R&D Mechanical Engineering Associate - Mechanical Design, Build and Test

About the role

Shinkei Systems is pioneering technology to deliver the highest-quality seafood at scale. We’re looking for a Mechanical Engineering Associate to sit at the intersection of fish biology research, engineering, and real-world operations. You will be pivotal in developing a system to quantify the quality of fish.

What you'll own

• Design and integration of electromechanical systems, from initial concept through build, test, and deployment in commercial processing plants
• Electro-mechanical design, sensor integration, and data processing and validation
• Perform scientific literature review across fish biology, food science, and chemistry journals
• Hands-on testing with fish samples in a laboratory environment, including sensory analysis—evaluating fish based on taste, odour, and visual cues

Cross-functional collaboration

Throughout, you'll work within a cross-functional team spanning fish biology, mechanical design, software architecture, and machine learning.

Qualifications

• BS/MS in Mechanical Engineering or a related field
• Experience in CAD, machining, and fabrication
• Strong skills in robotics, sensors, embedded systems, and data analysis
• Experience or a demonstrated interest in biology, chemistry, lab work, or food systems

Success factors

• Ability to iterate fast through design, build, and test cycles
• Strong bias to action
• Excited to work hands-on with fish and to play a part in improving our food systems
• If the idea of working at the intersection of biology and technology to help pioneer industry-leading standards for seafood quality excites you, this role is for you

Location & focus

This is a full-time, in-person position based in our El Segundo office. R&D focused, design of experiments and determining whether a technology like HSI can be used for quality prediction.