Mechanical Engineer

Cepheid; Lodi (CA); On-site; USD 81,500 - 112,000; Full time

Job summary

Cepheid is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to apply engineering principles across planning, design, development, testing, and continuous improvement of automated manufacturing equipment and processes. The role is on-site in Lodi, CA and reports to the Sr Manager, MFG Automation Engineering.

Responsibilities include maintenance program execution, line improvements, and collaboration with Operations, Quality, and EHS to implement safe automation upgrades that enhance reliability and performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, industrial engineering, or a related technical discipline with 2+ years of related work experience
• Experience supporting mechanical design, troubleshooting equipment, reliability improvement, preventive maintenance, or automated manufacturing systems
• Familiarity with engineering and productivity tools such as Minitab, SolidWorks, AutoCAD, MS Visio, Power BI, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
• Proficiency with basic hand tools and measuring equipment such as calipers, digital or laser rulers, protractors, and 3D printers
• Experience working in a manufacturing, production, laboratory, or equipment support environment

Responsibilities

• Complete assigned tasks for mechanical system reliability‑centered maintenance, preventive maintenance, predictive maintenance, and condition‑based maintenance programs.
• Execute, repair, and monitor critical mechanical work processes including inspections, mechanical safety, and engineering feedback for automated line improvements.
• Lead problem‑solving and failure analysis for mechanical systems including sensors, HMIs, gearboxes, actuators, pneumatics, bearings, motors, robotics, fiber optics, vision systems, welding systems, servo systems, heating systems, RTDs, thermal probes, MCCs, and P&IDs.
• Design prototypes and mechanical improvements that increase equipment reliability, maintainability, and manufacturing performance.
• Partner with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, Engineering, and EHS teams to implement safe, compliant, and sustainable automation improvements.

Skills

Mechanical design

Troubleshooting

Reliability improvement

Manufacturing engineering

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering

Master’s degree in related field

Tools

Minitab

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

MS Visio

Power BI

Excel

Word

PowerPoint

Job description

The Mechanical Engineer at Cepheid is responsible for applying engineering principles to the planning, design, development, documentation, testing, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of automated manufacturing equipment, instruments, systems, and related processes that support reliable production performance. This position reports to the Sr Manager, MFG Automation Engineering and is located on-site in Lodi, CA.

Responsibilities

• Complete assigned tasks for mechanical system reliability‑centered maintenance, preventive maintenance, predictive maintenance, and condition‑based maintenance programs.
• Execute, repair, and monitor critical mechanical work processes including inspections, mechanical safety, and engineering feedback for automated line improvements.
• Lead problem‑solving and failure analysis for mechanical systems including sensors, HMIs, gearboxes, actuators, pneumatics, bearings, motors, robotics, fiber optics, vision systems, welding systems, servo systems, heating systems, RTDs, thermal probes, MCCs, and P&IDs.
• Design prototypes and mechanical improvements that increase equipment reliability, maintainability, and manufacturing performance.
• Partner with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, Engineering, and EHS teams to implement safe, compliant, and sustainable automation improvements.

Essential Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, industrial engineering, or a related technical discipline with 2+ years of related work experience OR Master’s degree in field with 0‑2+ years of related work experience.
• Experience supporting mechanical design, troubleshooting equipment, reliability improvement, preventive maintenance, or automated manufacturing systems.
• Familiarity with engineering and productivity tools such as Minitab, SolidWorks, AutoCAD, MS Visio, Power BI, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Proficiency with basic hand tools and measuring equipment such as calipers, digital or laser rulers, protractors, and 3D printers.
• Experience working in a manufacturing, production, laboratory, or equipment support environment.

Travel, Motor Vehicle Record & Physical/Environment Requirements

• Must be able to work on‑site in a manufacturing environment and support equipment‑related activities as needed.
• Must be able to lift, move, or carry tools, components, or equipment in accordance with site safety requirements.

Additional (Preferred) Experience

• Hands‑on experience with electro‑mechanical equipment in an automated manufacturing or production environment.
• Experience using Six Sigma or continuous improvement tools to improve reliability, quality, or process performance.

Benefits and Compensation

The annual salary range for this role is $81,500–$112,000 and may be modified in the future. This job is also eligible for bonus/incentive pay. A comprehensive package of benefits, including paid time off, medical/dental/vision insurance, and a 401(k) program, is available to eligible employees.

EEO Statement

Danaher Corporation and all Danaher Companies are committed to equal opportunity regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other characteristics protected by law. The U.S. EEO posters are available here.