Position Purpose: dwohlfahrt 16.00 Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE
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Are you ready to make a meaningful difference in public health and national security? Signature Science is seeking a highly motivated and skilled Systems Integration & Controls Engineer to join our dedicated team. This pivotal role offers you the opportunity to contribute directly to complex R&D initiatives safeguarding national defense and enhancing chemical/biological safety. Your primary focus will be leading the electrical architecture and automation software for a novel, clinical-grade sample preparation device. Additionally, you will serve as a core engineering resource across the company, applying your skills to a diverse portfolio of broader systems engineering and hardware integration projects.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE
- Design and implement control architectures and electrical systems for prototype microfluidic and automated fluid-handling instruments, working closely with mechanical engineers.
- Integrate sensors, actuators, and other specialized equipment into both bespoke and pre-existing industrial or laboratory control architectures.
- Design, procure, and assemble custom PCBs to support the transition of R&D prototypes into robust, production-ready systems.
- Support broader company-wide systems engineering efforts, providing electrical, software, and hardware integration expertise across various cross-functional project teams.
- Work with multidisciplinary teams to develop rigorous testing procedures, system verification protocols, and quality control methods to ensure consistent device performance.
- Contribute to the development and maintenance of laboratory standard operating procedures (SOPs) and systems engineering documentation.
- Troubleshoot, debug, and solve complex electro-mechanical issues, utilizing industry best practices to analyze performance data.
- Identify novel research directions, contribute to technical proposal efforts, and explore potential funding opportunities.
- Maintain accurate, detailed laboratory records and project documentation.
- Present research findings and engineering updates at internal technical reviews and external client meetings.
- Stay current with scientific literature, emerging technologies, and advancements in automation and systems engineering.
- Contribute to the preparation of technical reports, client deliverables, and publications.
Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: dwohlfahrt 16.00 Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE
- Minimum 3 years of experience designing, integrating, testing, and troubleshooting control strategies for prototype hardware, preferably related to microfluidics, lab-on-a-chip, or precision automation systems.
- Demonstrated experience using microcontrollers and single-board computers (e.g., Arduino, Raspberry Pi, or similar) to control and automate physical systems.
- Experience establishing and debugging serial communication protocols for interfacing and data transfer.
- Familiarity with systems engineering principles, including the translation of P&ID documentation, functional requirements, and flow diagrams into robust control algorithms.
- Proficiency with circuit design, schematic capture, PCB layout, and hands-on soldering and assembly skills.
- Familiarity with sensors and actuators relevant to fluid handling and automation, including pressure sensors, flow sensors, valves, pumps, and temperature controllers.
- Ability to collaborate effectively within cross-functional teams, including mechanical engineers, chemists, molecular biologists, and software developers.
- Excellent troubleshooting, analytical, and detailed documentation skills for iterative prototyping, validation, and transfer to production.
- Experience transitioning prototypes into small-scale production, including component selection for manufacturability, process optimization, and documentation for repeatability.
- Experience using emerging AI tools or agentic AI systems to achieve specific objectives in an engineering or laboratory environment.
- Experience or willingness to participate in grant writing and technical report preparation.
Education/Experience:- Bachelor's degree or higher in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, Systems Engineering, or a related discipline.
Certificates/Licenses:Clearance:- dwohlfahrt 16.00 Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE This position requires that the candidate be willing and able to complete a successful background screening for a security clearance. Candidates with an active security clearance will receive preference
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This is a full-time, fully on-site position. This position primarily operates during standard business hours, with occasional needs for extended workdays or weekend work to meet project timelines. A significant portion of this role (approximately 50%) involves hands-on laboratory work and benchtop engineering. You should be comfortable spending extended periods of time conducting hardware experiments and working at a computer. The role may also require occasional domestic travel for conferences, client meetings, or research-related travel. The ability to lift and carry light loads (under 25 lbs) without assistance is necessary.
The above job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as assigned by their supervisor.
