Research Engineer III - Fluidics, Systems Integration & Instrumentation

University of Pittsburgh; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Pittsburgh's Benam Lab seeks a Research Engineer III to design, fabricate, and maintain complex fluidic instruments and platforms used in advanced human-relevant experiments. You will develop robust fluid handling architectures, integrate mechanical, fluidic, and control elements, and enable scalable workflows across platforms.

The role emphasizes system-level design, reliable operation, and collaboration with medicine and bioengineering teams to advance physiologically relevant

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, Electrical / Systems Engineering, or a related field.
• Master's or Ph.D. in a relevant engineering discipline is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain research instrumentation and hardware for fluidic systems.
• Implement and optimize fluid handling architectures and pump-controlled flow networks.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to align system functionality with experiments.
• Document configurations, SOPs, and performance validation.
• Provide system testing, validation, and troubleshooting.

Skills

Analytical skills

Troubleshooting

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or related field

Master's or Ph.D. in engineering

Tools

Fluid handling systems

Pumps & tubing

System integration hardware

Job description

Med-Medicine - Pennsylvania-Pittsburgh - ( 26006461 )

The Benam Lab (https://www.benamlab.net/) at the University of Pittsburgh Departments of Medicine and Bioengineering is seeking a highly motivated Research Engineer III to support the integration, optimization, and operation of complex fluidic and instrumentation systems for advanced human-relevant experimental platforms. This role focuses on system-level design and implementation of fluid handling architectures, ensuring reliable, reproducible, and physiologically relevant operation across single- and multi-component platforms. The position will contribute to development of robust, scalable systems that integrate mechanical, fluidic, and control elements to support standardized experimental workflows.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, Electrical / Systems Engineering, or a related field
• Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in fluid systems, instrumentation, or experimental platform development
• Experience with fluid handling systems, pumps, tubing, or flow control architectures
• Experience with system integration and hardware-based experimental platforms
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary research and engineering environments

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in a relevant engineering discipline
• Experience with microfluidics, perfusion systems, or biologically relevant flow systems
• Familiarity with control systems, sensors, and automated or semi-automated fluid handling platforms
• Experience with design and implementation of complex, multi-component systems
• Experience with data acquisition, monitoring systems, or system diagnostics
• Experience working at the interface of engineering and biological systems
• Experience in controlled or regulated laboratory environments

Job Summary

Designs, fabricates, and maintains research instrumentation and develops conceptual project design and instrumentation, software programs, and data collection methods.Assists with conducting research. Oversees research projects and writes and presents results reports at conferences.

Essential Functions

• Design, develop, and optimize fluidic systems, including manifolds, tubing layouts, and pump-controlled flow networks
• Implement stable, leak-free circulation systems with controlled and reproducible flow profiles across experimental platforms
• Support development of physiologically relevant flow conditions, including continuous and directional flow regimes
• Integrate fluidic systems with broader experimental platforms, including device interfaces, instrumentation, and control systems
• Contribute to system-level architecture design, coordinating fluidic, mechanical, and sensing components
• Develop and implement control strategies for pumps, valves, and fluid routing systems
• Perform system testing, validation, and troubleshooting to ensure operational reliability and consistency
• Maintain detailed documentation of system configurations, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and performance validation
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to align system functionality with experimental and operational requirements
• Contribute to improvement of system robustness, usability, and scalability for sustained and repeatable operation

Physical Effort

Must be able to sit or stand for prolonged periods of time and perform hands-on engineering and laboratory tasks, including system assembly, calibration, and testing.

The University of Pittsburgh is an equal opportunity employer / disability / veteran.

Assignment Category Full-time regular

Job Classification Staff.Research Engineer III

Job Family Research

Job Sub-Family Research Engineering

Campus Pittsburgh

Minimum Education Level Required Bachelor's Degree

Minimum Years of Experience Required 2

Will this position accept substitution in lieu of education or experience? Combination of education and relevant experience will be considered in lieu of education and/ or experience requirement.

Work Schedule Monday - Friday; 8:30am - 5pm

Work Arrangement On-Campus: Teams that work on campus, in an office, or in a lab.

Hiring Range TBD Based Upon Qualifications

Relocation Offered No

Visa Sponsorship Provided Yes

Background Check For position finalists, employment with the University will require successful completion of a background check

Child Protection Clearances Not Applicable

The University of Pittsburgh is an equal opportunity employer / disability / veteran.