Principal Mechanical Engineer, Fluidics Research & Early Development

At Roche you can show up as yourself, embraced for the unique qualities you bring. Our culture encourages personal expression, open dialogue, and genuine connections,  where you are valued, accepted and respected for who you are, allowing you to thrive both personally and professionally. This is how we aim to prevent, stop and cure diseases and ensure everyone has access to healthcare today and for generations to come. Join Roche, where every voice matters.

At Roche, we are developing the next-generation of sequencing systems. By accelerating clinical research, streamlining workflows, and expanding assay menus, we are also broadening access to genomic data and lowering barriers to adoption. From robust sample isolation and preparation tools to novel sequencing technology and advanced bioinformatics, we are developing differentiated, highly integrated end-to-end solutions for next-generation sequencing workflows.

Our Systems Technology Group, a part of Roche Sequencing Solutions, is focused on creating and advancing technologies to significantly enhance DNA sequencing workflows. We are seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to contribute to the design, development, characterization, and integration of cutting-edge sequencing systems.This is a hands-on role focused on solving the fluidic and consumable challenges at the heart of our next-generation platforms. We are looking for someone who exhibits a high degree of motivation, independence, and resourcefulness to help us develop solutions to our automation challenges in a fast-paced and collaborative environment.

Core Responsibilities:

• Contribute to architecture, design, research and early development of specialized consumables and mating mechanisms. 

• Contribute to the layout, prototyping, and characterization of new fluidic circuits and architectures.

• Design, build, and assemble custom test fixtures to support testing of fluidic subsystems and novel consumables.

• Translate high-level system and assay requirements into fluidic schematics, system architectures and concepts to evaluate, compare, and downselect design paths.

• Create and maintain comprehensive design documentation for your sub-systems, including detailed 3D CAD models, manufacturing drawings, and material specifications with a focus on chemical compatibility and robustness.

• Conduct cross-functional design reviews. Present progress, data, and engineering decisions clearly to stakeholders.

This position is based on-site in Santa Clara, CA. (This is not a hybrid position.)
Relocation benefits are not being offered for this role.

Who You Are
(Required)

• You have a degree in Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related discipline, with relevant years of industry experience (7+ years for a Bachelor's, 5+ years for a Master's, or 3+ years for a PhD).

• You have demonstrated hands-on experience designing, developing, and testing complex fluidic manifolds, consumable interfaces, or moving mechanisms, preferably for life science or diagnostic instrumentation.

• You have a high level of proficiency with Python for device control, automated test bench execution, and data acquisition/analysis.

• You have a strong background in experimental design for fluidic characterization.

• You have a high level of proficiency with machine shop tools, measurement equipment, and rapid prototyping technologies. 

• You have demonstrated expertise in SolidWorks for detailed assembly design and the creation of manufacturing drawings.

• You have demonstrated troubleshooting skills, with a solid understanding of physics, chemistry and engineering fundamentals.

Preferred:
 

• You have experience with plastic bonding techniques and injection molding principles.

• You have experience utilizing CFD or FEA tools to guide fluidic and thermal design decisions.

• You have experience developing DNA sequencing, DNA synthesizers and other complex fluidic automation instrumentation.

• You have experience using diagramming tools to map out fluidic architectures and explain complex mechanical-to-chemistry interfaces to non-experts.

• You have a demonstrated track record of acting as the engineering bridge between scientists and the hardware/consumables team.

• You have excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple project tracks efficiently and thrive in ambiguous, fast-paced environments.

• You understand the sequencing space with the ability to speak to technical, business, and market trends.

• You have experience with advanced microfabrication techniques, including lithography, thin-film deposition and wet etching of metals and inorganic materials.

• You have experience with optical systems and image analysis for detection and inspection of parts and the monitoring of dynamic processes

The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of Santa Clara, CA is $110,600 - $205,500.  Actual pay will be determined based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other job-related factors permitted by law.  We encourage all qualified applicants to apply. The role's level (& title) may be adjusted based on experience and qualifications.

A discretionary annual bonus may be available based on individual and Company performance.

This position also qualifies for the benefits detailed at the link provided below.

Benefits

A healthier future drives us to innovate. Together, more than 100’000 employees across the globe are dedicated to advance science, ensuring everyone has access to healthcare today and for generations to come. Our efforts result in more than 26 million people treated with our medicines and over 30 billion tests conducted using our Diagnostics products. We empower each other to explore new possibilities, foster creativity, and keep our ambitions high, so we can deliver life-changing healthcare solutions that make a global impact.

Let’s build a healthier future, together.

Roche is an equal opportunity employer. It is our policy and practice to employ, promote, and otherwise treat any and all employees and applicants on the basis of merit, qualifications, and competence. The company's policy prohibits unlawful discrimination, including but not limited to, discrimination on the basis of Protected Veteran status, individuals with disabilities status, and consistent with all federal, state, or local laws.

If you have a disability and need an accommodation in relation to the online application process, please contact us by completing this form Accommodations for Applicants.