Senior Scientist I, Mechanical Engineering

About the Role

AbbVie's peptide discovery team in Madison, WI, is at the forefront of discovering novel molecules for therapeutic treatments. We are seeking a creative and driven Mechanical Engineer to join our growing team. In this role, you will collaborate with a dedicated group of R&D scientists, engineers, and software developers to maintain and advance our proprietary peptide array synthesizers. Your work will directly contribute to accelerating the discovery of new pharmaceuticals and making a significant impact on patient outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, integrate, and test instrumentation and its subcomponents such as pump manifolds, vision systems, high-precision stages, optomechanical assemblies, and sensors.
• Lead the mechanical design and analysis throughout all project phases, working in close partnership with software and operations teams to ensure seamless integration and optimal functionality.
• Diagnose and resolve instrumentation issues during prototyping, production, and operations to ensure proper performance and reliability.
• Develop and oversee the testing of design concepts or computer models to validate the functionality of new and existing systems.
• Acquire, integrate, and analyze system data to ensure the performance and reliability of hardware and subsystems.
• Utilize 2D and 3D CAD systems (SolidWorks) to generate design concepts, layouts, assembly drawings, and technical documentation adhering to geometric tolerancing and revision control best practices.
• Interact with suppliers to specify and select components, ensuring all materials and parts meet project requirements.
• Contribute to a creative and fast-paced environment through open communication with all stakeholders, sharing ideas and solutions to enhance the performance of complex systems.
• Understand and adhere to corporate standards regarding code of conduct, safety, and appropriate handling of materials.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent education and typically 10 years of experience, Master’s Degree or equivalent education and typically 8 years of experience, PhD and no experience necessary.
• 2+ years of experience in developing instrumentation for laboratory, scientific, or medical applications.
• Proficiency using SolidWorks (preferred) to create and maintain solid models, detailed drawings, and assemblies.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word).
• Proficiency in Python or MATLAB programming languages.
• Strong understanding of the fabrication processes for precision instrument hardware.
• Thorough understanding of applied math, physics, fluid dynamics, and heat transfer.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to troubleshoot challenges in instrument development, deployment, and operation.

Preferred:

• Experience using Tecan, Hamilton, or similar commercial liquid handling robots.
• Experience using National Instruments (LabVIEW) or Keyence data acquisition tools.
• Experience in designing, assembling, and evaluating optomechanical subsystems.
• Experience with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) or Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modeling in COMSOL or similar analysis software.

Additional Information:

The compensation range for this role is based on the job grade and may vary depending on geographic location. We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, medical/dental/vision insurance, and 401(k) to eligible employees. This position is eligible for short-term incentive programs.