Manufacturing Engineer (Prototyping & Fabrication)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Manufacturing Engineer (Prototyping & Fabrication)

Company: Sonder Research X

Location: North Brunswick, NJ, US

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Manufacturing Operations / R&D Engineering

Date Posted: April 24, 2026

Experience Level: 3+ Years (Mid-Level)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead hands-on rapid prototyping and fabrication of diagnostic platform hardware, translating R&D concepts into functional prototypes.

• Design, fabricate, and test custom tooling, jigs, and fixtures to support R&D and manufacturing workflows, leveraging advanced fabrication techniques.

• Operate, program, and maintain lab robotics and liquid handling systems to optimize functional testing and reagent preparation processes.

• Contribute to Design for Manufacturability (DFM) initiatives, ensuring prototypes are optimized for efficient fabrication, scalability, and integration.

• Maintain rigorous quality control and detailed documentation in compliance with ISO 13485 and FDA QMSR standards for regulated environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is highly specialized, focusing on the physical realization of biotech diagnostic hardware. The emphasis on "hands-on," "build-focused," and "prototyping" indicates a strong need for practical engineering skills rather than purely theoretical or management roles. The integration of robotics and microfluidics points towards a complex, integrated system.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the physical realization of R&D concepts through advanced 3D printing (SLA/FDM), manual fabrication, and integration of basic electromechanical and robotic components.

• Develop, build, and validate custom jigs, fixtures, labware, and semi-automated setups using CAD and shop tools to enhance R&D and manufacturing workflows.

• Operate, program, and maintain laboratory robotics and sophisticated liquid handling systems to streamline functional testing and optimize reagent preparation protocols.

• Engage in hands-on fabrication using a variety of power and hand tools, with a strong preference for candidates experienced in light CNC operation and CAM for high-precision component creation.

• Collaborate with the Senior Engineering team to translate R&D protocols into production-ready solutions, focusing on fabrication efficiency, scalability, and automation/robotic integration through Design for Manufacturability (DFM) principles.

• Lead the assembly and bonding of proprietary microfluidic devices, ensuring meticulous attention to detail, and support their integration into automated or semi-automated workflows.

• Conduct rigorous inspections of fabricated parts and maintain comprehensive documentation, including Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and test methods, adhering to ISO 13485 and FDA QMSR (21 CFR Part 820) regulations.

• Foster close partnerships with scientists, engineers, and operations teams to ensure fabricated prototypes meet stringent experimental and production requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of direct fabrication, design, and quality assurance within a regulated biotech environment. The emphasis on "hands-on fabrication," "custom tooling," and "microfluidic assembly" indicates deep technical involvement. The inclusion of ISO 13485 and FDA QMSR points to a need for quality-conscious engineering practices.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a closely related technical field.

Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years of hands-on experience in prototyping, fabrication, or manufacturing engineering.

• Experience within a regulated industry, such as medical devices, diagnostics, or biotechnology, is highly preferred.

Required Skills:

• Expert proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Onshape, Fusion 360).

• Demonstrable hands-on mastery with 3D printing technologies (SLA, FDM) and post-processing techniques.

• Skilled with hand tools and basic shop equipment (e.g., drill press, saws).

• Experience working with or integrating basic robotics, automation systems, or electromechanical components in a lab or prototyping setting.

• Proven ability to support the development of automated lab workflows or robotics-assisted processes.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a focus on rapid iteration and practical solutions.

• Ability to work effectively in a highly hands-on, on-site environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with ISO 13485 and/or FDA QMSR (21 CFR Part 820) quality management systems.

• Experience with CNC machining, CAM software, or laser cutting/engraving.

• Experience working directly with microfluidic systems or small-scale fluidic devices.

• Experience designing custom jigs, fixtures, or lab tooling specifically for experimental workflows.

• Exposure to Design for Manufacturability (DFM) principles and their application in prototype development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize practical, hands-on skills in fabrication and CAD, alongside experience with automation and prototyping in a regulated setting. The preference for candidates with knowledge of ISO 13485 and FDA QMSR strongly signals the company's commitment to quality and compliance, crucial for biotech and medical device development.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase examples of rapid prototyping projects, demonstrating the transition from concept to functional prototype, highlighting design iterations and problem-solving.

• Include case studies of custom tooling, jigs, or fixtures designed and fabricated to improve workflow efficiency or precision in R&D or manufacturing.

• Present projects involving the integration or operation of robotic systems, automation, or electromechanical components within a lab or production context.

