Mechanical Engineer

About the Company

Hamilton Company is a worldwide leader in the design and manufacture of manual, semi-automated, and robotic products for precision fluid measuring. Specializing in precision measurement devices, automated liquid handling stations, and sample management systems, Hamilton has delivered high-performance solutions for over 60 years by combining quality materials with skilled workmanship.

Cerillo, a Charlottesville, VA-based subsidiary of Hamilton Company, advances human, environmental, and ecological health through innovative laboratory instrumentation. Its Rayo platform of compact, precision microplate readers and the Canopy real-time monitoring system provide affordable, accessible tools for academic, government, and biotech/pharma researchers, ensuring consistency and reproducibility.

About the Role

As a Mechanical Engineer, you will be a key member of the Engineering team, responsible for designing, prototyping, and refining the mechanical architecture of Cerillo's compact microplate readers. This role spans the full product lifecycle from concept through production, working closely with electrical and optical engineers to create manufacturable designs optimized for challenging laboratory environments, including anaerobic chambers, incubators, and field settings.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components, assemblies, and enclosures for Cerillo's microplate reader product family using 3D CAD software.
• Create detailed engineering drawings with proper GD&T tolerancing in accordance with ASME Y14.5 standards.
• Lead prototype development, including hands-on fabrication, assembly, and iterative testing of mechanical subassemblies.
• Define and execute mechanical testing protocols to validate structural integrity, thermal performance, sealing, and environmental robustness (e.g., ingress protection, vibration).
• Collaborate with electrical and optical engineers to integrate PCB assemblies, optical paths, and illumination systems into compact, precise enclosures.
• Design fixtures, jigs, and tooling to support assembly, calibration, and quality control on the production floor.
• Drive design for manufacturability (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA), optimizing part geometry, material selection, and tolerances for scalable production.
• Manage relationships with external vendors, machine shops, and injection molding suppliers; obtain and evaluate quotes and lead times.
• Maintain complete and accurate design documentation, including SolidWorks models, drawings, BOMs, and ECOs within a PDM/PLM system.
• Troubleshoot mechanical issues identified during development, testing, or production; implement and document corrective design changes.
• Support regulatory documentation and risk management activities as required.
• Contribute to new product concept development and product roadmap planning.
• Perform ad-hoc engineering tasks as directed by the Chief Executive Officer and/or Engineering leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field required; Master's degree preferred.
• 2+ years of experience in mechanical product development, preferably in medical devices, scientific instrumentation, or precision hardware.
• Experience designing precision optical or electro-optical instrument housings and component mounts is strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with sealing and environmental protection design (IP ratings, gaskets, adhesives).
• Knowledge of material selection for laboratory environments: engineering plastics, aluminum, stainless steel.
• Experience with DFM and working with contract manufacturers and suppliers.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks (or equivalent parametric CAD) and SolidWorks PDM or similar data management tools.
• Strong command of GD&T and engineering drawing standards (ASME Y14.5).
• Hands-on experience with prototyping methods: CNC machining, sheet metal fabrication, injection molding, and FDM/SLA 3D printing.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with demonstrated attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced startup environment.
• Ability to lift and position equipment up to 25 pounds.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands described are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

• Regularly required to talk or hear.
• Frequently required to use hands or fingers to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, or crouch.
• Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.