Senior Mechanical Engineer, Chassis & Enclosures
Posted about 2 months ago
Senior Mechanical Engineer, Chassis & Enclosures
Location: San Diego, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Salary Range: $130,000 - $140,000
Position Overview
As a Senior Mechanical Engineer, you will lead the detailed design and implementation of structural frames, external enclosures, and internal packaging systems for our instruments. You will work closely with electrical, optical, fluidics, and manufacturing teams to ensure reliable, serviceable, and manufacturable system integration.
You are a strong executor who can take system requirements and translate them into robust mechanical solutions. You are comfortable working through ambiguity and enjoy owning hardware from concept through production.
Responsibilities
Chassis & Structural Design
Design instrument chassis and structural frames to meet stiffness, vibration, and durability requirements
Perform tolerance stack-ups and basic structural analysis to ensure mechanical robustness
Develop mounting strategies for subsystems including optics, electronics, power systems, and fluidics
Support shock, vibration, and environmental considerations appropriate for lab and field use
Enclosure Design
Design external and internal enclosures using sheet metal, machined components, and plastics
Select components to manage temperature, humidity, aerosols, and particulates in the enclosure design.
Ensure proper airflow, access panels, cable pass-throughs, and service clearances
Incorporate industrial design elements and user needs in enclosure design
Cable Management & System Packaging
Develop cable routing strategies including harness support, strain relief, and service loops
Partner with Electrical Engineering to implement grounding and EMI-conscious routing practices
Optimize internal layout for manufacturability and serviceability
Maintain clear mechanical datums and packaging hierarchy
Analysis, Prototyping & Validation
Perform tolerance analysis and basic FEA as needed
Build and test prototypes; iterate rapidly based on integration feedback
Troubleshoot mechanical and packaging issues during system bring-up
Support validation testing including vibration, thermal cycling, and handling
Manufacturing & Documentation
Create detailed drawings with appropriate GD&T
Participate in DFM/DFA reviews and cost optimization efforts
Collaborate with contract manufacturers and suppliers
Support transition from prototype to pilot production builds
Qualifications
Required
B.S. or M.S. in Mechanical Engineering or related field
5–8+ years of experience designing complex mechanical assemblies
Experience designing chassis and/or enclosures for hardware products
Familiarity with sheet metal, machined components, and plastic parts
Experience with tolerance analysis and GD&T
Proficiency in 3D CAD (e.g. SolidWorks)
Hands-on experience building and debugging hardware
Preferred
Experience in bioinstrumentation, medical devices, or scientific equipment
Familiarity with EMI/EMC considerations in electromechanical systems
Experience designing cable routing and harness support systems
Experience supporting early production builds
Experience working with contract manufacturers
What We’re Looking For
Strong mechanical fundamentals and attention to detail
Practical systems thinker who understands cross-disciplinary integration
Comfortable owning subsystems end-to-end
Hands-on engineer who enjoys working in the lab
Clear communicator across engineering disciplines
We are an equal opportunity employer. We thrive on diversity and collaboration.
Foresite Labs creates companies at the intersection of AI/machine learning and science. We believe AI, generative AI, and data science—when applied with scientific rigor—can accelerate discovery and drive innovations that benefit humanity. We provide the foundation for bold ideas to take shape and accelerate, shaping a better future for all. We offer competitive salaries, excellent benefits, and a flexible work environment where employees learn from top thinkers across multiple disciplines. With headquarters in San Francisco and Boston, we’re building a culture where scientific rigor meets entrepreneurial ambition. Foresite Labs Values Truth over progression: We follow the science, pursuing ideas that are grounded in data and abandoning them when not supported by the evidence. Take good risks: Our culture values informed risk-taking: good decisions are celebrated even when they result in bad outcomes. Everyone feels safe to contribute ideas and to learn from failure. Single accountable person: The project team lead is accountable for all decisions and for maintaining transparency and information flow within the team; we trust the project teams. The Review Committee unlocks capital and sets directions. Simplicity and Focus: “Companies die from indigestion, not starvation” (Bill Hewlett) We will focus on a few ideas aggressively and minimize all other distractions. Everyone will have a few key goals that have measurable outcomes. Respect and Community: Our employees are our greatest asset; everyone invests in creating an environment of collaboration and respect. We support their careers and career development whether they stay, go to a Labs company, or end up somewhere else.
Key team members
Alex Aravanis MD PhD
Damien Soghoian
Christopher Baldwin
Kylie Reynolds
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