• Demonstrate experience with 3D CAD modeling, including complex assemblies and detailed part design, with examples of designs optimized for specific fabrication methods (e.g., 3D printing, CNC).

Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) or work instructions developed for fabrication processes, testing methods, or assembly steps.

• Illustrate experience in documenting design iterations, test results, and failure analysis for prototypes.

• Showcase the application of DFM principles in design documentation, explaining how design choices facilitated manufacturing or assembly.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a hands-on manufacturing engineering role, a portfolio is critical. It should visually represent the candidate's ability to design, build, and iterate. The emphasis on "custom tooling," "robotics," and "DFM" suggests a need for practical, results-oriented examples that showcase efficiency improvements and problem-solving in a fabrication context.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage.

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO).

• 401(k) retirement savings plan.

• Annual professional development budget for continuous learning and skill enhancement.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time employment, typically 40 hours per week. While the role is on-site, flexibility may be available for specific project needs, though core hours will be expected for hands-on collaboration and lab operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on the role's requirements, location (NJ, a high-cost-of-living area with a strong biotech presence), and the specified experience level. The benefits package is comprehensive, with specific mentions of professional development and Coursera suggesting a company culture that values continuous learning, which is highly relevant for an evolving engineering role.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Biotechnology / Diagnostics (Pre-clinical)

Company Size: Small to Medium (Likely < 100 employees, based on "building the physical systems that will support our next stage of growth" and "fast-moving organization"). This implies a dynamic, hands-on environment where individual contributions are highly visible and impactful.

Founded: (Information not provided, but the focus on "pre-clinical" and "moving toward clinical validation and commercialization" suggests a relatively young company, likely post-Series A or B funding, in a growth phase.)

Team Structure:

• The Manufacturing Engineer will likely be part of a growing Engineering or Operations team, reporting to a Senior Engineering Manager or Director of Operations.

• Close collaboration is expected with R&D scientists, other engineers (electrical, software, mechanical), and potentially quality assurance personnel.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven & Iterative: The company leverages "data-driven approaches" for its liquid biopsy platform, suggesting a commitment to using data for decision-making and continuous improvement in both product development and operational processes.

• Agile Development: The "fast-moving organization" and "rapid iteration" requirements for the role imply an agile development methodology, prioritizing quick feedback loops and iterative design/fabrication.

• Quality Focus: Adherence to ISO 13485 and FDA QMSR underscores a rigorous approach to quality assurance and regulatory compliance, integral to biotech and medical device development.

Company Website: https://aufbaubio.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Sonder Research X operates in the cutting-edge biotech space, focusing on early cancer detection. The company culture is described as collaborative, fast-moving, and valuing professionalism and attention to detail. This environment is ideal for engineers who thrive on innovation, can adapt quickly to changing priorities, and are committed to quality in a regulated industry.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-Level Engineer. This role is designed for an individual contributor who can take ownership of critical prototyping and fabrication tasks, bridging the gap between R&D and early-stage manufacturing. The position offers significant opportunities to shape processes and systems from the ground up.

Reporting Structure: The Manufacturing Engineer will likely report to a Senior Engineering Manager or Director of Operations. This structure allows for mentorship from experienced leaders while providing autonomy in day-to-day fabrication and prototyping tasks.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct and critical impact on Sonder Research X's ability to advance its proprietary liquid biopsy platform. By successfully translating R&D concepts into functional prototypes and supporting the transition to scalable manufacturing, the engineer will directly contribute to the company's progress towards clinical validation and commercialization, ultimately influencing the company's success and its mission to detect cancer early.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in advanced fabrication techniques, robotics integration, microfluidics, and DFM principles within the specific context of biotech diagnostics.

• Process Development Leadership: Take on increasing responsibility for defining and optimizing manufacturing and prototyping processes, potentially leading to a role focused on manufacturing process engineering or operations management.

• Cross-Functional Project Leadership: Lead prototyping efforts for new product features or platform enhancements, working closely with R&D, quality, and operations teams.

• Quality Systems Expertise: Develop in-depth knowledge and practical application of ISO 13485 and FDA QMSR, becoming a go-to resource for quality-compliant fabrication.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers substantial growth potential within a burgeoning biotech company. The emphasis on hands-on work and direct contribution to a mission-critical platform provides a strong foundation for developing specialized technical skills and progressing into leadership roles focused on manufacturing operations, process improvement, and quality systems.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The description emphasizes an "in-person position" and a facility where "collaborators, investors, and partners who regularly visit." This suggests a professional office and laboratory environment, likely with dedicated workshop/fabrication spaces.

Office Location(s): North Brunswick, NJ. This location provides access to a significant hub for the pharmaceutical and biotech industries in New Jersey.

Workspace Context:

• Hands-on Fabrication Space: Expect access to a well-equipped workshop with 3D printers, hand tools, power tools, and potentially light CNC machinery.

• Collaborative Environment: The culture promotes close interaction with scientists, engineers, and operations teams, requiring effective communication and teamwork.

• Technology Integration: The role involves working with advanced lab equipment, including robotics and liquid handling systems, alongside CAD and potentially CAM software.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours are expected. The "fast-moving" and "hands-on" nature of the role may require occasional flexibility to meet project deadlines, particularly during critical prototyping phases. The focus is on achieving project goals through dedicated on-site work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is highly practical and collaborative, centered around a physical workshop and lab space. Candidates should be comfortable with a hands-on role and the dynamic pace of a growing biotech company. The New Jersey location offers access to industry resources and a skilled talent pool.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and potentially a brief phone screen to assess basic qualifications and fit.

• Technical Interview(s): Expect in-depth discussions focused on your hands-on prototyping, fabrication experience, CAD skills, and understanding of robotics/automation. Be prepared to discuss specific projects and challenges.

• Portfolio Review: A crucial stage where you will present examples of your work. This is where you demonstrate your practical skills, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of DFM and quality principles.

• On-site Visit/Practical Assessment: Potentially an on-site visit to meet the team, see the facility, and possibly a practical assessment or detailed discussion of a hypothetical fabrication challenge.

• Cultural Fit Interview: Assessment of your ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative, and detail-oriented environment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Diversity: Include examples of 3D printing, custom tooling, integration of electromechanical/robotic components, and any microfluidic assembly experience.

• Detail the Process: For each project, explain the problem, your design approach, the fabrication steps, challenges encountered, and how you iterated to a solution. Use clear visuals (photos, CAD renderings).

• Quantify Impact: If possible, highlight how your work improved efficiency, reduced costs, or enabled critical testing. For example, "Designed a jig that reduced assembly time by 30%."

• Highlight Quality Awareness: If you have experience with ISO 13485 or FDA QMSR, explicitly mention how quality considerations influenced your design and fabrication processes.

• Be Ready for Technical Deep Dives: Prepare to discuss the technical specifics of your CAD models, fabrication methods, and any automation principles applied.

Challenge Preparation:

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Be ready to discuss how you would approach a hypothetical fabrication or prototyping challenge, considering constraints like materials, timelines, and required precision.

• DFM Application: Prepare to discuss how you would apply DFM principles to a given design to optimize it for manufacturing.

• Troubleshooting: Anticipate questions about how you diagnose and resolve issues encountered during prototyping or testing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role will heavily emphasize practical, hands-on experience. A strong portfolio that visually demonstrates fabrication skills, CAD proficiency, and problem-solving is essential. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their technical approaches in detail and how they've applied DFM and quality principles in previous roles.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• 3D CAD Software: Expert proficiency required in SolidWorks, Onshape, or Fusion 360. Candidates should be comfortable with complex assemblies, part design, and potentially generating manufacturing drawings.

• 3D Printers: Hands-on experience with SLA (Stereolithography) and FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) technologies is essential, including understanding material properties and post-processing techniques.

• Shop Tools: Familiarity and skill with hand tools and basic shop equipment (e.g., drill press, saws, grinders).

• Robotics & Automation Systems: Experience operating, programming, and maintaining lab robotics and advanced liquid handling systems. This could include brands like Hamilton, Tecan, or similar automation platforms.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Documentation Software: Proficiency in tools for creating detailed documentation, such as SOPs, test methods, and inspection records (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, specialized QMS software if applicable).

CRM & Automation:

• CAM Software (Preferred): Familiarity with Computer-Aided Manufacturing software for CNC machining or laser cutting.

• CNC Machining / Laser Cutting (Preferred): Experience with operating or programming these machines for high-precision component fabrication.

• Microfluidic Systems: Experience working with or assembling microfluidic devices and associated fluidic components.

• Quality Management Systems (QMS): Familiarity with systems relevant to ISO 13485 and FDA QMSR (21 CFR Part 820) for documentation and compliance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily focused on CAD/CAM for design and fabrication, alongside hands-on experience with 3D printing and potentially CNC. The integration of robotics and automation systems is a key differentiator. Familiarity with QMS software and regulated industry documentation practices is also critical.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Precision & Attention to Detail: Essential for all aspects of fabrication, assembly, and documentation, especially in a regulated biotech environment.

• Innovation & Problem-Solving: A culture that encourages creative solutions and rapid iteration to overcome technical challenges in prototyping.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Working effectively with cross-functional teams (R&D, QA, Operations) to achieve shared goals.

• Quality & Compliance: A deep commitment to adhering to stringent quality standards (ISO 13485, FDA QMSR) in all work performed.

• Hands-on Execution: Valuing individuals who are not afraid to get their hands dirty and directly contribute to building and testing physical systems.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role requires seamless collaboration with scientists and engineers, translating their experimental needs into tangible hardware solutions.

• Feedback Loops: An open environment for providing and receiving constructive feedback on designs, prototypes, and processes to drive continuous improvement.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture where team members share best practices, technical insights, and lessons learned to elevate the collective expertise of the engineering and operations teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to be a blend of scientific rigor, engineering innovation, and a strong ethical commitment to quality. Candidates who are proactive, detail-oriented, and enjoy collaborative problem-solving in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment will likely thrive here.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapid Iteration Under Pressure: Balancing the need for speed in prototyping with the meticulous requirements of a regulated industry.

• Translating Complex Concepts: Effectively converting abstract R&D ideas into robust, functional physical prototypes.

• Integrating Diverse Technologies: Seamlessly combining mechanical fabrication, electronics, robotics, and microfluidics into cohesive systems.

• Navigating Regulatory Requirements: Ensuring all fabrication and documentation processes align with ISO 13485 and FDA QMSR standards.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Fabrication Techniques: Gaining deeper expertise in specialized 3D printing, CNC machining, and potentially additive manufacturing processes.

• Robotics & Automation Expertise: Becoming proficient in programming and integrating sophisticated automation systems for laboratory workflows.

• Biotech/Medical Device Quality Systems: Developing a strong understanding and practical application of ISO 13485 and FDA QMSR, becoming a key contributor to quality compliance.

• Product Lifecycle Involvement: Contributing to the entire product development lifecycle, from early-stage R&D prototyping through to early-stage manufacturing support.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents unique challenges at the intersection of rapid innovation and stringent regulatory compliance. Successfully navigating these will lead to significant professional growth in specialized areas of engineering and quality systems within the high-growth biotech sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to rapidly prototype a complex mechanical assembly. What were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on problem-solving, iteration, and practical execution.)

• "How would you approach designing a custom jig for a microfluidic assembly process to ensure consistent alignment and bonding?" (Assess DFM thinking, CAD skills, and understanding of precision requirements.)

• "Walk us through your experience with laboratory automation or robotics. What systems have you operated or programmed, and what were the outcomes?" (Probe for hands-on experience with automation and its impact on workflows.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in Sonder Research X and our mission to advance early cancer detection?" (Assess genuine interest and alignment with the company's goals.)

• "How do you ensure attention to detail and quality in your hands-on work, especially when facing tight deadlines?" (Evaluate your approach to quality and process adherence.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio by project type (e.g., Prototyping, Custom Tooling, Automation Integration). For each project, clearly state the objective, your role, the technologies used, the challenges, and the solution/outcome.

• Visuals: Use high-quality photos, videos, CAD renderings, and diagrams to illustrate your work effectively.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your projects (e.g., "reduced assembly time by X%", "improved accuracy by Y%", "enabled testing of Z new configurations").

• Technical Depth: Be prepared to discuss the technical nuances of your designs, fabrication methods, and any software or equipment used.

• Quality Integration: If applicable, explain how quality considerations (e.g., material selection, process control, documentation) were integrated into your projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating practical engineering skills, a strong understanding of fabrication processes, and the ability to apply DFM and quality principles. The portfolio is your primary tool to showcase these capabilities, so be prepared to discuss each project in detail.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided Comeet application link.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience in rapid prototyping, fabrication, CAD, robotics, and any work within regulated industries. Ensure your portfolio clearly showcases your hands-on capabilities with strong visual examples and quantifiable achievements.

• Resume Optimization: Strategically incorporate keywords from the job description such as "Manufacturing Engineer," "Prototyping," "Fabrication," "3D Printing," "CAD," "Robotics," "ISO 13485," and "DFM." Focus on achievements and project outcomes rather than just responsibilities.

• Interview Preparation: Practice discussing your portfolio projects in detail, focusing on your problem-solving approach, technical decisions, and the impact of your work. Prepare to answer technical questions related to fabrication processes and DFM.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Sonder Research X's mission, technology (liquid biopsy platform), and any recent news. Understand their focus on early cancer detection and their commitment to quality and innovation.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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