate across disciplines and present technical concepts clearly to non-experts.
- Proactive, adaptable, and thrive in a fast-paced startup environment with a strong sense of ownership.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Demonstrated ownership from concept → V&V → transfer to manufacturing → sustaining for a complex instrument or subsystem.
- Background in machined, sheet metal, and injection molded parts and their production tooling.
- Experience with biotech-specific challenges, such as integrating consumables, liquid-handling, or thermal control in high-throughput instruments.
- Knowledge of ISO 13485 and other regulatory standards for medical devices or diagnostics.
The base salary range for this full-time position is $150,000 - $170,000 + bonus + equity + benefits. Our salary ranges are determined by work location, job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. The ranges displayed on each job posting reflect the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries but are subject to change if the leveling of the role is adjusted. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range during the hiring process.