Mechanical Design Engineer (Mid-Senior Level)

RheoSense Inc.; San Ramon (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

RheoSense, Inc. is seeking a Sr. Mechanical Design Engineer to join our San Ramon team.

You will lead mechanical design efforts for advanced instruments, translating concepts into detailed assemblies, drawings, and prototypes. Your hands‑on SolidWorks skills will drive DFMs across microfluidics and related systems, collaborating with cross‑functional teams from concept through production. You will contribute to DOE test fixtures, design reviews, and reliability testing while delivering quality

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field.
• 5+ years of professional mechanical engineering experience.
• Recent hands‑on experience using SOLIDWORKS for mechanical design, assemblies, and engineering documentation.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical drawings, specifications, and engineering documentation.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in cross‑functional teams.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, high‑growth environment.

Responsibilities

• Design all advanced instrument parts and assemblies using SOLIDWORKS to meet specifications and for Design for Manufacturability (DFM) on integrated microfluidics, pneumatic, and liquid handling systems.
• Create test fixtures for Design of Experiments (DOE) as well as Verification, and Validation processes.
• Perform experimental testing and analyze resulting data.
• Lead project teams in the preparation of engineering inputs, cost estimates, schedules, and project management.
• Prepare for, and participate in, comprehensive design reviews.
• Evaluate performance at the component and system levels via both SOLIDWORKS modeling and hands‑on experimental methods.
• Develop and execute component reliability and qualification tests.
• Develop quality procedures to support the manufacturing team in pilot builds and troubleshooting during production.
• Write engineering change orders on existing products to improve designs and correct problems.
• Meet deadlines, sustain superior personal task management, and deliver consistent high performance.
• Perform other department‑specific duties as assigned.

Skills

Cross-functional teamwork

Strong communication

Problem solving

Fast learner

Execution focus

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SOLIDWORKS

Job description

About RheoSense, Inc.

RheoSense, Inc. (RheoSense) is a leading scientific instrumentation company specializing in high‑precision microfluidic viscosity measurement technology. Our innovative VROC® platform is trusted by researchers, engineers, and scientists across biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, materials science, and advanced manufacturing. We are committed to delivering accurate, reliable, and user‑friendly measurement solutions that empower our customers to accelerate discovery, improve product performance, and drive scientific advancement. At RheoSense, we foster a collaborative, fast‑moving environment where innovation, continuous improvement, and customer focus guide everything we do. As we continue to grow, we’re looking for talented individuals who are excited to contribute to cutting‑edge technology and make a meaningful impact in the scientific community.

Position

Sr. Mechanical Design Engineer

Location: Corporate Office – San Ramon, California

Relocation Assistance: None. Only candidates currently residing within commuting distance will be considered.

Closing: Applications are accepted continuously to build a pool of qualified candidates. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis.

Salary Range: $120,000–$150,000 annually.

Who You Are

You are an experienced mechanical engineer with recent, demonstrated success designing and developing complex products, systems, or advanced instrumentation in a fast‑paced environment. You combine strong technical expertise with creative problem‑solving and require minimal ramp‑up time, allowing you to quickly contribute and deliver results. Recent, hands‑on experience using SolidWorks is required, with a proven ability to create detailed designs, assemblies, drawings, and prototypes. You communicate effectively, collaborate seamlessly with cross‑functional teams, and take ownership from concept through prototype and product development. With a practical, hands‑on approach and a track record of execution, you are comfortable navigating ambiguity, driving projects forward, and making immediate contributions to product innovation and engineering excellence.

Job Summary

The Sr. Mechanical Engineer is responsible for planning and executing mechanical engineering tasks for the product development of advanced instruments. The individual will be working closely with other members of our interdisciplinary team developing innovative advanced related products and technologies. The candidate must be a fast learner, strong problem solver, and exceptional communicator. This position will require you to translate ideas into high‑level design concepts and working prototypes.

Job Responsibilities and Expectations

This is not necessarily an all‑inclusive list of job‑related responsibilities, duties, skills, efforts, requirements, or working conditions. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed as assigned.

• Design all advanced instrument parts and assemblies using SOLIDWORKS to meet specifications and for Design for Manufacturability (DFM) on integrated microfluidics, pneumatic, and liquid handling systems.
• Create test fixtures for Design of Experiments (DOE) as well as Verification, and Validation processes.
• Perform experimental testing and analyze resulting data.
• Lead project teams in the preparation of engineering inputs, cost estimates, schedules, and project management.
• Prepare for, and participate in, comprehensive design reviews.
• Evaluate performance at the component and system levels via both SOLIDWORKS modeling and hands‑on experimental methods.
• Develop and execute component reliability and qualification tests.
• Develop quality procedures to support the manufacturing team in pilot builds and troubleshooting during production.
• Write engineering change orders on existing products to improve designs and correct problems.
• Meet deadlines, sustain superior personal task management, and deliver consistent high performance.
• Perform other department‑specific duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional mechanical engineering experience.
• Recent, hands‑on experience using SOLIDWORKS for mechanical design, assemblies, and engineering documentation.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical drawings, specifications, and engineering documentation.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in cross‑functional teams.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, high‑growth environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience developing advanced instrumentation, analytical systems, or complex electromechanical products.
• GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing) experience.
• Experience with micro injection molding processes and design.
• Experience designing electrical connectors, motion control systems, chassis, and valve‑based systems.
• Experience with laboratory automation systems.
• Working knowledge of microfluidics and MEMS manufacturing processes.
• Experience developing products that incorporate microfluidic components.
• Demonstrated technical leadership and project ownership from concept through prototype and production.
• Experience supporting manufacturing, testing, and product commercialization activities.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while working at a computer, lab bench, or assembly station.
• Ability to walk between office, laboratory, and light‑manufacturing areas throughout the workday.
• Ability to lift, carry, and move equipment, prototypes, or components up to 25–40 lbs.
• Manual dexterity to assemble, adjust, and test small mechanical and microfluidic components.
• Ability to use precision tools and instruments, including calipers, micrometers, torque drivers, and hand tools.
• Ability to bend, reach, kneel, or crouch occasionally to access equipment, test setups, or storage areas.
• Adequate vision and hand‑eye coordination for detailed inspection, assembly, and reading engineering drawings.
• Able to work safely in laboratory environments, including wearing PPE such as safety glasses, gloves, and lab coats.
• Ability to tolerate moderate noise levels typical of lab and light‑manufacturing environments.
• Ability to handle chemicals, adhesives, and cleaning agents in accordance with safety guidelines.
• Ability to travel occasionally for vendor visits, customer support, or field evaluations (if required).

What We Offer

• Financial stability through competitive compensation, performance incentives, and retirement plans.
• Training and professional development to support long‑term career growth.
• Health and welfare benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and wellness programs.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) to support work–life balance.
• Paid parental leave for both maternity and paternity.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with a company match of up to 4%.
• Employee stock ownership (ISO) opportunities.
• A collaborative, creative, inclusive, and engaging team environment.

RheoSense is an equal‑opportunity employer and is committed to maintaining a diverse and inclusive workplace.