Sr. Mechanical Design Engineer

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
Corporate Office: San Ramon, California
Relocation Assistance: No - Relocation assistance is not available. Only candidates currently residing within commuting distance of the work location will be considered for this position
Closing: We are continuously accepting applications to build a pool of qualified candidates. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications outlined in this announcement will be reviewed on an ongoing basis and may be considered for immediate hiring needs as well as future opportunities.
Application Screening Process: Your application will not be considered if you fail to meet the minimum qualifications listed below or do not submit a detailed cover letter and resume as required for the application screening process. Candidates who are selected to move forward after the prescreening questionnaire will be required to complete a video introduction before advancing to the next stage of the hiring process.
Salary Range: $120,000-$150,000 annually. The starting salary for the selected candidate will be determined based on job-related, non-discriminatory factors, including skills, experience, qualifications, and geographic location. Starting salaries are typically positioned within the range and are not commonly offered at or near the maximum of the salary band.

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 isrequired, 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. This 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. The candidate must have a proven ability to understand complex problems and requirements as described by customers, product liaisons, scientific and engineering team members.

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 usingSOLIDWORKSfor 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
These physical requirements are not exhaustive, and additional job-related physical requirements may be added to these on an as-needed basis.

• 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

At RheoSense, you can build an excellent job that grows into a meaningful and rewarding career. Our comprehensive benefits and workplace culture include:

• 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.