Senior R&D Engineer - Sequencing Systems

Roche Holding AG; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 88,000 - 137,000; Full time

Job summary

Roche Sequencing Solutions in California seeks a Senior R&D Engineer to drive mechanical design, development, and commercialization of sequencing systems and automation equipment. You will prototype, assemble, test, and iterate across fluidic, mechatronic, pneumatic, thermal, optical, and electrical subsystems.

The role emphasizes hands-on in-lab execution, rapid prototyping, and close collaboration with other engineers and scientists to deliver integrated hardware solutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Bioengineering, or related field with 3+ years of industry experience (2+ years with a Master's; PhDs entry-level).
• Experience designing life science or diagnostic reagent handling systems with automated fluidic systems from feasibility to manufacturing.
• Strong fundamentals to design complex, high‑performance fluidic systems and manifolds integrating pumps, valves, sensors, and thermal controls.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks for detailed mechanical design, drawings, and PLM workflows.
• Hands-on rapid prototyping (3D printing, laser cutting, CNC) and benchtop testing; device control or data acquisition (Python or LabVIEW).

Responsibilities

• Mechanical design of custom fluidic components, assemblies, and subsystems including tolerance analysis and documentation.
• Prototyping and testing mechanical and electromechanical designs.
• Optimizing workflows, protocols, and assays, while collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to drive progress.
• Defining and refining requirements and specifications.
• Selecting and evaluating off-the-shelf components.
• Subsystem and system-level assembly, testing and troubleshooting; data analysis, reports and presentations.
• Collaborate with engineers and scientists on integration; provide guidance to team members, consultants, contractors, and vendors.

Skills

Mechanical design

Automation systems

FEA (SolidWorks Simulation)

GD&T

Python

LabVIEW

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Bioengineering, or related field

Tools

SolidWorks

PDM/PLM

3D printing

CNC

Data analysis (Python/LabVIEW)

Job description

At Roche you can show up as yourself, embraced for the unique qualities you bring. Our culture encourages personal expression, open dialogue, and genuine connections, where you are valued, accepted and respected for who you are, allowing you to thrive both personally and professionally. This is how we aim to prevent, stop and cure diseases and ensure everyone has access to healthcare today and for generations to come. Join Roche, where every voice matters.

The Position

At Roche Sequencing Solutions, we are seeking a Senior R&D Engineer to help drive the mechanical design, development, and commercialization of cutting-edge sequencing systems and advanced automation equipment. This role balances engineering design andO detailed documentation with active, hands-on prototyping, subsystem assembly, and lab-based hardware testing across fluidic, mechatronic, pneumatic, thermal, optical, and electrical subsystems.

The Opportunity

In this role, you will advance highly automated DNA sequencing pipelines from initial concept through to manufacturing. Your core focus on mechanical architecture and engineering design will be directly supported by practical, in-lab execution: building, testing, iterating, and troubleshooting physical hardware to ensure seamless system integration and robust performance.

• Mechanical design of custom fluidic components, assemblies, and subsystems including tolerance analysis and thorough documentation
• Prototyping and testing mechanical and electromechanical designs
• Optimizing workflows, protocols, and assays, while collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to drive technical progress
• Defining and refining requirements and specifications
• Selecting and evaluating off-the-shelf components
• Other critical functions include subsystem and system level assembly, testing and troubleshooting, as well as analyzing data, writing reports and presenting results.
• You will work closely with other engineers and scientists on integration efforts and provide guidance/oversight to other team members, consultants, contractors, and vendors.

Who you Are

The ideal candidate shall exhibit a high degree of motivation, independence, and resourcefulness to help us develop solutions to novel DNA Sequencing and automation challenges in a fast-paced and collaborative environment.

• You hold a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Bioengineering, or a related field with 3+ years of industry experience (2+ years with a Master's; entry-level for PhDs).
• You have track record designing life science or diagnostic reagent handling systems, with direct experience bringing an automated fluidic system from feasibility to manufacturing.
• You bring strong engineering fundamentals to design complex, high-performance fluidic systems and custom manifolds integrating pumps, valves, sensors, and thermal controls.
• You are proficient in SolidWorks for detailed mechanical design, manufacturing drawings, and PDM/PLM document management workflows.
• You possess hands-on skills in rapid prototyping (3D printing, laser cutting, CNC), manual machine shop equipment, benchtop testing, and device control or data acquisition using Python or LabVIEW.

Behaviors, competencies, and qualities of the ideal applicant.

• Experience designing automation systems and related mechanisms using both electric and pneumatic actuators
• Proficiency with FEA simulations in SolidWorks Simulation
• Proficiency in GD&T
• Understanding of chemistry, biological assays, and sequencing technology
• Experience developing products in a regulated environment
• A positive, proactive attitude, and a strong passion for science and engineering
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Relocation Benefits are not offered for this job posting.

The expected salary range for this position based on California is 87,500.00 - 137,040.00. Actual pay will be determined based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other job-related factors permitted by law. A discretionary annual bonus may be available based on individual and Company performance. This position also qualifies for the benefits detailed at the link provided below.

Benefits

Who we are

A healthier future drives us to innovate. Together, more than 100’000 employees across the globe are dedicated to advance science, ensuring everyone has access to healthcare today and for generations to come. Our efforts result in more than 26 million people treated with our medicines and over 30 billion tests conducted using our Diagnostics products. We empower each other to explore new possibilities, foster creativity, and keep our ambitions high, so we can deliver life-changing healthcare solutions that make a global impact.

Let’s build a healthier future, together.

Roche is an equal opportunity employer. It is our policy and practice to employ, promote, and otherwise treat any and all employees and applicants on the basis of merit, qualifications, and competence. The company's policy prohibits unlawful discrimination, including but not limited to, discrimination on the basis of Protected Veteran status, individuals with disabilities status, and consistent with all federal, state, or local laws.

If you have a disability and need an accommodation in relation to the online application process, please contact us by completing this form Accommodations for Applicants.