Prototyping Engineer - Automation & Bioreactor Systems

BIOSPHERE; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation (salary + equ

Unlimited paid vacation & sick leave

Comprehensive health insurance

Paid family leave

Gym membership at Pacific Pipe Climbin

Job summary

Biopsphere is seeking a Prototyping Engineer in Oakland to build and modify prototypes and test rigs for bioreactor technology. You’ll wire control panels, program PLCs or microcontrollers, and help run experiments from benchtop setups to pilot reactors.

You’ll learn how industrial fermentation equipment is designed, built and operated, collaborating with engineers in a hands-on R&D environment. Safety and practical problem-solving are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience building physical prototypes or test rigs.
• Ability to wire and troubleshoot basic electrical and control systems.
• Some machining or fabrication experience is a plus.
• Familiarity with bioreactors, lab equipment or fermentation tech.
• Safety-conscious around electricity, pressure and chemicals.
• Engineering degree or hands-on equivalent in a relevant field.

Responsibilities

• Build and modify prototypes, test rigs and bioreactor systems.
• Wire and program small control systems: PLCs and microcontrollers.
• Run experiments and maintain clean data records.
• Troubleshoot equipment and perform repairs.
• Document wiring diagrams, parts lists and procedures.
• Assist with commissioning and keep lab/pilot systems running.

Skills

Prototype building

Wiring & troubleshooting

Machining / fabrication

Lab equipment exposure

Safety mindset around systems

Hands-on engineering

Education

Bachelor's or higher in mechanical, electrical, chemical, biological engineering, mechatronics or equivalent hands-on experience

Tools

PLC programming

Arduino

Raspberry Pi

CODESYS

Siemens

SCADA

Ignition

Job description

Biopsphere is seeking a Prototyping Engineer in Oakland to build and modify prototypes and test rigs for bioreactor technology. You’ll wire control panels, program PLCs or microcontrollers, and help run experiments from benchtop setups to pilot reactors.

You’ll learn how industrial fermentation equipment is designed, built and operated, collaborating with engineers in a hands-on R&D environment. Safety and practical problem-solving are essential.