Principal Mechanical Engineer II, Next-Gen Sequencing Systems, Research & Early Development

Roche Holding AG; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 131,000 - 244,000; Full time

Job summary

Roche Holding AG in Santa Clara, CA, seeks a senior mechanical engineer to lead the development of electro-mechanical subsystems for next‑generation sequencing platforms. You will design, build, test, and troubleshoot innovative assemblies, collaborating with cross‑functional teams to define interfaces and ensure system performance.

The role emphasizes hands-on work with SolidWorks, rapid prototyping, and manufacturing considerations across machining, sheet metal, and additive processes.

Qualifications

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering with 10+ years (Bachelor) / 7+ years (Master) / 6+ years (PhD).
• Hands-on experience designing, developing, testing complex electro-mechanical assemblies for life science or diagnostic instrumentation.
• Expertise with SolidWorks for detailed design and manufacturing drawings.
• Experience designing components for machining, sheet metal, injection molding, and 3D printing.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to troubleshoot hardware, software, and chemistry interfaces.
• Proficient with machine shop tools and rapid prototyping (CNC, laser, 3D printing).
• Proactive, inquisitive mindset with bias for action and passion for life science instrumentation.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to explain technical concepts in ambiguous environments.
• Excellent organizational skills for multi-project management.

Responsibilities

• Drive R&D of electro-mechanical, pneumatic, thermal, fluidic, and consumable sub-systems.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define and manage critical interfaces.
• Own subsystem requirements, concepts, CAD, BOMs, assembly through verification and testing.
• Lead high-level design reviews as a technical authority to drive alignment and trade-offs.
• Manage design deliverable timelines and contribute to project planning.
• Create and maintain design and test documentation including specs, schematics, and test reports.
• Contribute to technical strategy with data-driven architecture and technology recommendations.
• Present progress, data, and trade-offs to stakeholders.

Skills

SolidWorks

Electro-mechanical design

Pneumatic systems

Thermal design

Fluidics

CAD drawings

Manufacturing processes

Python

CFD/FEA simulations

Rapid prototyping

Problem-solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering

Master's in Mechanical Engineering

PhD (Mechanical)

Tools

CNC mills/lathes

Laser cutters

3D printers

Measuring equipment

Job description

At Roche you can show up as yourself, embraced for the unique qualities you bring. Our culture encourages personal expression, open dialogue, and genuine connections, where you are valued, accepted and respected for who you are, allowing you to thrive both personally and professionally. This is how we aim to prevent, stop and cure diseases and ensure everyone has access to healthcare today and for generations to come. Join Roche, where every voice matters.

The Position

A healthier future. It's what drives us to innovate. To continuously advance science and ensure everyone has access to the healthcare they need today and for generations to come. Creating a world where we all have more time with the people we love. That's what makes us Roche.

At Roche, we are working to make next-generation sequencing simple and accessible enough for routine use. By accelerating clinical research, streamlining workflows, and expanding assay menus, we are broadening access to genomic data and lowering barriers to adoption. From robust sample isolation and preparation tools to novel sequencing technology and advanced bioinformatics, we are developing differentiated, highly integrated end-to-end solutions for next-generation sequencing, resulting in a sample in, result out workflow.

This hands-on rolefocusing on leading and solving mechanical challenges for our next-generationplatforms. You will be responsible for conceptualizing, designing, building, and testing electro-mechanical, pneumatic, thermal, fluidic, and consumable solutions that ensure system performance, reliability, and longevity. As a technical authority, you will drive innovation and define solutions for novel DNA sequencing and automation challenges.

Core Responsibilities

• You will drive the research and development of various sub-systems, encompassing electro-mechanical, pneumatic, thermal, fluidic, and consumable technologies.

• You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to define and manage critical technical interfaces.

• You will own top level and/or sub-systems requirements, concepts, CAD, ordering, assembling through verification, integration, and troubleshooting, working closely with System Integration engineers.

• You will lead high-level cross-functional design reviews, acting as a technical authority to drive alignment, resolve complex trade-offs, and ensure the integrity of the overall system architecture.

• You will manage design deliverable timelines and contribute to overall project planning.

• You will create and maintain comprehensive design and test documentation including requirements, bill of materials, instrument schematics, tests plans, test reports, analyses, and presentations.

• You will contribute to technical strategy, providing data-driven recommendations on architecture and technology.

• You will present progress, data, and design trade-offs to stakeholders, clearly articulating the impact of engineering decisions.

Who You Are:
(Required)

• You have a degree in Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related discipline, with relevant industry experience (minimum 10+ years for a Bachelor's, 7+ years for a Master's, or 6+ years for a PhD).

• You have demonstrated hands-on expertise designing, developing, and testing complex electro-mechanical, pneumatic, thermal, or fluidic assemblies, preferably for life science or diagnostic instrumentation.

• You have a demonstrated level of expertise in SolidWorks for detailed design and the creation of manufacturing drawings.

• You have a demonstrated level of expertise designing components for a variety of manufacturing processes (e.g., machining, sheet metal, injection molding, 3D printing).

• You have strong creative problem-solving skills; demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex hardware, software, and chemistry interfaces.

• You have a demonstrated level of proficiency with machine shop tools, measurement equipment, and rapid prototyping (e.g., CNC mills/lathes, laser cutters, 3D printers).

• You have a demonstrated level of proactive experience and are naturally inquisitive, with a strong bias for action and a deep passion for developing next-generation life science instrumentation.

• You have strong interpersonal skills; ability to explain technical concepts to non-experts and thrive in ambiguous environments.

• You have excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects efficiently.

Preferred:

• You are proficient with Python for device control and data acquisition.

• You have expertisewith simulation tools (CFD, FEA) to guide design decisions.

• You have experience developing next-generation sequencing (NGS) or genomics instrumentation.

This is an on-site position based in Santa Clara, CA.
Relocation benefits are not being offered for this role

The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of Santa Clara, CA is $131,000 - $243,500. Actual pay will be determined based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other job-related factors permitted by law. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply. The role's level (& title) may be adjusted based on experience and qualifications. A discretionary annual bonus may be available based on individual and Company performance.

This position also qualifies for the benefits detailed at the link provided below.

Benefits

Who we are

A healthier future drives us to innovate. Together, more than 100’000 employees across the globe are dedicated to advance science, ensuring everyone has access to healthcare today and for generations to come. Our efforts result in more than 26 million people treated with our medicines and over 30 billion tests conducted using our Diagnostics products. We empower each other to explore new possibilities, foster creativity, and keep our ambitions high, so we can deliver life-changing healthcare solutions that make a global impact.

Let’s build a healthier future, together.

Roche is an equal opportunity employer. It is our policy and practice to employ, promote, and otherwise treat any and all employees and applicants on the basis of merit, qualifications, and competence. The company's policy prohibits unlawful discrimination, including but not limited to, discrimination on the basis of Protected Veteran status, individuals with disabilities status, and consistent with all federal, state, or local laws.

If you have a disability and need an accommodation in relation to the online application process, please contact us by completing this form Accommodations for Applicants.