Job Title: MEMS R&D Engineer
Location: In Person – Pittsburgh, PA
Company: Advanced Optronics Inc.
Team Size: 4
Overview
Are you ready to help develop a revolutionary medical sensor technology from the ground up?
Join us to architect the core device that powers our next-generation surgical tools. We are an innovative seed-stage startup that delivers miniaturized medical devices leveraging our thin-film microfabricated sensors 10x thinner than a human hair. These sensors are designed based on novel microelectromechanical system (MEMS) concepts. To-date, we have secured more than $5M in capital and negotiated a development agreement with a large corporate partner (> $10 billion market cap) to achieve commercialization. At this pivotal moment in our growth, you will spearhead our R&D efforts to transform research ideas into products that can improve patients’ lives! You will lead technical development, shape the product roadmap, and contribute to our exceptional engineering culture. You will work alongside a team of design and process engineers that has developed and demonstrated our first prototypes. If you are a world-class engineer driven by the desire to create industry-defining products, we want to talk to you.
Job Details
Compensation
- $90,000–$140,000 / year depending on experience level with full-time benefits: medical insurance & stock options
Roles & Responsibilities
-
Design & Simulation (40%):
Lead the end-to-end design and simulation lifecycle using FEM
tools (COMSOL, ANSYS) to evaluate feasibility and optimize performance. Create and iterate
design ideas and produce photomasks (GDSFactory, KLayout) for the production team (our
process engineers) to drive device performance improvements. -
Prototyping & Validation (40%):
Design and execute testing strategies to validate device
performance, including mechanical, electrical, and functional evaluations alongside the
microfabrication team to ensure designs are performant, reliable, and manufacturable. -
Innovation (20%):
Lead the conceptualization and invention of innovative solutions to our
toughest MEMS challenges. Contribute key ideas to our intellectual property portfolio.
Candidate Profile
Educational & Experience:
- Ph.D. (preferred), Masters, or Bachelors (with 5+ years relevant work experience) in Electrical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering.
- Demonstrated success in conceptualizing, designing, and developing (Bio-)MEMS sensor systems, evidenced by products, publications, patents, or funded projects.
Required Technical Skills:
- MEMS Simulation: Deep technical knowledge in COMSOL, ANSYS, or similar software for electromechanical FEM simulation.
- Layout Mask Design: Experience with mask design tools (i.e. GDSFactory, KLayout, or similar).
- Experimental Validation: Skilled in experimental design for novel devices, including building custom test setups and collecting experimental data.
- Data Analysis: Proficiency with Python or MATLAB to analyze experimental data and perform statistical analysis.
Desired technical skills:
- Microfabrication: Strong working knowledge of thin-film microfabrication techniques (deposition, lithography, and etching processes) and semiconductor packaging. While process development and microfabrication is not part of this job, a basic knowledge of microfabrication will help with efficient communication and collaboration with the
manufacturing team.
Project & Communication Skills
- A Natural Problem-Solver: You are driven by technical curiosity with a proactive, high-agency approach to dissecting complex problems and finding elegant solutions.
- A Builder at Heart: You are excited by the challenge of a “0 to 1” R&D environment to create new products from scratch.
- Thrives in Ambiguity: You are comfortable with the fast-paced, dynamic nature of a startup and can effectively manage competing priorities.
- An Excellent Communicator: You can clearly articulate complex ideas to a diverse, interdisciplinary team.
About Advanced Optronics Inc.
Why you’ll Love Building With Us
- Foundational Impact: As a core R&D leader, your work will directly shape the company’s trajectory. This is a role with unparalleled impact.
- Meaningful Equity: We offer significant equity for you to share in the company’s success.
- Solve a Problem That Matters: We are on a mission to improve patients’ lives. Your work will have a direct and tangible impact on healthcare outcomes.
- A Phenomenal Team: You will work alongside a dedicated and brilliant interdisciplinary team of experts in machine learning, microfabrication, embedded systems, and clinical practice.
- Leadership & Growth: This role offers a clear and rapid path to technical leadership as we scale.
What Success Looks Like
- In 3 Months: Complete a full design-simulate validate cycle on our existing device design, identifying areas for performance improvement.
- In 6 Months: Implement an improved design that demonstrates a measurable performance increase. Establish documented best practices for simulation and characterization that are adopted by the team.
- In 12 Months: Successfully demonstrate a functional prototype of a new device concept.
Our environment is built on collaboration and excellence, creating a space where individuals are challenged and supported to achieve their full potential.
