Senior Scientist I, Mechanical Engineering
About The Position
AbbVie's peptide discovery team in Madison, WI, is at the forefront of discovering novel molecules for therapeutic treatments. We are seeking a creative and driven Mechanical Engineer to join our growing team. In this role, you will collaborate with a dedicated group of R&D scientists, engineers, and software developers to maintain and advance our proprietary peptide array synthesizers. Your work will directly contribute to accelerating the discovery of new pharmaceuticals and making a significant impact on patient outcomes. As a key contributor, you will leverage your expertise in scientific, medical, or laboratory instrumentation to solve complex challenges. You will be responsible for the entire lifecycle of our instrumentation, from designing and modifying to integrating hardware components like sensors, actuators, pumps, and more to perform high-precision, coordinated activities.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent education and typically 10 years of experience, Master’s Degree or equivalent education and typically 8 years of experience, PhD and no experience necessary
- 2+ years of experience in developing instrumentation for laboratory, scientific, or medical applications.
- Proficiency using SolidWorks (preferred) to create and maintain solid models, detailed drawings, and assemblies.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word).
- Proficiency in Python or MATLAB programming languages.
- Strong understanding of the fabrication processes for precision instrument hardware.
- Thorough understanding of applied math, physics, fluid dynamics, and heat transfer.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to troubleshoot challenges in instrument development, deployment, and operation.
Nice To Haves
- Experience using Tecan, Hamilton, or similar commercial liquid handling robots.
- Experience using National Instruments (LabVIEW) or Keyence data acquisition tools.
- Experience in designing, assembling, and evaluating optomechanical subsystems.
- Experience with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) or Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modeling in COMSOL or similar analysis software.
Responsibilities
- Design, develop, integrate, and test instrumentation and its subcomponents such as pump manifolds, vision systems, high-precision stages, optomechanical assemblies, and sensors.
- Lead the mechanical design and analysis throughout all project phases, working in close partnership with software and operations teams to ensure seamless integration and optimal functionality.
- Diagnose and resolve instrumentation issues during prototyping, production, and operations to ensure proper performance and reliability.
- Develop and oversee the testing of design concepts or computer models to validate the functionality of new and existing systems.
- Acquire, integrate, and analyze system data to ensure the performance and reliability of hardware and subsystems.
- Utilize 2D and 3D CAD systems (SolidWorks) to generate design concepts, layouts, assembly drawings, and technical documentation adhering to geometric tolerancing and revision control best practices.
- Interact with suppliers to specify and select components, ensuring all materials and parts meet project requirements.
- Contribute to a creative and fast-paced environment through open communication with all stakeholders, sharing ideas and solutions to enhance the performance of complex systems.
- Understand and adhere to corporate standards regarding code of conduct, safety, and appropriate handling of materials.
Benefits
- paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick)
- medical/dental/vision insurance
- 401(k)
- short-term incentive programs
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
