Summary

Sparrow Bio is building the world's first $100 personal DNA analyzer. Today's home tests rely on lateral flow technology that is only 60–80% accurate, while lab PCR tests reach 99% accuracy but run on analyzers that cost $10,000–$20,000. Sparrow's technology brings lab-grade PCR to a device that costs 50 times less and delivers results in ~1 hour. Our vision is better healthcare for billions of people, with a personal DNA analyzer in every home.

We are hiring a talented, detail-oriented and motivated Jr.

Mechanical

Engineer to join our team. The role is ideal for someone hands-on, collaborative, and excited to take on unique challenges in an R&D; capacity. The Jr.

Mechanical

Engineer will work on the design, assembly, and testing of an integrated system consisting of mechanical, thermal, and optical subsystems. Working collaboratively with engineering and assay teams, the Jr.

Mechanical

Engineer will contribute to the design and development of the Sparrow DNA Analyzer.

This is a rare chance early in your career to help build a first-of-its-kind product from the ground up. In a large company, a junior engineer might own one small piece of one subsystem. At Sparrow, you'll work across mechanical, thermal, and optical design, see your parts go from CAD to prototype to test bench, and help shape the decisions that define the product.

You'll learn from leaders who have already taken multiple diagnostic platforms to market, and you'll grow your skills in design, testing, metrology, and design controls as the company grows.

Responsibilities and Duties

- The Jr Mechanical Engineer will work to develop the Sparrow analyzer, foster relationships with suppliers, and provide engineering support to the assay team. Typical responsibilities and duties include:
- Build custom parts, jigs, fixtures and other assemblies to support the development and testing of an integrated system of optical, thermal and mechanical subassemblies




- Prepare mechanical and assembly drawings for various methods of manufacturing such as machining and injection molding
- Plan and perform various testing on mechanical and integrated systems to assess performance, derisk designs, and evaluate specifications

- Build and validate custom test setups using thermal and optical sensors to collect performance data from integrated systems and subsystems
- Collaborate with a team of scientists and provide engineering support to facilitate biological assay development activities
- Complete engineering calculations, investigations, and other tasks to further design and development activities

- Inspect and measure custom parts for critical to quality attributes using metrology equipment such as calipers, micrometers and pin gauges.
- Perform data analysis using basic statistical techniques and tools
- Generate detailed documentation and reports for design and testing activities, and present results to stakeholders

- Meticulously assemble prototype and proof-of-concept designs with small and sensitive parts
- Liaise with vendors for the production of custom parts and source off-the-shelf components
- Contribute to design decisions including the development of specifications, design reviews, and risk management activities

Qualifications and Experience

- Strong attention to detail
- Hands-on and mechanically inclined
- Ability to collaborate with others on multiple projects

- Proficiency in Solidworks
- Ability to build, debug and test sensitive electromechanical assemblies
- Basic electronics knowledge
- Good data analysis skills
- Strong communication and technical writing skills

- Commitment to continuous learning

Experience:

- Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or equivalent
- 1-3 years of experience in an engineering design or testing role (Co-op accepted)

Location

- 22 Water St S, Unit 201, Kitchener, ON, N2G 4K4

Job Type

- Full time (40 hr/wk)

Compensation

- $55-65K
- Health and dental benefits

Pay: $55,000.00-$65,000.00 per year

Benefits

- Casual dress
- Dental care
- Flexible schedule
- In office parking

Education:
- Bachelor's Degree (required)

Work Location: In person

📌 Junior Mechanical Engineer (Kitchener)
🏢 Sparrow Bio
📍 Kitchener