Senior Engineer

Job Summary The Senior Engineer role is positioned in the Engineering Department and is built around three functional pillars. The first is to bring deep mechanical systems expertise to both elevate the technical capability of the team and support VIVO's product development and broader Engineering systems. The individual should be motivated by working with team members to accomplish larger objectives, be available for questions and discussion items providing coaching and feedback, and be competent in finding solutions to project roadblocks to advance projects and initiatives to completion. Second, using the skills and qualities of the first pillar, this position is expected to take ownership of the quality and output of our product development efforts, leading design projects from concept through completion, coordinating resources and holding contributors accountable to deadlines and quality standards. Thirdly, this position is expected to use their deep expertise/knowledge to contribute in a hands-on manner themselves to product design and development, new idea generation and continuous improvement opportunities, and other technical challenges or initiatives across the Engineering Department. Encompassing all of these, the Senior Engineer plays a hands-on coaching and mentoring role — helping the broader team work through challenging technical problems, encouraging creative and unconventional thinking, and strengthening the connection between design decisions, validation efforts, and real world outcomes. As needed, this individual may be called upon to represent VIVO's engineering function in conversations with potential acquisition targets or foreign suppliers. This is an individual contributor position with no formal supervisory authority over team members. Persistent accountability issues on a project are escalated to the Engineering Manager. Job Responsibilities Technical, Project, and Team LeadershipMentor and coach junior engineers through challenging technical problems, encouraging creative, unconventional thinking and helping connect design decisions with validation and real world outcomesProvide deep mechanical systems expertise to support product development, patent strategy, and other technical/quality initiatives across the Engineering Department as neededOrganize and lead team members around objectives and deliverables for cross-departmental projects and initiatives (e.g., patent brainstorms, quality investigations) as needed, coordinating the people and resources needed to move them forwardRepresent VIVO's engineering function in conversations with potential acquisition targets' technical staff or foreign suppliers as needed, including travelProduct Design & DevelopmentLead product design and development projects from concept through completion, coordinating resources and setting deadlines and quality expectationsPerform frequent project check-ins and reviews identifying open questions and roadblocks, and determining the best course of action to move projects forwardHold project contributors accountable to agreed deadlines and quality standards, escalating persistent issues to the Engineering ManagerInnovation & Product Development Individual ContributionContribute directly to design and development work using engineering methodology and toolsSupport validation activities as needed, partnering with the Validation team on sample review and issue resolutionContribute significant, differentiated ideas to the New Product Submission program Core Values [ Integrity ]Developing relationships on the foundation of trust and upstanding character.[ Initiative ]Having a work ethic that is proactive in seeing and improving company needs.[ Invested ]Devoting our time, talents, and ingenuity into making VIVO the best it can be.[ Adaptive ]Having the courage to boldly take risks and grow in an ever-changing market[ Respect ]Placing value in others to foster an environment of mutual compassion and synergy.[ Serve ]Working together to nurture a culture of humility as we give back to others. Skills & Qualifications Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering or similar preferred7+ years of mechanical/product design engineering experience, with a demonstrated track record of technical and project leadershipDemonstrated track record of owning end-to-end project outcomes — delivering on schedule and to quality standards, not just technical executionDeep expertise in mechanical systems, materials, and manufacturing methodsComfortable traveling and representing the company in external, cross-organizational settings (supplier or acquisition-related engagements)Demonstrated ability to mentor others and influence technical direction without formal authorityStrong technical proficiency in mechanical design, CAD, and prototyping methodologyDemonstrated ability in problem solving, troubleshooting, and cross-functional collaborationProficiency with Google Workspace applications (Docs, Sheets, Slides, etc) or Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc) Working Conditions Employee is expected to work as many hours as necessary until the whole job is complete (approx. 40-45 hours per week)Occasional domestic or international travel required for supplier or acquisition-related engagementsWalking, pushing, pulling, and visual acuity to inspect products and equipmentAbility to lift and exert up to 50 pounds of forceComfortable using power tools (saws, drills, grinders, etc) for various tasksSubject to noise, slight temperature changes, dust, and other warehouse conditions Benefits include Free Health insurance for employees or health buy out option Dental insurance Vision insurance Paid time off and holidays Referral program 401K Retirement plan - employer match 80 cents on the dollar up to 6% Anniversary bonus plan Performance based bonuses