Bioengineering Intern (Mechanical/Electrical)

Zymo Research Corporation; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

EAP Sessions

Fruit, snacks, beverages

Catered lunches on Thursdays

EV Charging

Job summary

Zymo Research Corporation in Irvine, CA seeks a Bioengineering Intern focusing on the design of optical systems for microscopy and diagnostics. This role is ideal for students or recent graduates with a Bachelor’s or Master’s in Engineering, Bioengineering or related fields, offering hands-on experience in developing advanced optical systems.

The position is onsite in Irvine, CA, at 20-40 hours/week with a preferred Fall 2026 start date.

Qualifications

• Pursuing or recently graduated with a Bachelor’s or Master’s in Engineering/Bioengineering or related field.
• Good understanding of mechanical and electrical engineering principles and technologies.
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g. SolidWorks, OnShape) for mechanical design; hands-on experience with prototyping (e.g. 3D printing).
• Deep interest in integrating engineering with biological applications.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and integrate optical systems for imaging applications.
• Create models and iterations using CAD; fabricate prototypes via 3D printing or CNC machining.
• Align, test, and calibrate optical systems; perform biological assays to evaluate performance.
• Collaborate with engineers and scientists to meet design requirements and performance goals.
• Maintain thorough documentation of design processes and testing results.

Skills

Mechanical engineering

Electrical engineering

CAD software

Prototyping

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering/Bioengineering

Tools

SolidWorks

OnShape

3D printing

Job description

We are seeking a Bioengineering Intern, focusing on the design of optical systems within the biotechnology industry. This position is ideal for students or recent graduates with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Bioengineering or related fields, offering a pathway to hands‑on experience in designing and developing advanced optical systems for microscopy and diagnostics applications. This is a highly interdisciplinary position at the intersection of engineering and biology.

This is an onsite position in Irvine, CA, at 20-40 hours/week with a preferred start date in Fall 2026.

If you are passionate about directly contributing to scientific advancement alongside industry veterans in a highly collaborative environment, we want you!

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Mechanical and Optical System Design : Contribute to the design, development, and integration of optical systems for imaging applications.
• Prototyping & Fabrication : Utilize CAD tools for creating models and design iterations. Build and test prototypes employing techniques such as 3D printing and CNC machining.
• System Testing & Validation : Perform alignment, testing, and calibration of optical systems. Undertake biological assays to evaluate system performance.
• Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration : Work closely with engineers and scientists to build and evaluate prototype systems, ensuring compliance with design requirements and performance goals.
• Documentation & Compliance : Maintain detailed records of design processes and testing results to support project development and potential audits.

Key Skills and Qualifications

• Currently pursuing or recently graduated with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Bioengineering, or a related field.
• Good understanding of mechanical and electrical engineering principles and technologies.
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g. SolidWorks, OnShape) for mechanical design; hands‑on experience with prototyping tools (e.g. 3D printing) is highly valued.
• Deep interest in integrating engineering principles with biological applications.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment.

Preferred Skills

• Exposure to biological assays and imaging techniques.
• Experience with alignment and calibration of optical systems (e.g. spectrophotometry).
• Aptitude for developing Python scripting and image processing workflows to support automation, data analysis, and system integration.

About Us:

Since its inception in 1994, Zymo Research has been proudly serving the scientific community by providing innovative, reliable, and high‑quality research tools and products. Whether it's DNA, RNA, epigenetics, microbiomics, protein, or yeast‑based research, our philosophy remains the same: To provide the highest quality products in the industry while ensuring they are both simple to use and reliable in their performance.

Recognized as a Top Workplace by the Orange County Register in 2021, 2022, and named a Top Workplace USA in 2023, Zymo Research continues to be a vibrant community where employees thrive, feel connected, and are inspired by their work. If you are passionate about contributing to scientific advancement and want to be part of an exceptional team in a dynamic, growing company, we'd love to hear from you!

Compensation, Benefits, and Perks:

The estimated base compensation range for this position is $20.00 per hour at the time of posting. Actual compensation details will be provided in writing at the time of offer, if applicable, and is based on several factors we believe fairly and accurately impact compensation, including geographic location, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and other job permitted factors.

Zymo Research also offers competitive benefits and perks including:

• EAP Sessions
• Complimentary fruit, snacks, and beverages
• Complimentary catered lunches on Thursdays
• Complimentary EV Charging

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer:

Zymo Research welcomes candidates of all backgrounds. These include sex, age, color, race, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, physical & mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military and veteran status, or any other protected status as defined by federal, state, or local law.

Location:

Onsite – Zymo Research Operations/HQ