Sr. Mechanical Engineer

Location: Sichuan, China · Fully Onsite

Work Schedule

Standard (Mon-Fri)

Environmental Conditions

Office

Job Description

At Thermo Fisher Scientific, our Mission is to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. Join a multidisciplinary R&D team developing reliable instruments that help customers advance research, improve analytical results and solve practical laboratory and inspection challenges.

Role overview

As Senior Mechanical Engineer, you will develop electromechanical and automated subsystems for life science and chemical analysis instruments and related inspection systems. You will combine mechanical design with hands-on integration of motion, sensors and actuators, and develop the design verification tests needed to demonstrate performance and reliability. You will own mechanical designs and their verification evidence from concept and prototype development through production transfer.

The development portfolio includes the Varioskan ALF Multimode Microplate Reader, the Power Blotter Station, EDXRF instruments, and X-ray inspection systems. Assignments will depend on project needs and relevant expertise.

Key responsibilities

· Design precision mechanisms, instrument structures, enclosures, sample handling and automated motion assemblies using 3D CAD and engineering analysis.

· Select and integrate motors, actuators, bearings, transmissions, sensors and cable routing with electrical and firmware engineers.

· Define mechanical interfaces, datum schemes, GD&T and tolerance budgets to achieve repeatable positioning, alignment and reliable assembly.

· Evaluate materials, thermal behavior, loads, stiffness and life using calculations, FEA, prototypes and experiments as appropriate.

· Develop design verification test plans, protocols and acceptance criteria that trace to mechanical, electromechanical and automation requirements.

· Design and build test fixtures and measurement setups; develop repeatable or automated test methods with test, electrical and firmware engineers.

· Execute and analyze functional, motion accuracy, repeatability, thermal, endurance and environmental tests as applicable; document results and design margins.

· Investigate integration and test failures, establish root causes and implement corrective design changes supported by verification evidence.

· Release drawings, BOMs, assembly instructions and test documentation through controlled PDM/PLM and engineering change processes.

· Work with suppliers, manufacturing and service on DFM/DFA, process capability, assembly fixtures, pilot builds, reliability and maintainability.

Required qualifications

· Advanced degree plus at least 3 years of relevant experience, or bachelor's degree plus at least 5 years, in mechanical or electromechanical product development.

· Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation or a closely related engineering discipline.

· Demonstrated electromechanical and automation background, including hands-on integration of mechanical assemblies with motors, actuators and sensors.

· Experience automating test fixtures or data acquisition using Python, LabVIEW or comparable tools, and familiarity with motion control tuning.

· Ability to analyze test data, solve integration problems and manage design documentation and engineering changes in a quality-controlled process.

· Strong 3D CAD skills, such as SolidWorks or NX, plus experience with drawings, GD&T, tolerance analysis and PDM/PLM systems.

· Sound mechanical design fundamentals, including precision mechanisms, materials selection, thermal analysis, engineering calculations and FEA.

· Demonstrated ability to develop and execute design verification tests, including fixtures, measurement methods, acceptance criteria and test reports.

· Knowledge of machining, injection molding and sheet metal fabrication, with design for manufacture, assembly and serviceability.

· Ability to lead a technical work package, work independently and communicate effectively in English with global, cross-functional teams.

· Ability to travel as required for suppliers, builds, testing and collaboration with global teams.

Preferred qualifications

· Experience with life science and chemical analysis instruments, laboratory automation, precision positioning, optical assemblies or X-ray equipment.

· Experience with statistical analysis, DOE, reliability/endurance testing and measurement system assessment.

· Experience with supplier development, manufacturing transfer and design features for cleaning, buffer compatibility or radiation shielding, as relevant to the product.

· Familiarity with AI-assisted tools for engineering tasks such as analysis, documentation, or coding is a plus.