Prototyping Engineer, Automation & Hardware

Biosphere • Oakland, CA

2d

About The Position

Biosphere is seeking an early-career Prototyping Engineer to build, wire, modify, and troubleshoot physical prototypes and test rigs for the R&D team developing bioreactor technology. The work ranges from benchtop setups to pilot reactors and may include wiring control panels, plumbing skids, and diagnosing sensor problems. The engineer will work alongside other engineers and learn how industrial fermentation equipment is designed, built, and operated.

Requirements

• Have built functional physical things through school, work, or personal projects.
• Be able to wire and troubleshoot basic electrical and control systems.
• Have programmed a PLC, Arduino, Raspberry Pi, or similar device.
• Be handy with tools; machining or fabrication experience is ideal.
• Have worked with bioreactors, fermenters, or other lab or process equipment in a lab, brewery, food or biotech plant, or similar setting.
• Take safety seriously around electricity, pressure, steam, compressed gases, and chemicals.
• Have a degree in mechanical, electrical, chemical, or biological engineering, mechatronics, or equivalent hands-on experience.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with industrial automation tools such as CODESYS, Siemens, or SCADA and HMI tools such as Ignition.
• Experience with sanitary process hardware, including tri-clamp fittings, diaphragm valves, and cleaning in place.
• Experience building or running fermentation or cell culture equipment.

Responsibilities

• Build and modify prototypes, test rigs, and bioreactor systems, including mechanical assembly, sanitary fittings and tubing, pumps, valves, heaters, and gas lines.
• Wire and program small control systems, including PLCs and microcontrollers, motor drivers, sensors, and mass flow controllers.
• Run experiments and maintain clean data and build records.
• Troubleshoot and repair equipment.
• Document equipment builds with wiring diagrams, parts lists, and procedures.
• Help commission new equipment and keep lab and pilot systems running.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation through a mix of salary and equity.
• Unlimited paid vacation and sick/leave days, plus public holidays.
• Comprehensive health insurance for employees and their dependents, including dental and vision.
• Paid family leave.
• Membership at Pacific Pipe Climbing gym next door.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed