Systems Integration & Controls Engineer

Signature Science, LLC; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Signature Science, LLC seeks a Systems Integration & Controls Engineer to lead the integration of a clinical-grade IVD device, bridging hardware, biology and data systems.

You will coordinate between mechanical engineers and external electrical subcontractors, develop control architectures, implement sensors and automation, and ensure robust verification and documentation. This is a full-time, on-site role in Austin, TX with opportunities to contribute across R&D initiatives.

Qualifications

• 3–5+ years designing, integrating, testing, and debugging control or system software for prototype hardware (microfluidics or lab automation).
• Experience bridging multidisciplinary teams (mechanical, electrical, software, biology).
• Ability to interface with external subcontractors and verify hardware/software deliverables.

Responsibilities

• Act as system integrator for prototype hardware, control software, and fluids.
• Design and implement control architectures and automation for microfluidic instruments.
• Define interfaces and APIs between subcontractor outputs and internal components.

Skills

System integration

Control software

Microfluidics

Hardware interfaces

Documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering or related

Tools

Arduino

Raspberry Pi

PLC

Job description

Overview

Position Purpose: Are you ready to make a meaningful difference in public health and national security? Signature Science is seeking a highly motivated and skilled Systems Integration & Controls Engineer to join our dedicated team. This pivotal role offers you the opportunity to contribute directly to complex R&D initiatives safeguarding national defense and enhancing biological safety. Your primary focus will be serving as the master integrator for a novel, clinical-grade In Vitro Diagnostic (IVD) sample preparation and testing device. This device bridges the gap between physical hardware, biology, and data systems. In this role, you will act as a lead in system integration, orchestrating technical deliverables between internal mechanical engineers and external electrical engineering subcontractors, and ensuring the entire instrument functions seamlessly as a unified platform. Additionally, you will serve as a core engineering resource across the company, applying your skills to a diverse portfolio of broader systems engineering and hardware integration projects.

Responsibilities

• Act as a system integrator, ensuring flawless interoperability between prototype mechanical hardware, electrical architectures, fluidics, and control software.
• Design and implement control architectures and automation strategies for prototype microfluidic and automated fluid-handling instruments, working closely with mechanical engineers and molecular biologists.
• Define, manage, and debug technical interfaces, communication protocols, and APIs between external electrical engineering subcontractor deliverables and internal system components.
• Integrate sensors, actuators, and other specialized equipment into both bespoke and pre-existing industrial or laboratory control architectures.
• Work with multidisciplinary teams including a Principal Investigator, Quality/PM lead, and bioinformaticians to develop rigorous testing procedures, system verification protocols, and quality control methods to ensure consistent device performance.
• Troubleshoot, debug, and solve complex electro-mechanical, fluidic, and system-level issues, utilizing industry best practices to analyze performance data.
• Support broader company-wide systems engineering efforts, providing electrical, controls, and hardware integration expertise across various cross-functional project teams.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of laboratory standard operating procedures (SOPs) and systems engineering documentation.
• Identify novel research directions, contribute to technical proposal efforts, and explore potential funding opportunities.
• Maintain accurate, detailed laboratory records and project documentation.
• Present research findings and engineering updates at internal technical reviews and external client meetings.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Minimum 3-5 years of experience designing, integrating, testing, and troubleshooting control or system software strategies for prototype hardware, preferably related to microfluidics, lab-on-a-chip, or precision automated laboratory systems.
• Demonstrated experience acting as a system integrator or technical bridge across multidisciplinary teams (e.g., mechanical, electrical, software, and biological sciences).
• Proven ability to interface with, evaluate, and integrate hardware or electrical engineering deliverables provided by external subcontractors.
• Demonstrated experience using microcontrollers, single-board computers (e.g., Arduino, Raspberry Pi, or similar), or PLCs to control, script, and automate physical systems.
• Experience establishing and debugging serial and network communication protocols (e.g., I2C, SPI, UART, CAN, TCP/IP) for interfacing and data transfer.
• Familiarity with systems engineering principles, including the translation of P&ID documentation, functional requirements, and flow diagrams into robust control algorithms.
• Familiarity with sensors and actuators relevant to fluid handling and automation, including pressure sensors, flow sensors, valves, pumps, and temperature controllers.
• Ability to collaborate effectively within cross-functional teams, including mechanical engineers, chemists, molecular biologists, and software developers.
• Excellent troubleshooting, analytical, and detailed documentation skills for iterative prototyping, validation, and transfer to production.
• Experience using emerging AI tools or agentic AI systems to achieve specific objectives in an engineering or laboratory environment.
• Experience or willingness to participate in grant writing and technical report preparation.

Other Potential Relevant Experience

• Familiarity with software development lifecycles within regulated environments, specifically medical device or IVD software design controls (IEC 62304 / ISO 14971).
• Experience establishing verification and validation (V&V) protocols intended for FDA or regulatory submissions.
• Proficiency with circuit design, schematic capture, PCB layout, and hands-on soldering and assembly skills to support the transition of R&D prototypes into robust systems.

Education/Experience

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Systems Engineering, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or a related discipline.

Certificates/Licenses

• None required

Clearance

• This position requires that the candidate be willing and able to complete a successful background screening for a security clearance. Candidates with an active security clearance will receive preference.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None

Working Conditions/ Equipment

This is a full-time, fully on-site position. This position primarily operates during standard business hours, with occasional needs for extended workdays or weekend work to meet project timelines. A significant portion of this role (approximately 50%) involves hands-on laboratory work and benchtop engineering. You should be comfortable spending extended periods of time conducting hardware experiments and working at a computer. The role may also require occasional domestic travel for conferences, client meetings, or research-related travel. The ability to lift and carry light loads (under 25 lbs) without assistance is necessary.