Head of Mechanical Engineering - Lab Automation

Are you ready to join Connecticut Innovation’s vibrant community of innovators? Connecticut Innovations (“CI”) is Connecticut’s strategic venture capital arm, and we are passionate about serving our portfolio of 220+ companies across various industries, with strengths in life sciences, technology, and climate tech.

Come Join, pamluminate, panluminate | molecular labeling and connectomics, as their first Head of Hardware/Engineering!

• Build What Has Never Existed Before

We are a Yale spinout creating a first-of-its-kind platform for 3D ultra structural imaging and spatial proteomics—uniting cellular and tissue architecture with multiplexed molecular data to unlock new frontiers in drug discovery, diagnostics, and systems biology.

• Backed by the NIH

Panluminate is supported by approximately $12M in non-dilutive funding, including grants from the NIH’s National Institute of Mental Health, one of the world’s leading funders of transformative biomedical research.

• Science With Real-World Impact

Our work directly advances national priorities around understanding brain function, disease mechanisms, and biological systems, developing novel imaging and analytical tools aligned with NIMH’s mission to transform how illness and complex biology are understood and treated.

• Revenue-Generating

We are already generating revenue and are well funded, giving you the rare chance to join a startup that is both innovative and financially grounded.

• Deep Tech at the Intersection of Disciplines

Our platform integrates proprietary chemistry, automation, advanced imaging hardware, and AI—perfect for builders who want to work across physics, biology, engineering, and data science.

• Be a Foundational Leader

Join as the first Head of Hardware/Engineering and define the technical direction, architecture, and culture of a category-defining company.

We are hiring a Head of Hardware to own the design, build, and commercialization of panluminate’s hardware systems. This is a founding-level role reporting directly to the CEO, with real authority and accountability.

• End-to-end hardware architecture for panluminate’s automation and imaging systems
• Translation of novel chemistry into manufacturable, repeatable robotic systems
• System-level design spanning mechanics, fluidics, optics, electronics, and integration
• Hands‑on prototyping, iteration, and debugging of non-standard systems
• Technical decisions on build vs buy, vendors, and fabrication
• Scaling hardware from prototype to product
• Hiring and leading future hardware and systems engineers

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline.

• 10+ years of industry experience designing, building, and shipping complex hardware systems.
• Deep hands‑on experience in mechatronics, including integration of mechanical, electrical, and software-controlled systems.
• Proven experience working with:
• Metal fabrication and precision mechanical assemblies
• Fluidics and microfluidic or liquid-handling systems
• Consumables and cartridge-based or disposable system design
• Demonstrated success leading a diagnostic or lab automation platform from:
• Concept and early architecture
• Through prototype and proof-of-concept
• To a defined commercialization and manufacturing plan
• End-to-end product ownership from early design through validation, manufacturing readiness, and market launch.

• Strong systems-level thinking across hardware, software, chemistry/biology, and experimental constraints.
• Comfortable working hands-on at the bench, and directly with prototypes and test systems.
• High tolerance for ambiguity, rapid iteration, and ownership in a startup environment.
• Willingness and ability to make, communicate, and stand behind critical technical decisions.

Connecticut Innovations and its portfolio companies are equal opportunity employers. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating inclusive, safe, and empowering workplaces for all.