Fluidics Engineer – Diagnostics

Meril; Vapi; On-site; INR 350,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

Meril in India is seeking a Fluidics Engineer to design and validate fluid-handling subsystems for automated IVD instruments. You will develop sample and reagent pathways, select pumps and valves, and collaborate with mechanical, electronics, and software teams to ensure reliability and precision.

The role welcomes freshers with relevant projects and emphasizes adherence to medical device design controls and documentation practices, including verification and validation activities across

Qualifications

• B.E./B.Tech in relevant engineering field; freshers encouraged.
• 0–2 years experience in fluidics or instrumentation.
• Familiarity with fluid handling in diagnostic equipment.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop fluidic architectures for automated diagnostic instruments.
• Develop sample, reagent, diluent, wash-fluid pathways.
• Define fluid flow, pressure, volume, dispensing accuracy.
• Select and integrate pumps and valves.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electronics, and software teams.
• Ensure repeatability and accuracy of dispensing.
• Perform fluidic calculations and hydraulic analyses.
• Support testing, validation, and documentation.

Skills

Fluid mechanics

Fluid dynamics

Liquid handling

Pumps & valves

CAD tools

Sensors & actuators

Documentation

Education

B.E./B.Tech in Biomedical/Mechanical/Mechatronics

Tools

SolidWorks/Creo/AutoCAD

Job description

Reports To: R&D Manager

Experience: 0–2 Years

Job Purpose

To design, develop, integrate, and validate fluid-handling systems for automated In-Vitro Diagnostic (IVD) instruments, particularly Clinical Chemistry and Immunoassay Analyzers.

The role involves developing precision fluidic subsystems for sample aspiration, reagent dispensing, liquid transfer, mixing, washing, waste management, and fluid-path control. The engineer will work closely with mechanical, electronics, embedded software, optics, and system integration teams to develop reliable, accurate, and scalable diagnostic instrumentation.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop fluidic architectures for automated diagnostic instruments.
• Develop sample, reagent, diluent, wash-buffer, and waste fluid pathways.
• Design fluidic circuits involving tubing, connectors, manifolds, reservoirs, chambers, and flow channels.
• Define fluid flow, pressure, volume, dispensing accuracy, and operating parameters.
• Support development of compact and reliable fluidic assemblies for analyzer platforms.
• Work with different pump technologies, including:
• Peristaltic pumps
• Diaphragm pumps
• Micro-dosing and precision dispensing pumps
• Select and integrate solenoid valves, pinch valves, check valves, rotary valves, and pressure regulators.
• Develop liquid aspiration, dispensing, transfer, and washing mechanisms.
• Ensure repeatability and accuracy of sample and reagent dispensing.
• Evaluate pump and valve performance under different operating conditions.
• Develop fluidic systems for sample aspiration, reagent delivery, dilution, mixing, and reaction handling.
• Design probe-based liquid handling systems and associated fluid pathways.
• Support integration of reaction cuvettes, reaction vessels, mixing chambers, and washing stations.
• Minimize sample carryover, cross-contamination, dead volume, air bubbles, and liquid loss.
• Understand fluidic requirements for Clinical Chemistry and Immunoassay applications.

4. Fluidics Calculations & Engineering Analysis

• Perform engineering calculations related to:
• Flow rate and fluid velocity
• Pressure drop and hydraulic resistance
• Fluid volume and dispensing accuracy
• Tubing diameter and length selection
• Pump capacity and operating pressure
• Fluid behavior through channels and connectors
• Understand fluid dynamics, laminar flow, viscosity, and capillary effects.
• Evaluate fluidic performance under different operating and environmental conditions.
• Support simulation and engineering analysis wherever required.

