Sr Principal Engineer, Mechanical Engineering

Foresite Labs (Stealth Co) • San Diego, CA

73d

About The Position

We are seeking a highly experienced engineer to serve as our Mechanical Engineering Lead whose scope will include Precision Motion, Precision Machine Design, and Automation Systems. In this role, the Mechanical Engineering Lead will drive architecture evaluation, develop detailed product design and characterization metrology. Responsibilities also include integrating hardware with software and firmware, debugging the system, optimizing the design for robust, reliable operation, and verifying sub-system performance. The ideal candidate will be a highly cross-functional engineer, skilled at managing other designers and vendor-partners. The candidate must be a highly effective communicator, speaking the language of optical, mechanical, electrical, and software/firmware partners. The ideal candidate is curious and a fast learner, unintimidated by climbing steep new learning curves and going deep into the details of a new technology.

Requirements

• Advanced degree (MS or Ph.D.) in Mechanical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related field.
• 15+ years of leadership experience in complex instrument development within life sciences, semiconductor, diagnostics, or imaging systems.
• Deep technical expertise in mechanical engineering, with specific experience developing precision motion systems and precision mechanisms.
• Strong track record of effective collaboration across cross-functional disciplines through effective communication and first-order modeling.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with automated optical or biochemical instruments for molecular diagnostics or high-throughput screening.
• Familiarity with regulatory and quality considerations for life science instruments.

Responsibilities

• Establish clear requirements for the Mechanical Sub-Systems, collaborating closely with cross-functional stakeholders.
• Drive key architecture decisions for Precision Motion, Precision Machine Design, and Automation Systems.
• Serve as the highest-level owner of the detailed design of the Mechanical Sub-Systems, establishing clear specifications for the hardware and operational workflow that enable robust, reliable operation.
• Own the integration and bring-up of the Mechanical Sub-Systems including hardware, software, and firmware integration.
• Develop metrology to measure the performance of the Mechanical Sub-Systems.
• Own the Engineering Verification Testing demonstrating that sub-system requirements are met.
• Lead Tiger Teams, as necessary, to debug the most complex issues.
• Contribute to the company’s intellectual property, especially in selecting optimal system architectures.

What This Job Offers

• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree