Senior Scientist I, Mechanical Engineering

AbbVie; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

AbbVie's peptide discovery team in Madison, WI, seeks a creative Mechanical Engineer to maintain and advance our proprietary peptide array synthesizers. You will design, integrate, and test high-precision instrumentation in collaboration with R&D scientists and software developers to accelerate pharmaceutical discovery and improve patient outcomes.

You will lead mechanical design and analysis, utilize SolidWorks, and work with suppliers to meet rigorous performance standards, all while adhering

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent education with extensive experience.
• 2+ years developing instrumentation for laboratory, scientific, or medical applications.
• Proficiency using SolidWorks to create models, drawings, and assemblies.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word).
• Proficiency in Python or MATLAB.
• Strong understanding of fabrication processes for precision instrument hardware.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, integrate, and test instrumentation and subcomponents such as pump manifolds, vision systems, high-precision stages, optomechanical assemblies, and sensors.
• Lead mechanical design and analysis across project phases in collaboration with software and operations teams.
• Diagnose and resolve instrumentation issues during prototyping, production, and operations.
• Develop and oversee testing of design concepts or computer models to validate functionality.
• Acquire, integrate, and analyze system data to ensure performance and reliability.
• Use SolidWorks to generate layouts, drawings, and documentation with GD&T.

Skills

SolidWorks

Python

MATLAB

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering

Master’s degree (optional)

PhD (optional)

Tools

Microsoft Office (Excel, Word)

LabVIEW

Keyence data acquisition

COMSOL/ CFD tools

Job description

About AbbVie

AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines and solutions that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas including immunology, oncology and neuroscience - and products and services in our Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.

Company Description

About AbbVie

AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines and solutions that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas including immunology, oncology and neuroscience - and products and services in our Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.

Job Description

AbbVie's peptide discovery team in Madison, WI, is at the forefront of discovering novel molecules for therapeutic treatments. We are seeking a creative and driven Mechanical Engineer to join our growing team. In this role, you will collaborate with a dedicated group of R&D scientists, engineers, and software developers to maintain and advance our proprietary peptide array synthesizers. Your work will directly contribute to accelerating the discovery of new pharmaceuticals and making a significant impact on patient outcomes.

As a key contributor, you will leverage your expertise in scientific, medical, or laboratory instrumentation to solve complex challenges. You will be responsible for the entire lifecycle of our instrumentation, from designing and modifying to integrating hardware components like sensors, actuators, pumps, and more to perform high-precision, coordinated activities.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, integrate, and test instrumentation and its subcomponents such as pump manifolds, vision systems, high-precision stages, optomechanical assemblies, and sensors.
• Lead the mechanical design and analysis throughout all project phases, working in close partnership with software and operations teams to ensure seamless integration and optimal functionality.
• Diagnose and resolve instrumentation issues during prototyping, production, and operations to ensure proper performance and reliability.
• Develop and oversee the testing of design concepts or computer models to validate the functionality of new and existing systems.
• Acquire, integrate, and analyze system data to ensure the performance and reliability of hardware and subsystems.
• Utilize 2D and 3D CAD systems (SolidWorks) to generate design concepts, layouts, assembly drawings, and technical documentation adhering to geometric tolerancing and revision control best practices.
• Interact with suppliers to specify and select components, ensuring all materials and parts meet project requirements.
• Contribute to a creative and fast-paced environment through open communication with all stakeholders, sharing ideas and solutions to enhance the performance of complex systems.
• Understand and adhere to corporate standards regarding code of conduct, safety, and appropriate handling of materials.

Qualifications

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent education and typically 10 years of experience, Master’s Degree or equivalent education and typically 8 years of experience, PhD and no experience necessary
• 2+ years of experience in developing instrumentation for laboratory, scientific, or medical applications.
• Proficiency using SolidWorks (preferred) to create and maintain solid models, detailed drawings, and assemblies.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word).
• Proficiency in Python or MATLAB programming languages.
• Strong understanding of the fabrication processes for precision instrument hardware.
• Thorough understanding of applied math, physics, fluid dynamics, and heat transfer.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to troubleshoot challenges in instrument development, deployment, and operation.

Preferred:

• Experience using Tecan, Hamilton, or similar commercial liquid handling robots.
• Experience using National Instruments (LabVIEW) or Keyence data acquisition tools.
• Experience in designing, assembling, and evaluating optomechanical subsystems.
• Experience with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) or Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modeling in COMSOL or similar analysis software.

Additional Information

Applicable only to applicants applying to a position in any location with pay disclosure requirements under state or local law:

• The compensation range described below is the range of possible base pay compensation that the Company believes in good faith it will pay for this role at the time of this posting based on the job grade for this position. Individual compensation paid within this range will depend on many factors including geographic location, and we may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range. This range may be modified in the future.
• We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick), medical/dental/vision insurance and 401(k) to eligible employees.
• This job is eligible to participate in our short-term incentive programs.

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, incentive, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole and absolute discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole and absolute discretion, consistent with applicable law.

AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives and serving our community. Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled.

US & Puerto Rico only - to learn more, visit https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/equal-employment-opportunity-employer.html

US & Puerto Rico applicants seeking a reasonable accommodation, click here to learn more:
https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/reasonable-accommodations.html