Mechanical Engineer, Precision Lab Instrumentation

Hamilton Company; Hamilton (NJ); On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Hamilton Company, a Cerillo subsidiary, seeks a Mechanical Engineer to design and refine the mechanical architecture of compact microplate readers and to work closely with electrical and optical engineers in Charlottesville, VA. You will translate requirements into precise, manufacturable solutions for challenging lab environments and drive the full product lifecycle from concept through production.

The role requires hands-on prototyping, strong GD&T knowledge, and collaboration with contract

Qualifications

• Experience designing precision optical or electro-optical instrument housings and component mounts is strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with sealing and environmental protection design (IP ratings, gaskets, adhesives)
• Knowledge of material selection for laboratory environments: engineering plastics, aluminum, stainless steel
• Experience with DFM and working with contract manufacturers and suppliers
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with demonstrated attention to detail
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced startup environment
• Ability to lift and position equipment up to 25 pounds

Responsibilities

• Design mechanical components, assemblies, and enclosures for Cerillo's microplate reader product family using 3D CAD software.
• Create detailed engineering drawings with proper GD&T tolerancing in accordance with ASME Y14.5 standards
• Lead prototype development including hands-on fabrication, assembly, and iterative testing of mechanical subassemblies
• Define and execute mechanical testing protocols to validate structural integrity, thermal performance, sealing, and environmental robustness
• Collaborate with electrical and optical engineers to integrate PCB assemblies, optical paths, and illumination systems into compact, precise enclosures
• Design fixtures, jigs, and tooling to support assembly, calibration, and quality control on the production floor
• Drive design for manufacturability (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA), working with contract manufacturers to optimize part geometry, material selection, and tolerances for scalable production
• Manage relationships with external vendors, machine shops, and injection molding suppliers; obtain and evaluate quotes and lead times
• Maintain complete and accurate design documentation including SolidWorks models, drawings, BOMs, and ECOs within a PDM/PLM system
• Troubleshoot mechanical issues identified during development, testing, or production; implement and document corrective design changes
• Support regulatory documentation and risk management activities as required
• Contribute to new product concept development and product roadmap planning
• Perform ad-hoc engineering tasks as directed by the Chief Executive Officer and/or Engineering leadership

Skills

3D CAD

DFM

Strong communication

GD&T

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

SolidWorks

SolidWorks PDM

CNC machining

Injection molding

Sheet metal fabrication

3D printing (FDM/SLA)

Job description

Hamilton Company, a Cerillo subsidiary, seeks a Mechanical Engineer to design and refine the mechanical architecture of compact microplate readers and to work closely with electrical and optical engineers in Charlottesville, VA. You will translate requirements into precise, manufacturable solutions for challenging lab environments and drive the full product lifecycle from concept through production.

The role requires hands-on prototyping, strong GD&T knowledge, and collaboration with contract