Whelix Mechanical Engineer Boston, MA · Full time Company website

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Whelix builds intelligent robots that automate wet lab work, starting with cell culture, for biotech and pharmaceutical research. By integrating AI agents with proprietary engineered robotics, our systems eliminate repetitive, error-prone workflows, freeing scientists to focus on discovery while increasing experimental throughput, reproducibility, and scientific impact. Based in Boston, Whelix is deploying systems into pharmaceutical, biotech and academic labs today and actively scaling up production to serve more customers.

Role Overview

As a Mechanical Engineer, you will design, prototype and test the mechanical systems on our robots, including motion systems, fluidics, structures and enclosures, and help turn hardware concepts into reliable, buildable systems that run in customer labs. You will work side by side with our mechanical, electrical and robotics software engineers, and with the scientists who use the machine. This is a full-time, hands-on, on-site role in Boston, reporting to the CTO.

What You Will Work On

• Design and refine mechanical assemblies, enclosures and motion systems in CAD
• Build and test prototypes quickly, from 3D-printed and laser-cut parts to full assemblies
• Design fixtures and test rigs to validate mechanical performance
• Improve the robustness, ease of assembly and manufacturability of our designs, working with fabrication vendors
• Take designs from prototype to working hardware in the lab with our electrical and software engineers
• Join design reviews, field tests and problem-solving sessions with the team

Qualifications

• BS, MS or PhD in Mechanical Engineering or a related field, or equivalent experience
• Proficient in CAD (Onshape, Fusion 360 or similar)
• Hands-on experience with prototyping and mechanical assembly, from industry, internships, co-ops or research
• Strong problem-solving skills and a real interest in robotics or automation
• Able to work on-site in Boston, MA

Nice-to-Haves

• Experience with motion systems, fluidics, or sheet-metal and machined part design
• Familiarity with DFM/DFA and working with fabrication vendors
• Exposure to biotech, lab automation or wet-lab environments

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $80,000 to $100,000 per year
• Early-stage equity
• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• Paid time off and paid sick leave

Perks & Growth Opportunities

• Ownership of real hardware, from CAD to working parts on the robot
• A front-row seat to building a startup, with exposure to product, strategy, fundraising and operations
• Work at the intersection of AI, robotics and life sciences
• Close collaboration with engineers, scientists and industry partners
• Access to Boston's robotics and deep-tech community through MassRobotics and The Engine