Senior Mechanical Engineer II

This position works out of our San Diego CA location in the Infectious Disease Division of Abbott Rapid Diagnostics. Were empowering smarter medical and economic decision-making to help transform the way people manage their health at all stages of life. Every day more than 10 million tests are run on Abbotts diagnostics instruments providing lab results for millions of people.

We are seeking a Mechanical Engineer II to join our R&D organization developing nextgeneration in vitro diagnostic (IVD) assays consumables and instruments. This role is ideal for an experienced engineer (10 years industry experience) who thrives in hands-on design cross-functional systems development and design transfer to operations. You will play a key role in the design and development and transfer of complex diagnostic systems involving microfluidics optics thermal control microfabrication and precision mechanisms. The successful candidate will bring strong engineering judgment a system-level mindset and the ability to balance innovation with reliability and manufacturability.

What Youll Work On

R&D & Product Development

• Lead mechanical design and development of IVD instruments subsystems and consumables from concept through design transfer.

• Design and optimize systems involving:

  • Microfluidics (low-volume liquid handling reagent transport containment)

  • Microfabricated components and precision assemblies

  • Thermal systems (incubation PCR thermal cycling temperature uniformity and control)

• Own mechanical architectures at the subsystem or system level including interfaces with electrical firmware assay and software teams.

• Develop and execute engineering test plans to characterize performance reliability and robustness.

Analysis Modeling & Optimization

• Perform analytical and numerical modeling to inform design decisions including:

  • Thermal modeling

  • Structural analysis

  • Optical modeling

  • Fluidic or system-level performance modeling

• Conduct tolerance analysis and GD&T to ensure robust designs suitable for volume manufacturing.

• Use data and first principles reasoning to drive design iteration and risk reduction.

Prototyping & Iteration

• Rapidly prototype mechanical designs using a variety of methods (machining 3D printing soft tooling).

• Build test and debug electromechanical and fluidic prototypes.

• Drive design improvements based on empirical test results and failure analysis.

Design Transfer & Manufacturing Support

• Lead or support design transfer to operations including:

  • DFM/DFA activities

  • Supplier engagement and technical oversight

  • Assembly process development

• Support manufacturing scale-up yield improvement and resolution of production issues.

• Author and review technical documentation supporting design controls including drawings specifications verification protocols and DHF content.

• Executes new devices processes equipment materials verification and validation.

• Implement approved Design Control procedures for development in accordance with FDA guidelines.

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Collaborate closely with assay development systems engineering electrical engineering quality regulatory and manufacturing teams.

• Provide technical mentorship to junior engineers and contribute to design reviews.

• Communicate technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

• This is a non-supervisory position.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors Degree Engineering or closely related STEM field or an equivalent combination of education and work experience.

• Minimum 8 years relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Masters degree in engineering or similar STEM field.

• Previous experience similar in scope of work in a FDA regulated environment of at least 2 years.

• Previous experience of at least 2 years or more with collaborating closely with assay development systems engineering electrical engineering quality regulatory and manufacturing teams.

Learn more about our health and wellness benefits which provide the security to help you and your family live full lives: your career aspirations to Abbott for diverse opportunities with a company that can help you build your future and live your best life. Abbott is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to employee diversity.

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The base pay for this position is

In specific locations the pay range may vary from the range posted.

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Senior IC