Mechatronics Engineer I

Ginkgo Bioworks•Boston, MA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Ginkgo is hiring a Mechatronics Engineer I for its in-house automation and integration team, which designs, develops, and deploys automation solutions for internal labs and external customers and supports 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 technology development for internal initiatives and external customers. The engineer will contribute to RAC system technology, accessories, instrument integrations, and new product areas. Working with biologists, software developers, and other engineers, the role translates scientific needs into hardware and software-enabled automation solutions. Work spans mechanical, electrical, and software domains and includes custom hardware development, robot trajectory design and programming, parts fabrication and assembly management, testing and analysis, and integration documentation. The engineer is expected to own projects from concept through delivery and second-tier support. Day-to-day work involves multiple projects and shifting priorities in an agile environment.

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 high-quality work.
Ability to work across mechanical, electrical, and software domains and manage varied projects in an environment with shifting priorities.

Nice To Haves

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

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 BOM accuracy and revision control within Aligni PLM.
Participate in team design reviews, provide and receive feedback, and provide detailed asynchronous reviews of peers’ 3D designs and the Drafting team’s 2D drawings.
Design, program, and optimize robot trajectories for industrial six-axis robot arms to ensure safe, repeatable, and efficient motion 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 the performance evaluation, optimization, and maintenance of Nebula.
Support RAC deployments to external customers and expansion of in-house RAC installations.
Manage fabrication, inventory, and assembly of parts; gather test data, perform evaluations, and produce design documentation for product integration.