Mechanical Engineer III at INOVIO PHARMACEUTICALS INC – San Diego, California

About INOVIO

INOVIO is a biotechnology company focused on developing and commercializing DNA medicines to help treat and protect people from HPV-related diseases, cancer, and infectious diseases. INOVIO’s technology optimizes the design and delivery of innovative DNA medicines that teach the body to manufacture its own disease-fighting tools. For more information, visit www.inovio.com.

Job summary

The Mechanical Engineer III position focuses on manufacturing and design processes involved in building and maintaining electromechanical and sterile disposable medical devices used in ongoing clinical trials. The engineer applies a strong focus on continuous improvement, enhancing product quality through lean principles, refined techniques, and optimized procedures.

Essential job functions and duties

• Evaluate, investigate, and design mechanical systems, components, and products by applying knowledge of mechanical principles, manufacturing processes, and materials.
• Lead and participate in regular technical design reviews to ensure robust engineering decisions.
• Develop assemblies and components in SolidWorks, maintaining strong CAD modeling and documentation practices.
• Design parts for injection molding, sheet metal stamping, and machining, with attention to manufacturability and cost.
• Integrate electrical components—including circuit boards—into mechanical designs using CircuitWorks.
• Perform tolerance analyses to ensure proper fit, function, and reliability.
• Evaluate early-stage prototypes using in‑house 3D printing capabilities.
• Collaborate with Project Managers to translate design input requirements into actionable engineering specifications.
• Partner with Manufacturing Engineering to develop and refine manufacturing processes, tooling, and equipment.
• Participate in the change control process, including reviewing and generating engineering change orders.
• Support DFMEA activities alongside Project Managers to identify and mitigate design risks.
• Contribute to V&V efforts by writing and executing verification protocols and generating test reports.
• Support Quality System compliance through involvement in MRB activities, nonconforming material investigations, and CAPA processes.
• Engage in cross-functional design reviews to ensure alignment across engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams.
• Perform additional engineering duties as needed to support project and organizational goals.

Minimum requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (BSME).
• 3–5 years of engineering experience in the medical device industry or another regulated environment.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks, including part modeling, assemblies, and drawings.
• Strong working knowledge of GD&T and its application in design and manufacturing.
• Proficiency with standard Microsoft Office tools.
• Ability to safely and effectively use common machine shop tools for prototyping and evaluation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to high‑quality engineering practices.
• Demonstrated professional qualities such as initiative, integrity, and strong teamwork skills.
• Advanced mechanical aptitude with solid analytical and problem‑solving abilities.
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and manage multiple projects in parallel.
• Ability to contribute to a positive, professional work environment and support activities that enhance employee morale.

Disclaimer

INOVIO Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, including but not limited to veterans and individuals with disabilities. We prohibit discrimination of any kind. In keeping with our policy, we recruit, hire, train, and promote the most qualified individuals for all job titles, and we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment.

A current US work authorization is required. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed. INOVIO offers an attractive benefits package and is an equal opportunity employer.

Important notice to employment businesses/agencies

INOVIO does not accept referrals from employment agencies unless written authorization from the INOVIO Human Resources department has been provided. In the absence of written authorization, any actions undertaken by employment agencies shall be deemed to have been performed without our consent and therefore INOVIO will not be liable for any fees arising from employment agency referrals in respect to current or future position vacancies at INOVIO.