Senior Mechanical Engineer, Research & Early Development

At Roche you can show up as yourself, embraced for the unique qualities you bring. Our culture encourages personal expression, open dialogue, and genuine connections,  where you are valued, accepted and respected for who you are, allowing you to thrive both personally and professionally. This is how we aim to prevent, stop and cure diseases and ensure everyone has access to healthcare today and for generations to come. Join Roche, where every voice matters.

The Position

A healthier future. It's what drives us to innovate. To continuously advance science and ensure everyone has access to the healthcare they need today and for generations to come. Creating a world where we all have more time with the people we love. That's what makes us Roche.

At Roche, we are working to make next-generation sequencing simple and accessible enough for routine use. By accelerating clinical research, streamlining workflows, and expanding assay menus, we are broadening access to genomic data and lowering barriers to adoption. From robust sample isolation and preparation tools to novel sequencing technology and advanced bioinformatics, we are developing differentiated, highly integrated end-to-end solutions for next-generation sequencing, resulting in a sample in, result out workflow.

Our Systems Technology Group, a part of Roche Sequencing Solutions, is focused on creating and advancing technologies to significantly enhance DNA sequencing workflows. We are seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to contribute to the mechanical design, development, characterization, and integration of cutting-edge sequencing systems. 

This is a hands-on role focused on solving the  mechanical challenges at the heart of our next-generation platforms. You will be responsible for concepting, designing, building, and testing novel electro-mechanical, pneumatic, thermal, and fluidic solutions that ensure the ultimate performance, reliability, and longevity of our systems. 

The Senior Mechanical Engineer will play a vital role in driving innovation for our next-generation instrumentation. We are looking for someone that exhibits 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.

The Opportunity

• You will design and develop sub-systems, including electro-mechanical, pneumatic, fluidic, thermal, and consumable components.

• You will collaborate with cross-functional teams (including electrical, consumables, and materials engineers) to define and manage critical technical interfaces for your module.

• You will have ownership of your sub-systems during verification, integration, and troubleshooting, working closely with Systems Integration engineers.

• You will conduct cross-functional design reviews to drive alignment and resolve technical trade-offs between mechanical design, materials, and assay requirements.

• You will drive technical execution for sub-systems, manage design deliverable timelines, and contribute to the overall project plan.

• You will create and maintain comprehensive design documentation for your sub-systems, including detailed CAD models, drawings, and specifications.

• You will present technical progress, data, and design trade-offs to the project team and stakeholders, clearly articulating the impact of engineering decisions.

Who You Are:
(Required)

• You have a Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering (or a closely related discipline), with 4+ years of relevant industry experience; or a Master's in Mechanical Engineering (or a closely related discipline), with 2+ years of relevant industry experience; or a PhD in in Mechanical Engineering (or a closely related discipline), with 1+ years of relevant industry experience.

• You have demonstrated, hands-on experience designing, developing, and testing complex electro-mechanical, pneumatic, thermal, or fluidic assemblies, preferably for life science or diagnostic instrumentation.

• You have a demonstrated level of proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks) for detailed design and the creation of manufacturing drawings.

• You have demonstrated problem-solving skills, with the ability to troubleshoot complex hardware, software, and chemistry interfaces. 

• You are highly proficient with machine shop tools, measurement equipment, and rapid prototyping technologies (e.g., CNC mills/lathes, laser cutters, 3D printers).

Preferred:

• You are proficient with Python, LabVIEW, or similar tools for device control and data acquisition.

• You have experience with simulation tools (CFD, FEA) to guide design decisions.

• You have experience developing next-generation sequencing (NGS) or other genomics instrumentation.

• You have strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to non-experts and thrive in ambiguous environments.

• You have excellent organizational skills and the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects efficiently.

• You exhibit a high degree of ingenuity, resourcefulness, and scientific curiosity applied to solving integration challenges and optimizing system performance in an R&D environment.

This position is based onsite in Santa Clara, CA. This is not a hybrid position.

Relocation benefits are not available for this job position. 

The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location Santa Clara, CA is $87,500 - $162,500.  Actual pay will be determined based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other job-related factors permitted by law.  A discretionary annual bonus may be available based on individual and Company performance. 

This position also qualifies for the benefits detailed at the link provided below. 

Benefits

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Who we are

A healthier future drives us to innovate. Together, more than 100’000 employees across the globe are dedicated to advance science, ensuring everyone has access to healthcare today and for generations to come. Our efforts result in more than 26 million people treated with our medicines and over 30 billion tests conducted using our Diagnostics products. We empower each other to explore new possibilities, foster creativity, and keep our ambitions high, so we can deliver life-changing healthcare solutions that make a global impact.

Let’s build a healthier future, together.

Roche is an equal opportunity employer. It is our policy and practice to employ, promote, and otherwise treat any and all employees and applicants on the basis of merit, qualifications, and competence. The company's policy prohibits unlawful discrimination, including but not limited to, discrimination on the basis of Protected Veteran status, individuals with disabilities status, and consistent with all federal, state, or local laws.

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