Senior Mechanical Engineer

Teknova-; Hollister (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Teknova seeks a Senior Mechanical Engineer to design, develop, and validate semi- and fully automated production equipment. You will own design projects, perform analyses, and mentor junior engineers in a hands-on, cross-functional environment.

You will collaborate with Quality, Facilities, MSAT, and Operations to ensure quality, reliability, and timely delivery while supporting GMP and ISO initiatives. A strong focus on design control and documentation is essential.

Qualifications

• 7–10 years of hands-on, system-level mechanical engineering experience.
• Experience with complex electro-mechanical design and precision mechanisms.
• Proficiency with SolidWorks and GD&T.
• Ability to create engineering drawings, BOMs, and specifications.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of design projects from URS/DIR through prototyping and validation.
• Lead multiple design approaches and select final solutions meeting requirements.
• Perform engineering analysis, 3D modeling, drawings, vendor management, and cost/schedule control.
• Collaborate with QE to generate qualification/validation docs and execute IQ/OQ/PQ.
• Create BOMs, SOPs, and train operations personnel.

Skills

SolidWorks

GD&T

Mechanical design

Pneumatics

Robotics/servo systems

Engineering drawings

BOMs and specs

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

JMP

Minitab

Job description

Join the Teknova Team and Help Shape the Future of Health

When you join the Teknova team, you’re helping to create the future of health. Our customers are working to discover novel therapies that will help people everywhere live longer, healthier lives. We make sure they have a reliable supply of the essential ingredients they need to succeed, and every member of our team plays an important role.

Job Overview

We are seeking an exceptional Senior Mechanical Engineer to design, develop, and validate semi- and fully automated production equipment. This is a hands‑on role for someone who finds creative, sound engineering solutions to challenging problems, with a strong focus on quality, reliability, and execution. You will collaborate closely with cross‑functional teams including Quality, Facilities, MSAT, and Operations and provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers.

Our Culture

At Teknova, our culture is all about creative problem solving, and our default answer is “Yes.” We’re customer‑obsessed and go all in for them and each other. We’re not interested in the status quo—we want to discover what’s possible. We’re bold and built to change. We go above and beyond to develop novel products that help our customers get reliable results, engineer formats that fit their systems, and find ways to ship out their orders one day sooner. Every time we help our customers work more efficiently; we bring them a step closer to that big breakthrough.

Our Values

We value the unique personality and background of everyone on our team—we want you to be you. By working together and sharing our skills, we find new and better solutions for our customers. The people on our team are at the heart of everything we do, and we’re here to support them.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Take full ownership of design projects: create User Requirement Specifications (URS) and Design Input Requirements (DIR), lead concept reviews, and prove out approaches through prototyping and supporting test data.
• Pursue multiple design approaches, lead design reviews, and select a final solution that best meets the design and user requirements.
• Execute on the design and build phase including engineering analysis/calculations, component selection, creation of 3D models/drawings, external vendor management, cost, and schedule management.
• Create and perform comprehensive engineering studies; assess the performance against the DIR and make changes/adjustments, as necessary.
• In partnership with quality engineering (QE), generate qualification/validation documents and execute IQ/OQ/PQ.
• Create BOM, Spare parts list, SOPs, WIs and provide training to operations personnel.
• Propose and implement improvements to existing production equipment. Establish baseline and pursue ideas that would result in increased throughput, reliability, and product quality.
• Provide ongoing engineering support for production equipment and instruments to ensure timely troubleshooting and issue resolution.
• Establish and manage relationships with outside vendors, machine shops, and contract manufacturers.
• Demonstrate leadership by setting an example; provide design oversight and mentorship to junior engineers.
• Participate in FMEA discussions and develop plans to mitigate the identified risks.
• Lead regular meetings and proactively communicate project status to stakeholders.
• Comply with company policies on design control, validation, and documentation; support GMP and ISO initiatives.

Requirements

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Knowledge/Skills/Experience

• 7–10 years of hands‑on, system level mechanical engineering and design experience.
• In‑depth experience with complex mechanical/electromechanical design, including precision mechanisms, pneumatics, robotics/servo systems, tooling/fixtures, components such as motors, belts/pulleys, gears, actuators, sensors, and vision systems.
• Proficiency with SolidWorks and deep knowledge of GD&T.
• Experience creating engineering drawings, BOMs, and product specifications.
• Deep knowledge of material properties, heat treatment, and surface finish.
• Good understanding of DFM and lean manufacturing.
• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills, with strong analytical and problem‑solving ability.
• Creative, self‑motivated, and comfortable working hands‑on across a wide variety of tasks in a small‑company environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• Experience in a regulated environment.
• PLC programming experience, including ladder logic and HMI.
• Experience with AutoCAD.
• Familiarity with DOE, SPC, and statistical software (JMP/Minitab).
• Familiarity with sterilization processes and aseptic environments.
• Hands‑on machine shop experience.