Fixture Development Engineer

As aFixture Development Engineer, you will join our Integration Design & Characterization (IDC) team within the R&D Assay Integration Group in Westbrook, Maine, helping to develop the next generation of IDEXX diagnostic assays and instrumentation. Willingness to work onsite five days per week in Westbrook, ME is required, with occasional flexibility as needed. The R&D Assay Integration Group is responsible for integrating assays and instrumentation to deliver reliable, high-performing diagnostic solutions that enable veterinary professionals to make informed clinical decisions.

Why does this role matter?

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development of IDEXX's next generation of point-of-care diagnostic technologies that advance animal healthcare around the world. As part of a highly collaborative team, you will play a critical role in ensuring diagnostic systems consistently meet performance requirements while supporting innovation across software, hardware, assay, and systems engineering disciplines. This position offers a unique blend of systems thinking, hands-on engineering, data-driven problem solving, and cross-functional collaboration, allowing you to make a direct impact on products that improve outcomes for veterinarians, patients, and customers.

In this role:

• You will define, evaluate, and specify instrument sequence functions and algorithms, assessing their impact on assay performance through protocol development, experimentation, and data analysis.
• You will develop and utilize custom fixtures, tools, and software solutions to control, characterize, and evaluate diagnostic systems.
• You will identify potential failure modes and design robust assay sequences and algorithms that account for operational variability and system tolerances.
• You will qualify assay sequences and algorithms against product requirements and performance expectations.
• You will follow established engineering design, development, documentation, verification, and validation practices throughout the product lifecycle.
• You will support continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen engineering capabilities and technical excellence across the organization.
• You will analyze field performance data, troubleshoot system issues, investigate root causes, and develop effective corrective actions.
• You will specify, test, and implement software modifications to improve system functionality and performance.
• You will collaborate closely with scientists, software engineers, hardware engineers, manufacturing partners, and business stakeholders to successfully integrate assays into new and existing diagnostic platforms.
• You will manage and interpret characterization data to inform design decisions and support product development milestones.

What you need to succeed:

• Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline, along with 3 to 5 years of professional experience. (Required)
• Translate assay and reagent requirements into instrument sequence definitions and algorithm specifications. (Required)
• Independently plan, prioritize, and manage your work while communicating status, risks, and commitments. (Required)
• Experience analyzing test data, identifying probable failure modes, and developing and implementing appropriate mitigation strategies. (Required)
• Design, build, and utilize fixtures that support system characterization and testing activities. (Required)
• Experience working effectively within cross-functional product development teams. (Required)
• Possess strong verbal and written communication skills and can explain complex technical concepts to a variety of audiences. (Required)
• You thrive in fast-paced environments and can adapt to changing business priorities, stakeholder needs, and technical requirements. (Required)
• Proficient with Microsoft 365 applications. (Required)
• Working knowledge of computer-aided design (CAD) tools such as SolidWorks. (Required)
• Understanding of immunoassay or clinical chemistry principles and how reagent chemistry interacts with instrument mechanics, optics, and fluidics. (Strongly Preferred)
• Experience programming in Python. (Strongly Preferred)
• Familiar with source-level software debugging techniques and related development tools. (Strongly Preferred)
• Experience using analytical tools such as JMP. (Strongly Preferred)
• Exposure to AI-assisted tools. (Preferred)
• Experience with LabVIEW, real-time software environments, or embedded systems development. (Preferred)
• Foundational understanding of life sciences and biological systems. (Preferred)

What you can expect from us 

• Base salary range starting at $80,000 based on experience  

• Opportunity for annual cash bonus   

• Health / Dental / Vision Benefits Day-One   

• 5% matching 401k   

• Additional benefits including but not limited to financial support, pet insurance, mental health resources, volunteer paid days off, employee stock program, foundation donation matching, and much more   

Why IDEXX:

We’re proud of the work we do, because our work matters. An innovation leader in every industry we serve since 1983, our team members help pet owners worldwide keep their companion animals healthy and happy, ensure safe drinking water for billions, and help farmers protect livestock and poultry from disease.

We have customers in over 175 countries and a collaborative global workforce. Our culture embraces challenges and encourages learning and discovery. At IDEXX, you’ll be supported by competitive compensation, incentives, and benefits while enjoying purposeful work that drives improvement.

If meaningful work and a sense of purpose are at the top of your list, you’ll find it here. Let’s pursue what matters together. 

About the job location:

If you’re thinking about relocating for this role, here are a few things to know about living in Maine (often called “Vacationland”). The Westbrook, ME area provides great access to active downtown areas and the outdoors, with the coast and numerous mountains and hiking trails nearby. You’ll also find a number of large companies like ours in the area, creating a vibrant work culture.

You can learn more on the Portland tourism website: https://www.visitportland.com/visit/resources/moving-to-maine/

IDEXX values a diverse workforce and workplace and strongly encourages women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply.

IDEXX is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, or any protected category prohibited by local, state, or federal laws.

While we appreciate our staffing partners, we are unable to accept unsolicited agency resumes.

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