Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical Engineer: Instrumentation & Fluidic Systems
Max-IR Labs is a growing technology startup seeking a highly motivated Mechanical Engineer to support the design, development, prototyping, and commercialization of advanced analytical instrumentation for environmental and industrial monitoring applications. The ideal candidate will thrive in a dynamic startup environment and have experience in mechanical design, fluid handling systems, rapid prototyping, instrumentation integration, and electromechanical systems.
Application Deadline: August 22, 2026
Applicants must have current authorization to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and develop mechanical components, assemblies, enclosures, and instrument platforms using CAD and mechanical design software (e.g., SolidWorks, Fusion 360, AutoCAD, or similar tools).
- Design and optimize fluidic cells, flow chambers, manifolds, and sampling systems for liquid-phase analytical measurements, including flow analysis, pressure management, and optimization of fluid transport.
- Ability to thrive in a dynamic startup environment, independently manage multiple concurrent projects, prioritize tasks based on technical and business impact, and execute projects with minimal supervision while maintaining clear communication with the team.
- Develop and maintain engineering documentation, including bills of materials (BOMs), supplier lists, component specifications, mechanical drawings, and revision-controlled design records.
- Design, fabricate, and evaluate prototypes using 3D printing and rapid prototyping technologies, including selection of appropriate printing methods, materials, and manufacturing vendors.
- Evaluate 3D printing manufacturers and external fabrication suppliers, including cost analysis, lead-time evaluation, quality assessment, and transition from prototype designs toward scalable manufacturing approaches.
- Select, integrate, and troubleshoot pumps, valves, tubing, fittings, and other fluid-handling components for environmental, industrial, and biomedical applications.
- Support integration of mechanical, electrical, and software subsystems, including communication and control of pumps, sensors, and auxiliary components through computer-controlled instrumentation platforms.
- Assist with instrument assembly, testing, troubleshooting, and deployment of prototype and commercial systems in laboratory and field environments.
- Collaborate with scientists, engineers, and external partners to translate analytical requirements into robust mechanical and fluidic solutions.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
- Strong experience with 3D CAD modeling, mechanical drawings, tolerancing, and prototype development.
- Hands-on experience with additive manufacturing / 3D printing, including material selection, printer capabilities, vendor selection, and cost estimation.
- Experience designing fluid-handling systems, including pumps, flow control components, tubing, and fluidic assemblies.
- Understanding of electromechanical integration, including sensors, electrical connections, communication interfaces, and computer-based control systems.
- Ability to develop and manage parts lists, supplier relationships, and engineering documentation.
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work hands-on in a fast-paced research and product development environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with analytical instrumentation or scientific measurement systems.
- Familiarity with analytical techniques and instruments such as pH meters, ion chromatography (IC), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, or related chemical analysis platforms.
- Experience with environmental monitoring, wastewater systems, biomedical instrumentation, or industrial process equipment.
- Knowledge of programming or instrument communication protocols (e.g., Python, LabVIEW, serial communication, Ethernet-based control, or similar).
- Experience supporting field deployments, pilot testing, or customer demonstrations.