Senior Mechanical Engineer

Molecular Devices; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 116,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/dental/vision insurance

401(k)

Job summary

Molecular Devices seeks a Senior Mechanical Engineer in San Jose to lead design and development of advanced imaging hardware. You will drive optomechanical component design, servo/stepper motion, automation, and system integration.

The role requires a Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, 5+ years in R&D, strong SolidWorks skills, and experience with DoE and FMEA. On-site role with comprehensive benefits and bonus eligibility.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering is required.
• Minimum 5 years of R&D experience.
• Experience with optomechanical assemblies and servo/stepper motion.
• Experience designing fixtures for optical alignment.
• Ability to lead design reviews, risk assessments, and DoE.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, verification, and deployment of optical/mechanical systems.
• Develop and optimize optomechanical components and motion systems.
• Apply GD&T per ASME Y14.5; ensure precision in mounts and stages.
• Lead testing and integration from prototype to production.
• Use DoE to validate performance, reliability, and MTBF.

Skills

Optomechanics

SolidWorks

DoE

FMEA

Risk analysis

Leadership

Cross-functional

FEA

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks Simulation

Job description

Bring more to life. Are you ready to accelerate your potential and make a real difference within life sciences, diagnostics and biotechnology? At Molecular Devices, one of Danaher’s 15+ operating companies, our work saves lives—and we’re all united by a shared commitment to innovate for tangible impact. You’ll thrive in a culture of belonging where you and your unique viewpoint matter. And by harnessing Danaher’s system of continuous improvement, you help turn ideas into impact – innovating at the speed of life. Join Molecular Devices and help drive scientific discovery for life science customers in academia, biotech, pharma, and government. Our automated and AI-enabled technology empowers researchers to tackle complex questions and gain deep insights, accelerating the development of safer, more effective therapeutics. As part of our team—rooted in collaboration, authenticity, and innovation—you’ll ultimately contribute to groundbreaking science that enhances lives globally and shapes a healthier future for all. Learn about the Danaher Business System which makes everything possible.

The Senior Mechanical Engineer is responsible for leading the design, development, and continuous improvement of mechanical systems for advanced imaging equipment, with a focus on Optomechanical Component Design, Servo/stepper systems, and Automation. This role provides technical and project leadership for the design, verification, validation, and deployment of innovative products and process improvements that support new product development, cost reduction, quality enhancement, and operational excellence. This role offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of optics, precision mechanics, automation, and system engineering while contributing to the development of advanced scientific instrumentation. This position reports to the Engineering Manager and is part of the R&D Hardware Engineering team located in San Jose and will be an on-site role.

In This Role, You Will Have The Opportunity To

• Optomechanical Component Design Gain hands-on experience designing kinematic mounts, flexure mechanisms, autofocus modules, and highly stable structures that maintain precise component positioning across varying thermal environments.
• Servo/Stepper systems Develop and integrate high-resolution motion control systems, including linear motors, voice coils, piezo actuators, optical encoders, and cross-roller bearing stages for high-throughput automated scanning applications.
• SolidWorks Expertise Apply advanced SolidWorks skills in parametric 3D modeling and complex assembly design. Utilize GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) per ASME Y14.5 standards, along with precision machining and alignment practices for optical mounts, lens cells, and multi-axis stages.
• System Integration & Testing Lead the assembly, alignment, and troubleshooting of complex optomechanical systems. Develop and execute verification protocols that bridge the gap between prototype development and production-ready instruments.
• Design of Experiments (DoE) Use statistical methodologies to design rigorous hardware tests, isolate structural and optical variables, and validate key system-level performance metrics such as repeatability, accuracy, and MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures).

The Essential Requirements Of The Job Include

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and 5+ years of experience in Research & Development.
• Experience of design and development of optomechanical assemblies, including servo/stepper motion, using SolidWorks.
• Experience of design and validation of fixture for optical alignment of assemblies.
• Demonstrated ability to apply analysis, design risk methods, and manufacturability principles while providing technical leadership through trade‑off decisions, design reviews, FMEA, and structured problem solving.
• Experience advancing early-stage technologies from concept through prototype build, test, verification, and design iteration, while supporting manufacturing, service, or quality issues through structured troubleshooting.

Travel, Motor Vehicle Record & Physical/Environment Requirements:

• Ability to travel – up to 10% domestics or international
• Ability to lift, move or carry equipment up to35lb

It would be a plus if you also possess previous experience in:

• Experience with advanced mechanical analysis and simulation, including finite element analysis (FEA), vibration and modal analysis, thermal analysis, and reliability modeling to optimize the performance, stability, and precision of imaging and optomechanical systems.
• Key contributor in cross-functional engineering projects from concept through commercialization, including project planning, technical risk management, prioritization, stakeholder alignment, and delivery of key technical milestones for complex imaging and automation platforms.

Molecular Devices, a Danaher operating company, offers a broad array of comprehensive, competitive benefit programs that add value to our lives. Whether it’s a health care program or paid time off, our programs contribute to life beyond the job. Check out our benefits at Danaher Benefits Info.

The annual salary range for this role is ($116,000 - $150,000). This is the range that we in good faith believe is the range of possible compensation for this role at the time of this posting. This range may be modified in the future. This job is also eligible for bonus/incentive pay.

We offer comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off, medical/dental/vision insurance and 401(k) to eligible employees.

Danaher Corporation and all Danaher Companies are committed to equal opportunity regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other characteristics protected by law.

The U.S. EEO posters are available here.

Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole discretion, consistent with the law.

We comply with federal and state disability laws and make reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact:1-202-419-7762 or [e-mail].