Mechatronics Engineer I

Ginkgo Bioworks Inc.•Boston, MA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Ginkgo is hiring a Mechatronics Engineer I for its in-house automation and integration team. The team designs, develops, and deploys automation solutions for internal labs and external customers, and provides expertise and support for deployed systems. The role is based at Ginkgo’s Boston headquarters and supports Nebula, described as the world’s largest autonomous lab, as well as development of technology for internal initiatives and external customers. The engineer will learn the RAC system’s technology and contribute to new accessories, instrument integrations, and product areas for the Autonomous Lab. Working closely with biologists, software developers, and engineers, the role advances hardware and supports software infrastructure for walkaway automation in laboratory applications. The work includes developing custom hardware, designing and programming robot trajectories, managing part fabrication, inventory, and assembly, collecting and evaluating test data, and producing integration documentation. Projects span multiple areas, so the role involves variety and shifting priorities in an agile environment. The engineer is expected to own projects from concept through delivery and second-tier support. The posting notes that SolidWorks, coding, and robotics experience are pluses, and strongly encourages applicants to provide a portfolio or examples of SolidWorks designs and/or robot trajectory programming work.

Requirements

BS or MS in Mechanical, Mechatronics, Systems, or Robotics Engineering, or equivalent.
Experience designing a complex custom mechatronic system, including mechanical and electronic component specification and selection, custom part design, and assembly.
Experience using a 3D CAD tool such as SolidWorks, Autodesk Inventor, or OnShape to model parts and assemblies from scratch.
Experience reading and producing 2D manufacturing drawings.
Experience with basic electronics debugging and system troubleshooting techniques.
Experience with data collection and analysis techniques.
Windows proficiency and fluency with productivity software, including spreadsheets, word processing, and presentation tools.
Keen attention to detail, willingness to learn, and commitment to producing high-quality work.
Ability to work across mechanical, electrical, and software domains.
Portfolio or examples of SolidWorks designs and/or robot trajectory programming work are strongly encouraged.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with laboratory automation equipment fundamentals, including liquid handlers from Agilent, Hamilton, and Beckman/Labcyte, plate sealers, and bulk dispensers.
Experience with conveyor or transport systems, such as MagneMotion or similar systems.
Demonstrable fabrication experience or hands-on workshop skills.
Experience with robot teaching, programming, or simulation.
Experience with scripting or coding in Python or JavaScript, command-line navigation, and version control or code repositories such as Git.
Experience with SolidWorks.
Coding or robotics experience.

Responsibilities

Lead the design, development, and deployment of projects that support Ginkgo’s autonomous lab product.
Own end-to-end SolidWorks CAD design for custom mechatronic assemblies, including detailed drawings and PDM Vault management.
Manage mechanical bill-of-material accuracy and revision control within Aligni PLM.
Participate in team design reviews, provide and receive feedback, and give detailed asynchronous reviews of peer engineers’ 3D designs and the Drafting team’s 2D drawings.
Design, program, and optimize trajectories for industrial six-axis robot arms to ensure safe, repeatable, and efficient movement in workcell environments.
Collaborate with biologists on automation equipment design and operation, translating scientific requirements into robust engineering solutions.
Work with vendors to source components and understand vendor needs and capabilities.
Support change management and upgrade or retrofit deployment across existing enclosures and hardware configurations, balancing standardization with the needs of a diverse installed base.
Support performance evaluation, optimization, and maintenance of Nebula.
Support RAC deployments to external customers and expansion of in-house RAC installations.
Develop custom hardware solutions, manage fabrication, inventory, and assembly of parts, gather and evaluate test data, and produce design documentation.