Mechanical Design Engineer

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related technical discipline.
• 10+ years of mechanical equipment design experience.
• Experience seeing designs from prototype to implementation experience.
• Advanced proficiency with Solid Works or similar 3D CAD software.
• Proven experience designing and developing equipment from concept through prototype and production implementation.
• Strong understanding of machined components, welded assemblies, sheet metal fabrication, fluid handling equipment, and system integration.
• Practical knowledge of GD&T and engineering drawing fundamentals.
• Strong troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced development environment.

• Experience with microfluidic systems.
• Pharmaceutical, medical device, CIP, or SIP equipment experience.
• Advanced manufacturing, robotics, semiconductor, aerospace, or nuclear equipment development.
• Experience working in Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 0-6 environments.
• Demonstrated Design-for-Manufacturing (DFM) and Design-for-Assembly (DFA) expertise.
• Experience supporting equipment scale-up from prototype to production.

We are seeking a highly creative and hands‑on Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to support the development of advanced manufacturing equipment used in TRISO fuel production and microfluidic kernel formation processes. This role is focused on rapid product development and iterative engineering, requiring an individual who can evaluate existing systems, identify opportunities for improved throughput, scalability, quality, and reliability, and develop innovative mechanical solutions from concept through operational deployment.

The successful candidate will design, prototype, test, troubleshoot, and refine equipment involving microfluidics, fluid handling systems, flow and pressure balancing, machine vision integration, particle sorting technologies, automation, and process equipment. Working closely with scientists, manufacturing personnel, and operations teams, this engineer will create manufacturable solutions, develop detailed assemblies, fabrication packages, P&IDs, wiring diagrams, and supporting design documentation, while participating directly in hands‑on assembly, testing, debugging, and continuous design improvement.

The ideal candidate thrives in early‑stage technology development environments, understands design‑for‑manufacturing principles, and enjoys taking ownership of equipment through multiple build‑test‑learn iterations rather than focusing primarily on late‑stage qualification, documentation, or regulatory activities. Salary ranges from $50-80/hr and will sit in ABQ, NM.