R&D Mechanical Engineering Associate – Mechanical Design, Build and Test

Shinkei; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Shinkei Systems is seeking a Mechanical Engineering Associate to sit at the intersection of fish biology research, engineering, and real-world operations in El Segundo. You will own electro-mechanical design, sensor integration, and data processing, with hands-on testing in a lab and in processing plants.

You'll work with cross-functional teams spanning biology, mechanical design, software, and ML, iterating fast through design-build-test cycles and applying your CAD, robotics, sensors, and

Qualifications

• BS/MS in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Experience with CAD, machining, and fabrication.
• Strong skills in robotics, sensors, embedded systems, and data analysis; interest in biology/chemistry, lab work, or food systems.

Responsibilities

• Own electro-mechanical design, sensor integration, and data processing/validation.
• Perform hands-on testing with fish samples in laboratory settings.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (fish biology, mechanical design, software, ML) to iterate designs.
• Lead design-build-test cycles to move concepts into deployment in processing plants.

Skills

CAD

Machining

Fabrication

Robotics

Sensors

Embedded systems

Data analysis

Lab work

Education

BS/MS in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Tools

CAD software

3D printing

Measurement instruments

Job description

Position Overview

Shinkei Systems is pioneering technology to deliver the highest-quality seafood at scale.

We’re looking for a Mechanical Engineering Associate to sit at the intersection of fish biology research, engineering, and real-world operations. You will be pivotal in developing a system to quantify the quality of fish. You will own the design and integration of electromechanical systems, from initial concept through build, test, and deployment in commercial processing plants.

You will own electro-mechanical design, sensor integration, and data processing and validation, while performing scientific literature review across fish biology, food science, and chemistry journals. You’ll do hands-on testing with fish samples in a laboratory environment, including sensory analysis—evaluating fish based on taste, odour, and visual cues. Throughout, you’ll work within a cross-functional team spanning fish biology, mechanical design, software architecture, and machine learning.

You have a BS/MS in Mechanical Engineering or a related field, along with experience in CAD, machining, and fabrication. You have strong skills in robotics, sensors, embedded systems, and data analysis, as well experience or a demonstrated interest in biology, chemistry, lab work, or food systems.

Success in this role means being able to iterate fast through design, build, and test cycles, paired with a strong bias to action. You should be excited to work hands-on with fish and to play a part in improving our food systems.

If the idea of working at the intersection of biology and technology to help pioneer industry-leading standards for seafood quality excites you, this role is for you.

This is a full-time, in-person position based in our El Segundo office.

R&D focused, design of experiments and determining whether a technology like HSI can be used for quality prediction.