Mechanical Engineer - Automation Systems (Contract)

Twistbioscience; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 82,656 - 117,096; Full time

Job summary

Twist Bioscience is seeking a hands-on Contract Mechanical Engineer to design, build, integrate, and deploy custom automation systems in Wilsonville, Oregon.

The role spans from concept through prototype to working systems, requiring CAD work, on-the-floor assembly, testing, and close collaboration with systems and electrical engineers to ensure robust, manufacturable designs. This 2–3 month on-site engagement emphasizes fast iteration, documentation, and adherence to project timelines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering with 2+ years of experience, or a master’s degree.
• Proficient with SolidWorks (part, assembly, drawing) and CAD workflows.
• Experience designing automation equipment, robotics, or mechatronics systems.
• Experience specifying and integrating electromechanical components and fluidics.
• Ability to produce complete engineering documentation and BOMs; revision control in 3DEXPERIENCE.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop automated systems using SolidWorks that meet system and hardware requirements.
• Design custom mechanical components and integrate off-the-shelf hardware into complete automation systems.
• Specify and procure mechanical, electromechanical, and fluidics components for the system.
• Collaborate with systems engineers, electrical engineers, scientists, technicians, and PMs to refine requirements.
• Perform mechanical analyses, including tolerance stack-up analysis, for robust performance.
• Create test fixtures to evaluate concepts and validate subsystem performance.
• Support prototype development and experimental testing.
• Assist with fluidics and electrical integration, documentation, and system architecture.
• Assemble mechanical subsystems and complete automation platforms with proper fit and manufacturability.
• Build, debug, calibrate, and verify prototype systems with technicians.
• Maintain engineering documentation: 3D models, part/files, assemblies, BOMs, manufacturing drawings.

Skills

SolidWorks

Mechatronics

Documentation

BOMs

CAD

3DEXPERIENCE

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering

Master’s degree in mechanical engineering

Tools

3DEXPERIENCE

Job description

Mechanical Engineer – Automation Systems (2 -3 months Contract in Wilsonville, OR)

About the Role

Twist Bioscience is expanding its automation capabilities to support significant increases in manufacturing capacity. We are designing and building custom automated systems in-house and are seeking a hands‑on Contract Mechanical Engineer to help bring these systems from concept through implementation.

We are seeking a hands‑on Contract Mechanical Engineer to help design, build, assemble, integrate, and deploy custom automation systems. The ideal candidate enjoys taking products from concept through prototype and into working systems, spending time both at the CAD workstation as well as on the lab floor assembling and testing equipment.

This position is on‑site in Wilsonville, Oregon.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop automated systems using SolidWorks that meet system and hardware requirements.
• Design custom mechanical components and integrate off‑the‑shelf hardware into complete automation systems.
• Specify and procure mechanical, electromechanical, and fluidics components required for the system.
• Collaborate with systems engineers, electrical engineers, scientists, technicians, and project managers to refine system requirements and optimize designs.
• Perform mechanical analyses, including tolerance stack‑up analysis, to ensure robust system performance.
• Design and build test fixtures to evaluate concepts, de‑risk critical features, and validate subsystem performance.
• Support systems engineering activities during prototype development and experimental testing.
• Assist with fluidics and electrical integration, documentation, and overall system architecture.
• Assembly mechanical subsystems and complete automation platforms, working closely with engineers to ensure proper fit, function, and manufacturability.
• Build, debug, calibrate, troubleshoot, and verify prototype systems alongside technicians and engineering staff.
• Create and maintain complete engineering documentation, including:
• 3D models
• Part files
• Assembly models
• Manufacturing drawings
• Bills of Materials (BOMs)
• Maintain engineering documentation and revision control using Dassault Systèmes 3DEXPERIENCE.
• Support part ordering, vendor interactions, and component tracking as needed.
• Participate in design reviews and incorporate feedback throughout the development lifecycle.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering with 2+ years of relevant industry experience, or a master’s degree in mechanical engineering.
• Highly proficient with SolidWorks, including part, assembly, and drawing creation.
• Experience designing custom automation equipment, robotics, or mechatronic systems.
• Experience specifying and integrating electromechanical components, including motors, actuators, sensors, and motion hardware.
• Experience designing fluidics systems, including integration of pumps, valves, regulators, sensors, tubing, manifolds, and related components.
• Strong understanding of mechanical design principles, manufacturing processes, and design for assembly.
• Experience creating complete engineering documentation and BOMs.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and technical writing skills.
• Comfortable working in a fast‑paced environment with evolving requirements and multiple concurrent priorities.
• Strong attention to detail and excellent documentation practices.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience developing laboratory automation systems.
• Experience working with prototype development and rapid iteration.
• Familiarity with tolerance analysis and design verification methodologies.
• Experience with PLM systems, particularly Dassault Systèmes 3DEXPERIENCE.
• Experience supporting system assembly, debugging, calibration, and verification.
• Familiarity with regulated environments or life sciences instrumentation is a plus.

About Twist Bioscience

Twist Bioscience synthesizes genes from scratch, known as “writing” DNA. Just as children learn to both read and write, the next phase of development for the genomics revolution is the ability to write DNA.

At Twist Bioscience, we work in service of people who are changing the world for the better. In fields such as health care, agriculture, industrial chemicals and data storage, our unique silicon‑based DNA Synthesis Platform provides precision at a scale that is otherwise unavailable to our customers.

Twist Bioscience Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Twist Bioscience Corporation provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic characteristics, or any other category protected by law.