Senior Mechanical Engineer

BiomeSense; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

PTO

Parental leave

Job summary

BiomeSense in Chicago, IL, seeks a Senior Mechanical Engineer to own mechanical design of next‑gen GutLab hardware. You will lead hands‑on development, from concept through prototyping, build, and test, while coordinating with electrical and fluidic subsystems.

The role requires 5+ years in hardware development, CAD proficiency, and hands‑on assembly expertise. A fast‑paced startup environment offers equity and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field with 5+ years hardware development.
• Experience independently designing complex hardware and test fixtures using CAD.
• Proven ability to perform precise hands-on assembly and testing of complex hardware.
• Proficiency with prototyping techniques (3D printing, light machining).
• Proven ability to perform wiring, harnessing, and soldering.
• Highly organized, proactive, and able to collaborate across disciplines.
• Experience with instrument control software and scripting; interpret test results.

Responsibilities

• Mechanical Design of Novel Hardware: elegant solutions balancing performance, risk, and timelines.
• Systems Integration: integrate mechanical, electrical, and fluidic systems; resolve tradeoffs.
• Hardware Build & Test: assemble prototypes; validate new designs hands-on.
• Troubleshooting & Repair: diagnose and fix hardware, software, and firmware issues.
• Testing & Automation: improve test setups and automation; maintain organized lab.
• Documentation & Quality: create SOPs, manuals, test records; flag risks early.

Skills

Hands-on assembly & testing

System integration

Problem solving

Documentation

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

CAD

3D printing

Light machining

Wiring & soldering

Instrument control software

Scripting

Job description

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Compensation: $100k – $125k salary + 0.1%– 0.2% equity + benefits

Full benefits, including health coverage, PTO & parental leave

About BiomeSense

BiomeSense is a life sciences startup applying gut microbiome technologies (GutLab, MetaBiome) to advance personalized medicine. We partner with UCSF, UCSD, NIH & the University of Chicago & are backed by LabCorp Ventures, Bluestein Ventures, Seerave Foundation & Emil Capital Partners.

Key Responsibilities

You will own key technical workstreams responsible for the success of our next-generation GutLab hardware, while providing hands‑on support.

• Mechanical Design of Novel Hardware: Devise elegant solutions to complex mechanical design problems, balancing performance, risk, and timelines


• Systems Integration: Integrate mechanical, electrical, and fluidic systems into robust products; resolve system-level tradeoffs


• Hardware Build & Test: Perform detailed electrical, mechanical, and fluidic assembly of prototypes and sub-assemblies; lead hands‑on validation of new designs


• Troubleshooting & Repair: Diagnose and repair complex hardware, software, and firmware issues in lab and field; identify root causes and drive fixes


• Testing & Automation: Design and improve test setups, fixtures, and automation to optimize assembly and validate hardware; maintain a clean, organized, inventoried hardware lab


• Documentation & Quality: Create clear SOPs, manuals, test records, and design documentation for repeatable production; flag risks and assembly feedback early

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or related field and 5+ years in hardware development


• Experience independently designing complex, novel hardware and test fixtures using CAD


• Proven ability and willingness to perform precise, hands‑on assembly and testing of complex electromechanical hardware


• Experience with prototyping techniques (e.g., 3D printing, light machining)


• Proven ability to perform detailed wiring, harnessing, and soldering


• Highly organized, proactive, and independent; owns ambiguous work through resolution and collaborates across disciplines


• Experience with instrument control software and scripting; able to interpret test results and translate findings into design improvements

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience taking a new product from prototype to production


• Expertise in Design for Assembly (DFA) and Design for Manufacturing