Mechatronics Engineer III

ALLEN INSTITUTE

Seattle, WA

Pay: $121,450-$151,800/yr

Shift: Full time

***Mechatronics Engineer III - Scientific Instrumentation & Process Engineering (SIPE)***

The mission of the Allen Institute is to understand the principles that govern life, and to advance health. Our creative and multi-dimensional teams focus on answering some of the biggest questions in bioscience. We accelerate foundational research, catalyze bold ideas, develop tools and models, and openly share our science to make a broad, transformational impact on the world.

The Mechatronics Engineer III is a hands-on engineering role within the Scientific Instrumentation and Process Engineering (SIPE) team. This position designs, builds, and integrates robotic and automated systems for SIPE's custom scientific instruments, bringing together mechanical design, sensors, motion control, and software to deliver reliable, high-performance automation for neuroscience research.

The Mechatronics Engineer III works with minimal supervision and exercises independent judgment, leading defined subsystems and projects from concept through deployment. On any given week, this might mean tuning a control loop and integrating a force or vision sensor into a robot's motion routine, programming and validating tool paths for dissection automation, and updating CAD models and drawings for an end effector used in robotic wafer handling. This role works closely with the Principal System Design Engineer (robotics focus) on tissue processing and dissection automation. A successful candidate takes ownership of complex technical problems, contributes to engineering standards and documentation, and mentors less experienced team members. This role reports to the Hardware Engineering Manager.

At the Allen Institute, we believe that science is for everyone – and should be open to everyone. We are dedicated to combating biases and reducing barriers to STEM careers more broadly.

We also believe that science is better when it includes different perspectives and voices. We strive to make the Allen Institute a place where everyone feels like they belong and are empowered to do their best work in a supportive environment.

We are an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourage people from all backgrounds to apply for our open positions.

**Essential Functions**

**Robotics & Automation Integration**

• Implement, integrate, and commission robotic systems, such as robotic wafer handling to load and unload samples from imaging instruments
• Partner with the Principal System Design Engineer to develop robotic subsystems for tissue processing and dissection automation
• Program robot motion and tool paths; define, test, and validate trajectories, teach points, and coordinate frames for precision handling tasks
• Integrate sensors (e.g., force/torque, vision, encoders, proximity, limit and presence sensors) into robotic control and feedback systems
• Design, tune, and validate control loops for motors, stages, and actuators to meet positioning, speed, and repeatability requirements
• Perform kinematic and dynamic analysis, size motors and actuators, and evaluate accuracy and repeatability of motion systems
• Develop and execute calibration procedures for robots, cameras, and work cells (e.g., tool, frame, and hand-eye calibration), and verify positioning accuracy
• Develop firmware and control code for microcontrollers and motion controllers; implement communication between sensors, drives, and controllers (e.g., digital I/O, serial, CAN, EtherCAT, Modbus)
• Implement interlocks, e-stops, error handling, and recovery routines to protect samples, instruments, and operators; support safety reviews and risk assessments led by senior engineers

**Mechanical & Electrical Design and Build**

• Create parts, assemblies, and drawings in CAD (OnShape preferred) for end effectors, fixtures, mounts, and mechanisms; perform tolerance analysis and basic FEA as needed
• Specify, evaluate, and select motors, drives, actuators, sensors, controllers, and mechanical components
• Design power and signal wiring, wiring harnesses, and control enclosures; select motor drives and power supplies; develop simple circuit boards for sensor interfaces as needed
• Create and maintain bills of material (BOMs), system diagrams, and wiring schematics for assemblies and subassemblies
• Build, assemble, and debug prototypes and production instruments using the SIPE workshop (3D printing, laser cutting, hand tools, and bench electronics)

**Testing, Documentation & Collaboration**

• Work with scientists and engineers to capture requirements and translate them into specifications and test plans
• Plan and execute verification and validation testing; write reports and document processes, procedures, and SOPs
• Use source control (e.g., Git) and issue tracking to manage code, configurations, and design changes
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex hardware/software issues on deployed automated instruments with minimal guidance
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to less experienced