Senior Mechanical Design Engineer-Automation Equipment

Teknova is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to design, develop, and validate semi- and fully automated production equipment. The role leads equipment design projects, supports production and validation, and provides technical leadership while collaborating with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities:

• Take full ownership of design projects: create User Requirement Specifications (URS) and Design Input Requirements (DIR), lead concept reviews, and prove out approaches through prototyping and supporting test data
• Pursue multiple design approaches, lead design reviews, and select a final solution that best meets the design and user requirements
• Execute on the design and build phase including engineering analysis/calculations, component selection, creation of 3D models/drawings, external vendor management, cost, and schedule management
• Create and perform comprehensive engineering studies; assess the performance against the DIR and make changes/adjustments, as necessary
• In partnership with quality engineering (QE), generate qualification/validation documents and execute IQ/OQ/PQ
• Create BOM, Spare parts list, SOPs, WIs and provide training to operations personnel
• Propose and implement improvements to existing production equipment. Establish baseline and pursue ideas that would result in increased throughput, reliability, and product quality
• Provide ongoing engineering support for production equipment and instruments to ensure timely troubleshooting and issue resolution
• Establish and manage relationships with outside vendors, machine shops, and contract manufacturers
• Demonstrate leadership by setting an example; provide design oversight and mentorship to junior engineers
• Participate in FMEA discussions and develop plans to mitigate the identified risks
• Lead regular meetings and proactively communicate project status to stakeholders
• Comply with company policies on design control, validation, and documentation; support GMP and ISO initiatives

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering
• 7–10 years of hands-on, system level mechanical engineering and design experience
• In-depth experience with complex mechanical/electromechanical design, including precision mechanisms, pneumatics, robotics/servo systems, tooling/fixtures, components such as motors, belts/pulleys, gears, actuators, sensors, and vision systems
• Proficiency with SolidWorks and deep knowledge of GD&T
• Experience creating engineering drawings, BOMs, and product specifications
• Deep knowledge of material properties, heat treatment, and surface finish
• Good understanding of DFM and lean manufacturing
• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills, with strong analytical and problem-solving ability
• Creative, self-motivated, and comfortable working hands-on across a wide variety of tasks in a small-company environment
• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering
• Experience in a regulated environment
• PLC programming experience, including ladder logic and HMI
• Experience with AutoCAD
• Familiarity with DOE, SPC, and statistical software (JMP/Minitab)
• Familiarity with sterilization processes and aseptic environments
• Hands-on machine shop experience