Mechanical Engineer, Hardware Systems

Mechanical Engineer, Hardware Systems - Card Lab

The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) is seeking a creative and experienced Mechanical Engineer to support groundbreaking research in the neural circuits underlying visually-guided decision-making. This role is based in the Dr. Gwyneth Card lab at the Mortimer B. Zuckerman Institute at Columbia University.

About the Role

As a general-purpose engineer, you will develop and support custom hardware systems for behavioral and neurophysiological experiments in fruit flies. You will provide engineering support for existing systems, including a custom robot for maintaining fly stocks, and will design and build new experimental setups. A basic understanding of mechanical and electronic-circuit design, and fabrication methods like 3D-printing and laser cutting is expected. Experience with Python, C++, MATLAB, and MySQL databases is highly desirable.

What HHMI Provides

• A competitive compensation package with comprehensive health and welfare benefits.
• Work with a dynamic team of neuroscientists and engineers designing next-generation experimental systems.
• A collaborative, intellectually stimulating work environment within the Zuckerman Institute/Columbia University research community.
• Opportunities for professional development and growth.

Responsibilities

• Provide engineering support for the design, development, and maintenance of fly behavioral assay systems.
• Design and fabricate fly widgets for behavioral assays and physiological experiments.
• Work with microcontrollers to coordinate hardware and software systems.
• Adapt existing machine vision algorithms for real-time and offline fly behavior extraction.
• Develop computational tools and analysis pipelines for behavioral assay results.
• Manage complete project cycles from design to fabrication, utilizing university fabrication facilities.
• Perform mechanical maintenance and database support for the fly stock maintenance robot.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (or higher) in engineering, math, or physics.
• Proficiency in designing and building small mechanical and electronic devices.
• Experience coding in Python, C++, and ideally MATLAB.
• Experience with MySQL databases (creation, querying, troubleshooting).
• Experience in data analysis and visualization.
• Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and precision.
• An interest in neuroscience.
• Excellent problem-solving, collaboration, and interpersonal skills.
• Willingness to learn new fields like optics, machine vision, and software/hardware integration.
• Clear communication of engineering concepts to biologists.
• Ability to multitask and optimize multiple systems simultaneously.

Preferred Skills

• Knowledge of electrical engineering (PCB design, circuit design, soldering).
• Familiarity with CAD software (Autodesk/SolidWorks).
• Experience with Python, C++, MATLAB, and MySQL.

Physical Requirements

The role requires remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods, reaching, grasping, and dexterity for keyboard use. Communication skills (spoken and heard) are essential. Mobility within the workspace and the ability to move materials up to several pounds are necessary. Potential exposure to hazardous materials may exist.

Compensation and Benefits

HHMI offers a competitive total rewards package including pay, exceptional health benefits, retirement plans, time off, and wellness programs. The annual salary range is $56,695.00 (minimum) to $92,115.00 (maximum), with a midpoint of $70,900.00. New hires are typically compensated between the minimum and midpoint.

Key Skills/ Competency

• Mechanical Engineer
• Hardware Systems
• Neuroscience Research
• Experimental Design
• Robotics
• 3D Printing
• Python
• MATLAB
• MySQL
• Data Analysis