Head of Mechanical Engineering - Lab Automation

Connecticut Innovations; New Haven (CT); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A strategic venture capital firm in New Haven is seeking a Founding-level Head of Hardware/Engineering to lead the design and commercialization of innovative hardware systems. The ideal candidate should have over 10 years of experience in developing complex systems and a strong background in mechatronics. This role involves significant hands-on work, technical decision-making, and leadership in a dynamic startup environment. Competitive compensation offered along with the opportunity to shape the future of pioneering technology in drug discovery.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience designing and shipping complex hardware systems.
• Deep hands-on experience in integrating mechanical, electrical, and software-controlled systems.
• Experience in leading diagnostic or lab automation platforms.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end hardware architecture for automation and imaging systems.
• Translation of novel chemistry into manufacturable robotic systems.
• Technical decisions on build vs buy, vendors, and scaling hardware.

Skills

Mechatronics

System-level thinking

Metal fabrication

Fluidics

Prototype development

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Robotic systems

Liquid-handling systems

Job description

Are you ready to join Connecticut Innovation’s vibrant community of innovators? Connecticut Innovations (“CI”) is Connecticut’s strategic venture capital arm, and we are passionate about serving our portfolio of 220+ companies across various industries, with strengths in life sciences, technology, and climate tech.

Come Join, pamluminate, panluminate | molecular labeling and connectomics, as their first Head of Hardware/Engineering!

Why Join Panluminate as Head of Hardware/Engineering?

• Build What Has Never Existed Before

We are a Yale spinout creating a first-of-its-kind platform for 3D ultrastructural imaging and spatial proteomics—uniting cellular and tissue architecture with multiplexed molecular data to unlock new frontiers in drug discovery, diagnostics, and systems biology.

• Backed by the NIH

Panluminate is supported by approximately $12M in non-dilutive funding, including grants from the NIH’s National Institute of Mental Health, one of the world’s leading funders of transformative biomedical research.

• Science With Real-World Impact

Our work directly advances national priorities around understanding brain function, disease mechanisms, and biological systems, developing novel imaging and analytical tools aligned with NIMH’s mission to transform how illness and complex biology are understood and treated.

• Revenue-Generating

We are already generating revenue and are well funded, giving you the rare chance to join a startup that is both innovative and financially grounded.

• Deep Tech at the Intersection of Disciplines

Our platform integrates proprietary chemistry, automation, advanced imaging hardware, and AI—perfect for builders who want to work across physics, biology, engineering, and data science.

• Be a Foundational Leader

Join as the first Head of Hardware/Engineering and define the technical direction, architecture, and culture of a category-defining company.

Head of Hardware/Engineering

We are hiring a Head of Hardware to own the design, build, and commercialization of panluminate’s hardware systems. This is a founding-level role reporting directly to the CEO, with real authority and accountability.

What you will own

• End-to-end hardware architecture for panluminate’s automation and imaging systems
• Translation of novel chemistry into manufacturable, repeatable robotic systems
• System-level design spanning mechanics, fluidics, optics, electronics, and integration
• Hands‑on prototyping, iteration, and debugging of non-standard systems
• Technical decisions on build vs buy, vendors, and fabrication
• Scaling hardware from prototype to product
• Hiring and leading future hardware and systems engineers

Requirements

Education

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline.

Experience

• 10+ years of industry experience designing, building, and shipping complex hardware systems.
• Deep hands‑on experience in mechatronics, including integration of mechanical, electrical, and software-controlled systems.
• Proven experience working with:
• Metal fabrication and precision mechanical assemblies
• Fluidics and microfluidic or liquid-handling systems
• Consumables and cartridge-based or disposable system design
• Demonstrated success leading a diagnostic or lab automation platform from:
• Concept and early architecture
• Through prototype and proof-of-concept
• To a defined commercialization and manufacturing plan
• End-to-end product ownership from early design through validation, manufacturing readiness, and market launch.

About You

• Strong systems-level thinking across hardware, software, chemistry/biology, and experimental constraints.
• Comfortable working hands-on at the bench, and directly with prototypes and test systems.
• High tolerance for ambiguity, rapid iteration, and ownership in a startup environment.
• Willingness and ability to make, communicate, and stand behind critical technical decisions.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Connecticut Innovations and its portfolio companies are equal opportunity employers. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating inclusive, safe, and empowering workplaces for all.