Precision Instrumentation Hardware Engineer

Astera Institute; Emeryville (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Astera Neuro seeks a Hardware Engineer to design and build the physical systems our experiments depend on, often where nothing exists commercially. You’ll work closely with scientists from concept through fabrication to ensure instruments meet experimental needs.

The role spans mechanical, electronics, and optics, requiring hands-on fabrication, fast prototyping, and a factory-floor mindset. Competitive pay and a collaborative, high-performance culture help drive high-impact research.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in mechanical, electrical, or biomedical engineering or related field.
• Track record of building precision hardware used in real work.
• Experience prototyping with rapid fabrication and outsourcing where appropriate.
• Ability to work from rough ideas to working instruments with scientists.

Responsibilities

• Design precision mechanical systems for experiments and fixtures.
• Build components for optical and microscope systems.
• Develop electronics and control hardware interfacing with data acquisition.
• Iterate instrument designs with scientists to meet experimental needs.
• Help establish and run a prototyping facility and workflows.

Skills

Precision hardware

Mechanical design

Electrical engineering

Medical devices

3D printing

Machining

Electronics

Optics

Prototyping

Workshop leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

CNC machining

PCB layout

Embedded systems

DAQ hardware

Job description

Astera Neuro seeks a Hardware Engineer to design and build the physical systems our experiments depend on, often where nothing exists commercially. You’ll work closely with scientists from concept through fabrication to ensure instruments meet experimental needs.

The role spans mechanical, electronics, and optics, requiring hands-on fabrication, fast prototyping, and a factory-floor mindset. Competitive pay and a collaborative, high-performance culture help drive high-impact research.