At Roche you can show up as yourself, embraced for the unique qualities you bring. Our culture encourages personal expression, open dialogue, and genuine connections, where you are valued, accepted and respected for who you are, allowing you to thrive both personally and professionally. This is how we aim to prevent, stop and cure diseases and ensure everyone has access to healthcare today and for generations to come. Join Roche, where every voice matters.
The PositionAt Roche, we are developing the next-generation of sequencing systems. By accelerating clinical research, streamlining workflows, and expanding assay menus, we are also broadening access to genomic data and lowering barriers to adoption. From robust sample isolation and preparation tools to novel sequencing technology and advanced bioinformatics, we are developing differentiated, highly integrated end-to-end solutions for next-generation sequencing workflows.
Our Systems Technology Group, a part of Roche Sequencing Solutions, is focused on creating and advancing technologies to significantly enhance DNA sequencing workflows. We are seeking a Senior Research Engineer to contribute to the design, development, characterization, and integration of cutting-edge sequencing systems. This is a hands-on role focused on solving the fluidic and consumable challenges at the heart of our next-generation platforms. We are looking for someone who exhibits a high degree of motivation, independence, and resourcefulness to help us develop solutions to our automation challenges in a fast-paced and collaborative environment.
The Opportunity
You will contribute to the research and early development of specialized consumables and related hardware for next-generation sequencing systems..
You will design, fabricate, assemble, characterize, troubleshoot and optimize custom devices, consumables, test fixtures and breadboards.
You will evaluate different concepts and design paths to assess feasibility. Collect and present data and findings to the team and participate in or drive down-selection efforts.
You will create and maintain comprehensive design documentation for your sub-systems, including requirements, schematics, diagrams, CAD models, manufacturing drawings, and material specifications.
You will contribute to the acquisition, installation, bring-up, utilization and maintenance of new tools and equipment for use in the fabrication or testing of devices and consumables
Who You Are:
(Required)
You have a Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering (or a closely related discipline), with 4+ years of relevant industry experience; or a Master's in Mechanical Engineering (or a closely related discipline), with 2+ years of relevant industry experience; or a PhD in in Mechanical Engineering (or a closely related discipline), with 1+ years of relevant industry experience.
You have 3+ years working with various fluidic devices
You have demonstrated hands-on experience characterizing and testing complex fluidic systems and consumable interfaces for life science or diagnostic instrumentation.
You have experience in experimental design for fluidic characterization and the use of Python for device control, automated test bench execution, and data acquisition/analysis.
You have a demonstrated level of proficiency with machine shop tools, measurement equipment, and rapid prototyping technologies.
You have a demonstrated level of troubleshooting skills, with a solid understanding of physics, chemistry and engineering fundamentals.
You have experience working with deadlines, in a collaborative setting and a high level of scientific curiosity.
Preferred Qualifications:
You have an advanced degree in Mechanical Engineering
You have experience using fluidic diagramming tools and CFD or FEA tools to guide fluidic and thermal design decisions.
You have experience with DNA sequencing, DNA synthesizers and other complex fluidic automation instrumentation
You have experience working with scientists and chemists to solve multi-disciplinary problems.
You have experience with advanced microfabrication techniques, including lithography, thin-film deposition and wet etching of metals and inorganic materials.
You have experience in SolidWorks for detailed part and assembly design and the creation of manufacturing drawings.
This is an on-site position based in Santa Clara, CA. (This is not a hybrid position.)
Relocation benefits are not being offered for this role.
The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location Santa Clara, CA is $87,500 - $162,500. Actual pay will be determined based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other job-related factors permitted by law. A discretionary annual bonus may be available based on individual and Company performance.
This position also qualifies for the benefits detailed at the link provided below.
Benefits
Who we are
A healthier future drives us to innovate. Together, more than 100’000 employees across the globe are dedicated to advance science, ensuring everyone has access to healthcare today and for generations to come. Our efforts result in more than 26 million people treated with our medicines and over 30 billion tests conducted using our Diagnostics products. We empower each other to explore new possibilities, foster creativity, and keep our ambitions high, so we can deliver life-changing healthcare solutions that make a global impact.
Let’s build a healthier future, together.
Roche is an equal opportunity employer. It is our policy and practice to employ, promote, and otherwise treat any and all employees and applicants on the basis of merit, qualifications, and competence. The company's policy prohibits unlawful discrimination, including but not limited to, discrimination on the basis of Protected Veteran status, individuals with disabilities status, and consistent with all federal, state, or local laws.
If you have a disability and need an accommodation in relation to the online application process, please contact us by completing this form Accommodations for Applicants.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering (4+ years) or Master's (2+ years) or PhD (1+ years) in Mechanical Engineering or closely related discipline.
- 3+ years working with various fluidic devices.
- Hands-on experience characterizing and testing complex fluidic systems and consumable interfaces for life science or diagnostic instrumentation.
- Experience in experimental design for fluidic characterization and use of Python for device control, automated test bench execution, and data acquisition/analysis.
- Proficiency with machine shop tools, measurement equipment, and rapid prototyping technologies.
- Strong troubleshooting skills and solid understanding of physics, chemistry, and engineering fundamentals.
- Experience working to deadlines in collaborative settings and demonstrated scientific curiosity.
- Advanced degree in Mechanical Engineering.
- Experience using fluidic diagramming tools and CFD or FEA tools.
- Experience with DNA sequencing, DNA synthesizers, or other complex fluidic automation instrumentation.
- Experience collaborating with scientists and chemists on multidisciplinary problems.
- Experience with advanced microfabrication techniques (lithography, thin-film deposition, wet etching).
- Experience in SolidWorks for detailed part and assembly design and creation of manufacturing drawings.
Roche Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Roche and has not been reviewed or approved by Roche.
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Retirement Support — U.S. materials describe a 401(k) with both matching and an additional company contribution, supported by formal plan documents and true‑up features. This structure is positioned as a standout element of the total package, particularly at Genentech.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Time‑off provisions include substantial vacation, a year‑end shutdown, and a paid six‑week sabbatical after six years. These elements indicate a recharge‑oriented approach within the U.S. offering.
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Healthcare Strength — Company materials emphasize comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and mental‑health resources alongside well‑being programs. Benefits pages consistently highlight breadth across core health coverage elements.
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What We Do
Roche is a global pioneer in pharmaceuticals and diagnostics focused on advancing science to improve people’s lives. The combined strengths of pharmaceuticals and diagnostics under one roof have made Roche the leader in personalised healthcare – a strategy that aims to fit the right treatment to each patient in the best way possible. Roche is the world’s largest biotech company, with truly differentiated medicines in oncology, immunology, infectious diseases, ophthalmology and diseases of the central nervous system. Roche is also the world leader in in vitro diagnostics and tissue-based cancer diagnostics, and a frontrunner in diabetes management. Founded in 1896, Roche continues to search for better ways to prevent, diagnose and treat diseases and make a sustainable contribution to society. The company also aims to improve patient access to medical innovations by working with all relevant stakeholders. Thirty medicines developed by Roche are included in the World Health Organization Model Lists of Essential Medicines, among them life-saving antibiotics, antimalarials and cancer medicines. Roche has been recognised as the Group Leader in sustainability within the Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology & Life Sciences Industry ten years in a row by the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI).








