At Cepheid, we are passionate about improving health care through fast, accurate diagnostic testing. Our mission drives us, every moment of every day, as we develop scalable, groundbreaking solutions to solve the world’s most complex health challenges. Our associates are involved in every stage of molecular diagnostics, from ideation to development and delivery of testing advancements that improve patient outcomes across a range of settings. As a member of our team, you can make an immediate, measurable impact on a global scale, within an environment that fosters career growth and development.
Cepheid is proud to work alongside a community of six fellow Danaher Diagnostics companies. Together, we’re working at the pace of change on diagnostic tools that address the world’s biggest health challenges, driven by knowing that behind every test there is a patient waiting.
Learn about the Danaher Business System which makes everything possible.
The Staff Prototype Engineer is responsible for hands-on assembly and testing of engineering prototypes in the development of Cepheid’s next generation medical diagnostic instrument platforms and production systems. This role works within a team comprised of electrical, mechanical, software and optical engineers to design and test molecular diagnostic systems commercialized as key products in Cepheid's portfolio. You will set the tone for a collaborative environment that values equity of voice and inclusive behaviors.
This position is part of the Prototype Engineering team in the Hardware Engineering organization located in Bengaluru, IDC, India and will be an on-site role.
In this role, you will have the opportunity to:
- Assemble and test mechanical, electrical, and electro-optical prototypes in collaboration with subject matter experts using regulated diagnostic instrumentation standards
- Develop and execute automated test strategies including fixture design and test software integration using platforms such as LabVIEW or Python
- Evaluate manufacturability of subassemblies and recommend design or process changes to reduce scrap rates, shorten cycle times, and increase error-proofing in compliance with ISO 13485
- Conduct failure analysis of prototype instruments and subassemblies returned from internal stakeholders using root cause methodologies and documentation tools such as 8D or Fishbone
- Lead prototype engineering activities including resource allocation, build planning, and cross-functional coordination within regulated product development environments
The essential requirements of the job include:
Hands-on experience (minimum 10+ years) in mechanical product design for automated or electromechanical systems, or experience in designing fixtures, jigs, and tooling for automation mechanisms / electromechanical systems.
Linear and rotary actuation, linkages, cams, latches, clamps, and guided mechanisms.
- Engineering mechanics, dynamics, kinematic relationships (motion paths, constraints, timing)
- Material, force, friction, and tolerance considerations
- Early concept layouts
- Bench prototypes or mock-ups
- Iterative design refinement based on test feedback
Recent role should demonstrate direct technical contribution and design ownership.
It would be a plus if you also possess previous experience in:
Exposure to simulation or analysis tools:
Motion studies (e.g., SolidWorks Simulation)
FEA analysis – structural, fluids, thermal (e.g., ANSYS)
• Experience supporting NPI (New Product Introduction) or early production builds.
• Exposure to regulated or precision equipment environments (Medical Equipment / Instruments domain is preferred but not mandatory).
• Capability to guide lab technicians and vendors.
• Knowledge of robotics.
Join our winning team today. Together, we’ll accelerate the real-life impact of tomorrow’s science and technology. We partner with customers across the globe to help them solve their most complex challenges, architecting solutions that bring the power of science to life.
For more information, visit www.danaher.com.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree or higher in Mechanical or Industrial Engineering
- Minimum 9 years of experience in hardware and software system integration
- Proficiency in SolidWorks with application of GD&T principles
- Minimum 3 years of hands-on experience assembling and testing mechanical prototypes
- Proven track record managing multiple concurrent component iterations
Cepheid Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Cepheid and has not been reviewed or approved by Cepheid.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — PTO and paid holidays are portrayed as robust, with formal programs and mentions of generous time off and rollover in some cases. This breadth supports a positive view of time-off availability.
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Healthcare Strength — Core medical, dental, and vision coverage is highlighted repeatedly and is viewed as comprehensive for regular full‑time employees. Descriptions such as “good” or “great” benefits reinforce the strength of the health coverage.
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Retirement Support — A 401(k) plan with company matching is consistently included as part of the package. The presence of matching contributions strengthens perceived retirement readiness.
Cepheid Insights
What We Do
Cepheid is dedicated to improving healthcare by pioneering molecular diagnostics that combine speed, accuracy, and flexibility. The company's GeneXpert® systems and Xpert® tests automate highly complex and time-consuming manual procedures, providing A Better Way for institutions of any size to perform world-class PCR testing. Cepheid’s broad test portfolio spans respiratory infections, blood virology, women’s and sexual health, TB and emerging infectious diseases, healthcare-associated infectious diseases, oncology and human genetics. The company’s solutions deliver actionable results where they are needed most – from central laboratories and hospitals to near-patient settings. For more information, visit http://www.cepheid.com.
