Mechanical/Automation Engineer

Job Title: Mechanical Engineer - I

 Location: Achira Labs, Bangalore

 Reports to: Product development manager

About Achira Labs

 Achira Labs is a deep technology company developing innovative diagnostic and biosensor platforms to bring affordable, high-quality testing closer to patients. Our interdisciplinary teams work across microfluidics, biochemistry, optics, electronics, and mechanical design to build impactful products for healthcare.

Role Summary

 We are looking for a hands-on Mechanical Engineer with strong prototyping skills and a hobbyist’s mindset to design, build, and refine mechanical systems and automation components for our diagnostic platforms. You will be part of our hardware engineering team, contributing to rapid prototyping, iterative design, and integration of mechanical, electronic, and optical systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Design well constrained mechanical parts, assemblies, and mechanisms in CAD (preferably SolidWorks)
• Draft manufacturing drawings as per prevailing industry standards
• Fabricate, assemble, and refine prototypes using in-house tools like 3D printers, laser cutters and manual machining tools.
• Design and develop assembly fixtures, automated jigs, and enclosures, ensuring ease of manufacturing and robust performance.
• Evaluate, improve, and troubleshoot prototypes to achieve functional, robust, and polished solutions – not just quick fixes.
• Integrate mechanical designs with basic electronics and optical systems, e.g., motors, sensors, lenses, and filters.
• Familiar with basic electronics tasks, such as soldering, wiring, and interfacing sensors and actuators for prototype validation.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams (electronics, fluidics, and biosensor scientists) to translate requirements into working hardware and communicate trade-offs to the respective stakeholders.
• Co-ordinate with respective vendors to clearly communicate manufacturing/sourcing constraints
• Take ownership of assigned targets and deliver working prototypes within agreed timelines, with minimal supervision.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field.
• 2+ years of experience in mechanical product design, new product development or prototyping; experience in healthcare, optical, or medical device applications is a plus.
• Strong hands-on skills in prototyping, assembly, and fabrication.
• Proficiency in CAD (SolidWorks preferred) for part and assembly modelling, basic simulations, and preparation for manufacturing or 3D printing.
• Strong understanding of DFx methodologies and Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T) principles
• A working knowledge of fundamental mechanical engineering principles, especially related to fluid mechanics, and mechanism design.
• Familiarity with 3D printing, including design for printability and post-processing.
• Exposure to basic electronics – wiring, soldering, and programming microcontrollers for simple automation tasks.
• Demonstrated ability to build neat, functional prototypes, with attention to finish and detail.
• Self-driven, curious, and resourceful, with a hobbyist approach to building and learning new tools or techniques.

Preferred Additional Skills

• Experience working in a startup, maker lab, or rapid prototyping environment.
• Familiarity with automation systems, motors, actuators, and simple control systems.
• Familiarity with optical system design
• Familiarity with Solidworks PDM would be advantageous
• Exposure to fluidics or biomedical device prototyping is a plus but not mandatory.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge diagnostic platforms that impact healthcare accessibility.
• A multidisciplinary environment with freedom to experiment and learn.
• Access to in-house prototyping facilities including CNC machines, 3D printers, and microfabrication tools.
• A collaborative team that values rigor, creativity, and practical innovation.