Senior Mechanical Engineer II

Vertex Inc. • San Diego, CA

12d • $125,600 - $188,400 • Onsite

About The Position

Vertex’s Engineering and Applied Physics team in San Diego is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer II to develop performance-focused technological solutions for drug discovery. The in-house team works on areas including advanced robotics and automation, microfluidics, and microscopy, collaborating directly with Vertex scientists when commercial options do not meet their needs. The role helps translate ideas into designs and hardware that enable scientific discovery and the development of medicines.

This onsite position is responsible for designing complex precision electromechanical and opto-mechanical systems and owning mechanical designs from concept through deployment. The engineer develops production-ready scientific instruments and is accountable for quality, documentation, manufacturability, technical execution, and meeting functional, reliability, safety, and performance requirements. The position also partners with stakeholders, presents designs and project status, and mentors team members.

The position is designated onsite five days per week, with ad hoc flexibility. Vertex’s Flex status may change under company policy. The stated base salary range is $125,600–$188,400. The role is eligible for an annual bonus and annual equity awards. Vertex describes additional benefits including medical, dental and vision coverage, paid time off (including a week-long summer and winter shutdown), educational assistance programs including student loan repayment, a commuting subsidy, matching charitable donations, and a 401(k).

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science or higher in Mechanical Engineering.
• At least 8 years designing precision electromechanical and/or opto-mechanical systems.
• Track record of delivering commercial products from concept through manufacture and deployment.
• Experience advancing complex mechanical designs through detailed design, build, test, and deployment.
• Advanced CAD and PDM skills; SolidWorks preferred.
• Broad machine-design experience delivering high-quality, production-ready scientific instrumentation.
• Experience with pneumatic, fluidic, and motion-control components, including cylinders, valves, pumps, servo/stepper motors, controllers/amplifiers, encoders, ball screws, belts, guides, and gears.
• Enclosure design experience involving sheet metal, extruded or welded frames, thermal management, and safety.
• Design-for-manufacture experience with CNC machining, 3D printing, sheet-metal fabrication, and injection molding.
• Strong understanding of how mechanical design relates to system performance, manufacturability, assembly, integration, and testing.
• Ability to develop multiple concepts, make sound technical tradeoffs, and execute practical solutions.
• Ability to solve complex design problems independently and contribute effectively on cross-functional teams.
• Strong ownership and accountability, with the ability to independently drive complex designs to completion.
• Strong organization, communication, and time-management skills, including the ability to explain technical decisions, status, and tradeoffs to diverse audiences.
• Detail-oriented, self-driven problem-solving skills and a record of innovative solutions.
• Passion for science and engineering and for improving the lives of patients with serious diseases.

Nice To Haves

• Hand and power tool experience.
• Basic mill and lathe skills.
• SolidWorks experience.

Responsibilities

• Design complex precision electromechanical and opto-mechanical systems.
• Own mechanical designs from concept through deployment, with accountability for quality, documentation, manufacturability, and technical execution.
• Develop robust, manufacturable, production-ready scientific instruments that meet functional, reliability, safety, and performance requirements.
• Prepare clear design documentation for procurement and manufacturing.
• Partner with stakeholders to define requirements and timelines and report project status.
• Present designs to department, cross-functional, and senior leaders.
• Mentor and support team members.
• Use sound engineering judgment to assess tradeoffs and deliver creative, effective solutions to challenging problems.
• Advance complex mechanical designs through detailed design, build, test, and deployment.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• Generous paid time off, including a week-long company shutdown in the summer and winter.
• Educational assistance programs, including student loan repayment.
• Commuting subsidy.
• Matching charitable donations.
• 401(k).
• Annual bonus eligibility.
• Annual equity awards.
• Some roles may be eligible for overtime pay in accordance with federal and state requirements.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior