Entry Level Research Scientist Mechanical Engineering Jobs in Riverside, CA

Job Summary:

We are seeking an Engineering Intern, focusing on the design of optical systems within the biotechnology industry. This position is ideal for students or recent graduates with a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, Bioengineering or related fields, offering a pathway to hands-on experience in designing and developing advanced optical systems for microscopy and diagnostics applications. This is a highly interdisciplinary position at the intersection of engineering and biology.

This is an onsite position at 20-40 hours/week with a preferred start date in Fall 2026.

If you are passionate about directly contributing to scientific advancement alongside industry veterans in a highly collaborative environment, we want you!

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Optical and Mechanical System Design: Contribute to the design, development, and integration of optical systems for imaging applications.
• Prototyping & Fabrication: Utilize CAD tools for creating models and design iterations. Build and test prototypes employing techniques such as 3D printing and CNC machining.
• System Testing & Validation: Perform alignment, testing, and calibration of optical systems. Undertake biological assays to evaluate system performance.
• Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: Work closely with engineers and scientists to build and test prototype systems, ensuring compliance with design requirements and performance goals.
• Documentation & Compliance: Maintain detailed records of design processes and testing results to support project development and potential audits.

Key Skills and Qualifications:

• Currently pursuing or recently graduated with a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, Bioengineering, or a related field.
• Good understanding of optical and mechanical engineering principles and technologies.
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g. SolidWorks, OnShape) for mechanical design; hands-on experience with prototyping tools (e.g. 3D printing) is highly valued.
• Deep interest in integrating engineering principles with biological applications.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment.
• Aptitude for developing Python scripts in Linux and Windows environments to support automation, data analysis, and system integration. Familiarity with machine vision software, image processing workflows, and camera based inspection systems is highly desirable.

Preferred Skills:

• Exposure to biological assays and imaging techniques.
• Experience with alignment and calibration of optical systems (e.g. spectrophotometry).
• Understanding of electrical engineering principles.

About Us:

Since its inception in 1994, Zymo Research has been proudly serving the scientific community by providing innovative, reliable, and high-quality research tools and products. Whether it's DNA, RNA, epigenetics, microbiomics, protein, or yeast-based research, our philosophy remains the same: To provide the highest quality products in the industry while ensuring they are both simple to use and reliable in their performance.

Recognized as a Top Workplace by the Orange County Register in 2021, 2022, and named a Top Workplace USA in 2023, Zymo Research continues to be a vibrant community where employees thrive, feel connected, and are inspired by their work. If you are passionate about contributing to scientific advancement and want to be part of an exceptional team in a dynamic, growing company, we'd love to hear from you!

Compensation, Benefits, and Perks:                              

The estimated base compensation range for this position is $20.00 per hour at the time of posting. Actual compensation details will be provided in writing at the time of offer, if applicable, and is based on several factors we believe fairly and accurately impact compensation, including geographic location, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and other job permitted factors.

Zymo Research also offers competitive benefits and perks including:

• EAP Sessions
• Paid Sick Leave
• Complimentary fruit, snacks, and beverages
• Complimentary catered lunches on Thursdays 
• Complimentary EV Charging 

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer:

Zymo Research welcomes candidates of all backgrounds. These include sex, age, color, race, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, physical & mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military and veteran status, or any other protected status as defined by federal, state, or local law.

Location:

Onsite - Zymo Research HQ - 17062 Murphy Ave, Irvine, CA, 92614

Disclaimer: At Zymo, we take the integrity of our hiring process seriously. Please be aware of fraudulent recruitment activities that may use our name to deceive job seekers. We will never ask for payment, sensitive personal information, or financial details during the recruitment process.

All legitimate communications will come from an official Zymo or TriNet Hiring email address. If you are contacted by anyone claiming to represent us using a free email service (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail) or asking for payment, please treat this as fraudulent and report it immediately to careers@zymoresearch.com