Senior R&D Engineer - Sequencing Systems

The Position

At Roche Sequencing Solutions, we are seeking a Senior R&D Engineer to help drive the mechanical design, development, and commercialization of cutting-edge sequencing systems and advanced automation equipment. This role balances engineering design and detailed documentation with active, hands-on prototyping, subsystem assembly, and lab-based hardware testing across fluidic, mechatronic, pneumatic, thermal, optical, and electrical subsystems.

The Opportunity

In this role, you will advance highly automated DNA sequencing pipelines from initial concept through to manufacturing. Your core focus on mechanical architecture and engineering design will be directly supported by practical, in-lab execution: building, testing, iterating, and troubleshooting physical hardware to ensure seamless system integration and robust performance.

• Mechanical design of custom fluidic components, assemblies, and subsystems including tolerance analysis and thorough documentation
• Prototyping and testing mechanical and electromechanical designs
• Optimizing workflows, protocols, and assays, while collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to drive technical progress
• Defining and refining requirements and specifications
• Selecting and evaluating off-the-shelf components
• Other critical functions include subsystem and system level assembly, testing and troubleshooting, as well as analyzing data, writing reports and presenting results.
• You will work closely with other engineers and scientists on integration efforts and provide guidance/oversight to other team members, consultants, contractors, and vendors.

Who you Are

The ideal candidate shall exhibit a high degree of motivation, independence, and resourcefulness to help us develop solutions to novel DNA Sequencing and automation challenges in a fast-paced and collaborative environment.

• You hold a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Bioengineering, or a related field with 3+ years of industry experience (2+ years with a Master's; entry-level for PhDs).
• You have track record designing life science or diagnostic reagent handling systems, with direct experience bringing an automated fluidic system from feasibility to manufacturing.
• You bring strong engineering fundamentals to design complex, high-performance fluidic systems and custom manifolds integrating pumps, valves, sensors, and thermal controls.
• You are proficient in SolidWorks for detailed mechanical design, manufacturing drawings, and PDM/PLM document management workflows.
• You possess hands-on skills in rapid prototyping (3D printing, laser cutting, CNC), manual machine shop equipment, benchtop testing, and device control or data acquisition using Python or LabVIEW.

Behaviors, competencies, and qualities of the ideal applicant.

• Experience designing automation systems and related mechanisms using both electric and pneumatic actuators
• Proficiency with FEA simulations in SolidWorks Simulation
• Proficiency in GD&T
• Understanding of chemistry, biological assays, and sequencing technology
• Experience developing products in a regulated environment
• A positive, proactive attitude, and a strong passion for science and engineering
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills