Job Details

Sr Principal Engineer, Mechanical Engineering

Join to apply for the Sr Principal Engineer, Mechanical Engineering role at Foresite Labs.

Base Pay Range

$250,000.00/yr - $280,000.00/yr

We are seeking a highly experienced engineer to serve as our Mechanical Engineering Lead whose scope will include Precision Motion, Precision Machine Design, and Automation Systems. In this role, the Mechanical Engineering Lead will drive architecture evaluation, develop detailed product design and characterization metrology, and integrate hardware with software and firmware. The role involves debugging the system, optimizing design for robust, reliable operation, and verifying subsystem performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish clear requirements for the Mechanical Sub-Systems, collaborating closely with cross-functional stakeholders.
• Drive key architecture decisions for Precision Motion, Precision Machine Design, and Automation Systems.
• Serve as the highest-level owner of the detailed design of the Mechanical Sub-Systems, establishing clear specifications for the hardware and operational workflow that enable robust, reliable operation.
• Own the integration and bring‑up of the Mechanical Sub-Systems including hardware, software, and firmware integration. This includes supporting the development of detailed definitions of operational workflows, including exceptions and error handling.
• Develop metrology to measure the performance of the Mechanical Sub-Systems.
• Own the Engineering Verification Testing demonstrating that subsystem requirements are met.
• Lead Tiger Teams, as necessary, to debug the most complex issues.
• Contribute to the company's intellectual property, especially in selecting optimal system architectures.

Qualifications

Required:

• Advanced degree (MS or Ph.D.) in Mechanical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related field.
• 15+ years of leadership experience in complex instrument development within life sciences, semiconductor, diagnostics, or imaging systems.
• Deep technical expertise in mechanical engineering, with specific experience developing precision motion systems and precision mechanisms.
• Strong track record of effective collaboration across cross‑functional disciplines through effective communication and first‑order modeling.

Preferred:

• Experience with automated optical or biochemical instruments for molecular diagnostics or high‑throughput screening.
• Familiarity with regulatory and quality considerations for life science instruments.

We are an equal opportunity employer. We thrive on diversity and collaboration.