Principal Mechanical Engineer - Dynamic Systems for Next-Generation Scientific Instruments

Join the Team Revolutionizing Scientific Discovery

At Element Biosciences, we're on a mission to empower the scientific community with the freedom and flexibility to accelerate our collective impact on humanity. Our company is built on a foundation of scientific integrity, collegiality, honesty, objectivity, and openness. We're a product-driven organization that fosters a challenging yet encouraging environment where employees can learn, grow, and thrive. We're now seeking an experienced Principal Mechanical Engineer – Dynamic Systems to join our Instrument Mechanical Engineering group and drive the development of complex scientific instruments.

About Element Biosciences

We're a team of innovators passionate about transforming the way scientific research is conducted. Our cutting-edge instruments are designed to provide researchers with more freedom and flexibility, enabling them to make groundbreaking discoveries. With a strong focus on collaboration, innovation, and customer satisfaction, we're committed to making a meaningful impact in the scientific community.

Job Summary

We're looking for a highly skilled Principal Mechanical Engineer – Dynamic Systems to lead the design, simulation, and optimization of dynamic systems for our next-generation scientific instruments. As a technical expert in motion systems, thermal analysis, and static analysis, you'll play a critical role in driving system architecture, module design, and component selection. You'll collaborate closely with cross-functional teams from R&D and Operations to ensure seamless integration and commercialization of our products.

Key Responsibilities

• System Architecture and Design: Translate market requirements into product requirements, system architecture, module designs, and component selection.
• Dynamic System Development: Design dynamic sub-systems and functional modules that integrate into a rational system architecture.
• Performance Optimization: Negotiate system performance trade-offs across structural, motion, thermal, fluidic, and optical domains.
• Modal Analysis and Control: Conduct modal analyses and interpret Bode plots to inform control schemes and feedback loops.
• Project Management: Manage internal and external dynamic system development projects.
• Diagnostic Analysis and Optimization: Develop diagnostic analysis tools and optimization approaches to achieve dynamic system performance targets.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Lead cross-functional root cause analysis involving shock, vibration, noise, thermal gradients, and control loops.
• Product Development and Commercialization: Verify and transfer reliable dynamic system and control solutions from R&D to Operations.
• Continuous Improvement: Lead improvement efforts to optimize instrument performance, lifetime, reliability, and robustness against external forces.
• Technology Development: Steer and support the company's product development roadmap by proving out new technologies and design concepts.

Requirements and Qualifications

Essential Qualifications:

• Education: Minimum BS degree in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, or Mechatronics.
• Experience: 16 or more years of relevant work experience (or equivalent combination of education and industry experience).
• Technical Skills: Proven track record as a dynamic systems engineer on development programs spanning from concept to commercialization.
• Theoretical and Applied Understanding: Strong theoretical and applied understanding of control theory (PID feedback, Bode plots) and control design principles.
• Software Proficiency: Expertise with SolidWorks and SolidWorks Simulation (or equivalents like Ansys and SIMULIA).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Programming Skills: Experience with programming in C#, LabView, Python, or .NET.
• Scientific Curiosity: Scientifically curious, a critical thinker, with a passion for learning new things.
• Problem-Solving: Relentlessly seeks to understand the scientific root cause of different aspects of system performance.
• Collaboration: Ability to navigate uncertainty while developing a deeper understanding of system performance.

Work Environment and Benefits

We offer a dynamic and supportive work environment with:

• Remote Work: Flexible remote work arrangements.
• Compensation: Competitive salary ($156,000 - $221,000) and stock options.
• Benefits: Discretionary annual bonus, no-cost health insurance plans, 401k with company match, and flexible paid time off.

Physical Requirements

• Physical Demands: Frequently moves boxes weighing up to 20 pounds.

Location and Travel

• Location: San Diego, CA.
• Travel: Less than 10% or as needed.

Career Growth and Learning Opportunities

At Element Biosciences, we're committed to the growth and development of our employees. You'll have access to:

• Training and Development: Ongoing training and development opportunities.
• Mentorship: Collaborative and supportive team environment.
• Career Advancement: Opportunities for career advancement and professional growth.

Why Join Us?

We're a team of innovators passionate about transforming the way scientific research is conducted. By joining our team, you'll have the opportunity to:

• Make a Meaningful Impact: Contribute to the development of cutting-edge scientific instruments.
• Collaborate with Experts: Work with a talented team of engineers and scientists.
• Grow and Develop: Access to ongoing training and development opportunities.

How to Apply

If you're a motivated and experienced mechanical engineer looking to make a meaningful impact, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. Please submit your application today!

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