Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical Engineer

Cerillo is a Charlottesville, VA-based HAMILTON Company subsidiary focused on advancing human, environmental, and ecological health through its suite of innovative laboratory instrumentation. Through its Rayo platform of compact, precision microplate readers and the Canopy real-time monitoring system, Cerillo equips academic, government, and biotech/pharma researchers with affordable, accessible tools that ensure consistency and reproducibility.

As a Mechanical Engineer you will be a key member of the Engineering team responsible for designing, prototyping, and refining the mechanical architecture of Cerillo's compact microplate readers. Working closely with electrical and optical engineers, the Mechanical Engineer translates functional requirements into manufacturable designs that are precise, durable, and optimized for use in challenging laboratory environments—including anaerobic chambers, incubators, and field settings. The role spans the full product lifecycle from concept through production.

The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:

• Design and develop mechanical components, assemblies, and enclosures for Cerillo's microplate reader product family using 3D CAD software
• Create detailed engineering drawings with proper GD&T tolerancing in accordance with ASME Y14.5 standards
• Lead prototype development including hands-on fabrication, assembly, and iterative testing of mechanical subassemblies
• Define and execute mechanical testing protocols to validate structural integrity, thermal performance, sealing, and environmental robustness (e.g., ingress protection, vibration)
• Collaborate with electrical and optical engineers to integrate PCB assemblies, optical paths, and illumination systems into compact, precise enclosures
• Design fixtures, jigs, and tooling to support assembly, calibration, and quality control on the production floor
• Drive design for manufacturability (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA), working with contract manufacturers to optimize part geometry, material selection, and tolerances for scalable production
• Manage relationships with external vendors, machine shops, and injection molding suppliers; obtain and evaluate quotes and lead times
• Maintain complete and accurate design documentation including SolidWorks models, drawings, BOMs, and ECOs within a PDM/PLM system
• Troubleshoot mechanical issues identified during development, testing, or production; implement and document corrective design changes
• Support regulatory documentation and risk management activities as required
• Contribute to new product concept development and product roadmap planning
• Perform ad-hoc engineering tasks as directed by the Chief Executive Officer and/or Engineering leadership

Qualifications

• Experience designing precision optical or electro-optical instrument housings and component mounts is strongly preferred
• Familiarity with sealing and environmental protection design (IP ratings, gaskets, adhesives)
• Knowledge of material selection for laboratory environments: engineering plastics, aluminum, stainless steel
• Experience with DFM and working with contract manufacturers and suppliers
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with demonstrated attention to detail
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced startup environment
• Ability to lift and position equipment up to 25 pounds

Education/Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field required; Master's degree preferred
• 2+ years of experience in mechanical product development, preferably in medical devices, scientific instrumentation, or precision hardware
• Proficiency in SolidWorks (or equivalent parametric CAD) and SolidWorks PDM or similar data management tools
• Strong command of GD&T and engineering drawing standards (ASME Y14.5)
• Hands-on experience with prototyping methods: CNC machining, sheet metal fabrication, injection molding, and FDM/SLA 3D printing

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands or fingers, and handle or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.

Equal Opportunity Employer

It is the policy of this organization to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, sex, age 40 & over, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, citizenship status, religious preference, or veteran status in all phases of the employment process & in compliance with applicable federal, state, & local laws & regulations.

Mid Salary