Senior Mechanical Engineer, Chassis & Enclosures
Location: San Diego, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Salary Range: $130,000 - $140,000
Position Overview
As a Senior Mechanical Engineer, you will lead the detailed design and implementation of structural frames, external enclosures, and internal packaging systems for our instruments. You will work closely with electrical, optical, fluidics, and manufacturing teams to ensure reliable, serviceable, and manufacturable system integration.
You are a strong executor who can take system requirements and translate them into robust mechanical solutions. You are comfortable working through ambiguity and enjoy owning hardware from concept through production.
Responsibilities
Chassis & Structural Design
Design instrument chassis and structural frames to meet stiffness, vibration, and durability requirements
Perform tolerance stack-ups and basic structural analysis to ensure mechanical robustness
Develop mounting strategies for subsystems including optics, electronics, power systems, and fluidics
Support shock, vibration, and environmental considerations appropriate for lab and field use
Enclosure Design
Design external and internal enclosures using sheet metal, machined components, and plastics
Select components to manage temperature, humidity, aerosols, and particulates in the enclosure design.
Ensure proper airflow, access panels, cable pass-throughs, and service clearances
Incorporate industrial design elements and user needs in enclosure design
Cable Management & System Packaging
Develop cable routing strategies including harness support, strain relief, and service loops
Partner with Electrical Engineering to implement grounding and EMI-conscious routing practices
Optimize internal layout for manufacturability and serviceability
Maintain clear mechanical datums and packaging hierarchy
Analysis, Prototyping & Validation
Perform tolerance analysis and basic FEA as needed
Build and test prototypes; iterate rapidly based on integration feedback
Troubleshoot mechanical and packaging issues during system bring-up
Support validation testing including vibration, thermal cycling, and handling
Manufacturing & Documentation
Create detailed drawings with appropriate GD&T
Participate in DFM/DFA reviews and cost optimization efforts
Collaborate with contract manufacturers and suppliers
Support transition from prototype to pilot production builds
Qualifications
Required
B.S. or M.S. in Mechanical Engineering or related field
5–8+ years of experience designing complex mechanical assemblies
Experience designing chassis and/or enclosures for hardware products
Familiarity with sheet metal, machined components, and plastic parts
Experience with tolerance analysis and GD&T
Proficiency in 3D CAD (e.g. SolidWorks)
Hands-on experience building and debugging hardware
Preferred
Experience in bioinstrumentation, medical devices, or scientific equipment
Familiarity with EMI/EMC considerations in electromechanical systems
Experience designing cable routing and harness support systems
Experience supporting early production builds
Experience working with contract manufacturers
What We’re Looking For
Strong mechanical fundamentals and attention to detail
Practical systems thinker who understands cross-disciplinary integration
Comfortable owning subsystems end-to-end
Hands-on engineer who enjoys working in the lab
Clear communicator across engineering disciplines
We are an equal opportunity employer. We thrive on diversity and collaboration.
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