5. Sensors, Actuators & Embedded Integration

• Integrate fluidic components with pressure, flow, liquid-level, and liquid-detection sensors.
• Coordinate with embedded engineers for pump, valve, and actuator control.
• Support integration of motors, syringe drives, linear actuators, and positioning mechanisms.
• Define fluidics-related control parameters, operating sequences, and system interfaces.
• Troubleshoot fluidic and electromechanical integration issues.

6. Material Selection & Component Development

• Identify suitable materials for tubing, seals, connectors, reservoirs, manifolds, and fluid-contact components.
• Evaluate material compatibility with reagents, buffers, cleaning solutions, and biological samples.
• Work with materials such as silicone, PTFE, PEEK, PP, PE, PVC, and other engineering polymers, based on application requirements.
• Support component selection, prototyping, vendor evaluation, and design optimization.
• Ensure suitable chemical resistance, leak prevention, durability, and ease of cleaning.

7. Prototype Development, Testing & Validation

• Develop and assemble fluidic prototypes and test setups.
• Conduct testing for flow accuracy, dispensing precision, repeatability, pressure, leakage, and flow stability.
• Evaluate bubble formation, clogging, carryover, contamination, and fluid-path performance.
• Prepare test protocols, test reports, and verification records.
• Support design verification, validation, and system-level performance testing.

8. Instrument Integration & Troubleshooting

• Integrate fluidic subsystems with mechanical assemblies, electronics, sensors, optics, and embedded software.
• Work with cross-functional R&D teams to resolve fluidics-related system issues.
• Conduct root-cause analysis of dispensing errors, leakage, pressure variations, and fluid-handling failures.
• Optimize fluidic performance for reliability, maintainability, and manufacturability.
• Support engineering builds and product design improvements.

9. Medical Device Quality & Regulatory Compliance

• Follow design control and documentation practices for medical device development.
• Maintain fluidics design specifications, drawings, BOMs, test reports, and verification records.
• Understand applicable quality and safety requirements, including:
• ISO 13485 – Quality Management System for Medical Devices
• ISO 14971 – Risk Management for Medical Devices
• IEC 61010-1 – Safety Requirements for Measurement, Control and Laboratory Equipment
• IEC 61326-2-6 – EMC Requirements for In-Vitro Diagnostic Medical Equipment
• Support design reviews, risk assessments, verification, validation, and engineering change documentation.

Required Technical Skills

• Basic understanding of fluid mechanics, fluid dynamics, and liquid-handling systems.
• Knowledge of pumps, valves, tubing, connectors, reservoirs, and fluidic components.
• Understanding of flow rate, pressure, volume, viscosity, and dispensing accuracy.
• Exposure to mechanical design tools such as SolidWorks, Creo, or AutoCAD is preferred.
• Basic knowledge of sensors, actuators, and electromechanical systems.
• Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation, automation, or diagnostic equipment is an advantage.
• Good analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prepare technical documentation, test reports, and engineering specifications.

Educational Qualification

• B.E. / B.Tech in Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Chemical Engineering, Instrumentation, or related disciplines.
• M.E. / M.Tech candidates with relevant fluidics, microfluidics, or instrumentation projects may also apply.
• Freshers with relevant academic projects, internships, or hands‑on exposure to fluid handling and automation are encouraged.

Preferred Exposure

• Automated Clinical Chemistry or Immunoassay Analyzers.
• IVD instruments, laboratory automation, or diagnostic equipment.
• Liquid handling systems, microfluidics, or precision dispensing.
• Syringe pump, peristaltic pump, and valve‑based fluidic systems.
• Microfluidic cartridges, reaction chambers, and fluidic manifolds.
• Medical device product development and design verification.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Successful development and integration of fluidic subsystems.
• Accuracy and repeatability of sample and reagent dispensing.
• Reduction in leakage, clogging, air bubbles, and cross‑contamination.
• Fluidic subsystem reliability and operational consistency.
• Timely completion of prototypes, testing, and validation activities.
• Quality of engineering documentation and design records.
• Effective resolution of fluidics‑related integration and performance issues.