Prototyping Engineer, Automation & Hardware

Biosphere • Oakland, CA

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About The Position

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

The role involves assembling mechanical systems and sanitary process hardware; wiring and programming small control systems; running experiments and maintaining clean data and build records; documenting equipment; helping commission new equipment; and keeping laboratory and pilot systems running. The position is open to candidates with relevant degrees or equivalent hands-on experience, and applicants need not meet every listed qualification.

Requirements

• Experience building physical things that work, through school, work, or personal projects.
• Ability to wire and troubleshoot basic electrical and control systems.
• Experience programming a PLC, Arduino, Raspberry Pi, or similar device.
• Practical tool skills; machining or fabrication experience is desirable.
• Experience around bioreactors, fermenters, or other laboratory or process equipment, such as in a lab, brewery, food or biotech plant, or similar setting.
• A serious approach to safety around electricity, pressure, steam, compressed gases, and chemicals.
• A degree in mechanical, electrical, chemical, or biological engineering, mechatronics, or equivalent hands-on experience.

Nice To Haves

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

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 involving PLCs, microcontrollers, motor drivers, sensors, and mass flow controllers.
• Run experiments and maintain clean data and build records.
• Troubleshoot and repair equipment.
• Document builds, including wiring diagrams, parts lists, and procedures.
• Help commission new equipment and maintain laboratory and pilot systems.

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