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

Roche; California (MO); On-site; USD 110,000 - 205,000; Full time

Job summary

Roche seeks a hands-on Mechanical Engineer to advance next-generation sequencing hardware in Santa Clara, CA. You will conceive, build, and test electro-mechanical assemblies, ensuring performance, reliability and longevity in a demanding life-science environment.

You will lead sub-system design reviews, verify interfaces, and partner with cross-functional teams to drive trade-offs. Strong CAD, prototyping and manufacturing know-how are essential.

Qualifications

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering with relevant industry experience (minimum 7+ years for a Bachelor's, 4+ years for a Master's, or 3+ years for a PhD).
• Hands-on experience designing, developing, and testing electro-mechanical, pneumatic, thermal, or fluidic assemblies, preferably for life science or diagnostic instrumentation.
• Proficient with SolidWorks for detailed design and manufacturing drawings.
• Experience designing components for machining, sheet metal, injection molding, 3D printing.
• Strong problem-solving; troubleshoot complex hardware, software, and chemistry interfaces.
• Proficient with machine shop tools, measurement equipment, and rapid prototyping (e.g., CNC mills/lathes, laser cutters, 3D printers).
• Experience solving unique or unpredictable problems that impact goals and objectives.

Responsibilities

• Drive the research and development of sub-systems spanning electro-mechanical, pneumatic, thermal, fluidic, and consumable technologies.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define and manage critical technical interfaces.
• Own sub-systems through verification, integration, and troubleshooting with System Integration engineers.
• Lead cross-functional design reviews to drive alignment and resolve design trade-offs.
• Manage design deliverable timelines and contribute to overall project planning.
• Create and maintain comprehensive design documentation.
• Contribute to technical strategy with data-driven recommendations on architecture and technology.
• Present progress, data, and design trade-offs to stakeholders with clear engineering impact.

Skills

SolidWorks

Problem-solving

Machining

Sheet metal

Injection molding

3D printing

CNC milling

CNC turning

Laser cutting

Rapid prototyping

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Python

CFD

FEA

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

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 role focuses on solving mechanical challenges for our next-generation platforms. 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.

The Opportunity & 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 sub-systems through verification, integration, and troubleshooting, working closely with System Integration engineers.
• You will lead cross-functional design reviews to drive alignment and resolve technical trade-offs.
• You will manage design deliverable timelines and contribute to overall project planning.
• You will create and maintain comprehensive design documentation.
• 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.

This is an onsite position based in Santa Clara, CA. Relocation benefits are not offered for this role.

Who You Are:

Required:

• You have a degree in Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related discipline, with relevant industry experience (minimum 7+ years for a Bachelor's, 4+ years for a Master's, or 3+ years for a PhD).
• You have demonstrated hands-on experience designing, developing, and testing complex electro-mechanical, pneumatic, thermal, or fluidic assemblies, preferably for life science or diagnostic instrumentation.
• You are highly proficient in SolidWorks for detailed design and the creation of manufacturing drawings.
• You have demonstrated experience designing components for a variety of manufacturing processes (e.g., machining, sheet metal, injection molding, 3D printing).
• You have demonstrated problem-solving skills; ability to troubleshoot complex hardware, software, and chemistry interfaces.
• You are proficient with machine shop tools, measurement equipment, and rapid prototyping (e.g., CNC mills/lathes, laser cutters, 3D printers).
• You have experience solving unique or unpredictable problems that might have an impact on the goals and objectives as set by the organization.

Preferred:

• You have an advanced degree in Mechanical Engineer, or a closely related discipline
• You have a high level of proficiency with Python for device control and data acquisition.
• You have experience with simulation tools (CFD, FEA) to guide design decisions.
• You have experience developing next-generation sequencing (NGS) or genomics 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.

The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location Santa Clara, CA is $110,400 - $205,400. Actual pay will be determined based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other job-related factors permitted by law. 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

#RMS72026

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