Electro-Mechanical Engineer

About Andson: (TL;DR video about us: https://youtu.be/wMyAikoQkXE)

Andson Biotech is developing a microfluidic platform enabling rapid sample cleanup for mass spectrometry applications. Mass spectrometry is a gold-standard chemical analysis tool, but it remains limited in utility due to the complex workflows associated with going from raw sample to analysis. Our flagship product, the DynaCHIP, enables simple, on-demand mass spectrometric analysis with easy-to-use interfaces that democratize mass spectrometry from lab to market.

Andson Biotech was spun out of Georgia Tech and is supported by Y Combinator and Merck Digital Sciences Studio. We are a seed-stage startup, so every role has the chance for growth. Apply even if you aren't a perfect fit - we can't know you're awesome unless we meet you.

Job Description

We're seeking a self-motivated engineer capable of working quickly with off-the shelf mechanical and electrical components to create functional prototypes that can be translated into scalable products for commercial deployment. Currently, we are developing our beta-prototype system which is being tested in early adopter labs. We need assistance implementing new software control schemes, new hardware components (e.g., valves, pumps, pressure sensors), and working between internal and external stakeholders to develop both our beta-prototype as well as our first commercial system.

We expect the ideal candidate to have extensive experience in Python and breadboarding for prototypes. Experience putting together user interfaces and integrating UIs with python or other “more robust” codes for front-end applications is a plus. We need the candidate to “hit the ground running”.

Immediate/Short Term Work (60-90 days)

Work with external vendors to source and implement control of hardware for DynaCHIP. Hardware includes: valves, pumps and sensors. Developing a flow pressure controller (PID), and integrating touchscreens and pushbuttons. Throughout the entire process, we want you to work on overall system architecture (e.g., how is it controlled/integrated) and subsequent automation in a variety of applications.

Long Term Initiatives (6-12 months & beyond)

• In situ device QC monitoring (e.g., via electrical or pressure-based sensing)

• Smart manifold R&D (internal or in coordination with vendor)

• Autosampler interfacing

• Interfacing control software with 3rd party systems (e.g., Waters/Thermo Fisher API calls)

Desired Skillsets

• Languages: Python (this is a must), C++, Java, Flutter, PLC languages (Ladder Logic, Function Block Diagram, Structured Text)

• Communication protocols: I2C, CAN, Ethernet, USB, Modbus, GPIO

• Other: SolidWorks, 3D printing, prototyping, panel/layout design, reliability testing, PCB design

Responsibilities

Your day to day will involve close collaboration with the product design team (internal engineering and external vendors) to source and implement hardware solutions including (but not limited to): switching valves (e.g., hplc injection valves, rotary valves, solenoid valves), pressure sensors, flow control valves, pumps and microfluidic versions of these hardware types. Other tasks include:

• Identify, test, and integrate into our current and future hardware systems: optical/contact closure sensors, motors

• Develop intuitive user interfaces (touchscreen, LED panels, pushbuttons)

• Develop control strategies for precise and efficient control of various operating setpoints such as pressure and flowrate (e.g., PI/PID, signal processing, PWM)

• Implement fault tolerance and redundancy mechanisms for the DynaCHIP platform to ensure reliable operation

• Collaborate with stakeholders and end-users to develop improved designs

• Design software for scalability and flexibility, allowing for easy adaptation and expansion as needed

• Coordinate with data analysis team to support on-board analytical capabilities including data communication with mass spectrometry / auto sampling / lab systems

• Develop maintenance and remote update procedures and provide ongoing support

• Provide rapid development of control programs to facilitate R&D initiatives and specialized applications

• Document control software architecture to aid understanding and collaboration among team members and stakeholders