Engineer I/II

Portal Biotechnologies, headquartered in Watertown, MA, is a rapidly scaling cell-engineering platform company operating across three high-value business lines (biopharma R&D screening, next-generation cell therapy manufacturing, and AI training data generation), addressing markets totaling $100B+. Since launching its first product in 2024, Portal has built a network of 100+ active customers, including the top 10 global pharmaceutical companies and leading academic hospitals and cancer centers worldwide.

Backed by $15M in venture funding and an $8M DARPA contract, Portal’s proprietary mechanoporation technology enables efficient multiplex delivery of diverse cargos such as RNA, proteins, small molecules, and gene-editing tools without compromising cell function. The approach is simple and scalable, supporting applications from high-throughput drug screening to clinical-scale manufacturing, and it works both as a stand-alone system and as an integrated component in third-party platforms.

In biopharma R&D, Portal’s products enable novel screening assays by delivering otherwise cell-impermeable probes and candidate molecules directly into live cells, unlocking intracellular access that standard methods cannot provide. In cell therapy, Portal’s GMP-integrated consumables and a DARPA-funded portable device (launching 2027) are aimed at making engineered cell therapies as accessible and ubiquitous as an infusion pump. In AI training data, Portal generates high-value, multiparametric datasets from primary cells, producing biologically relevant training data that current cell line-based methods cannot replicate.

With a leadership team bringing decades of experience in biotech operations and clinical cell therapy development, Portal is positioned to become the foundational platform for next-generation cell engineering, drug discovery, and biological AI data generation.

The role:

We are seeking a junior mechanical/design engineer who is excited to apply their engineering skills to the development of cutting edge biotechnology tools. In this role, you’ll help design, build, test, and improve mechanical systems that support Portal’s platform and enable meaningful scientific and commercial impact.

The ideal candidate is hands on, curious, detail oriented, and eager to learn in a fast paced startup environment. This role sits at the intersection of mechanical engineering, biotechnology, and product development, perfect for someone who enjoys turning complex technical challenges into practical, reliable solutions.

How you’ll make an impact:

• Support the design, development, and testing of mechanical components, assemblies, fixtures, and prototypes for Portal’s platform
• Create and maintain CAD models, engineering drawings, test fixtures, and technical documentation
• Build, assemble, troubleshoot, and iterate on prototypes and experimental systems in collaboration with engineering and scientific teams
• Partner closely with scientists and other engineers to understand system requirements, translate user needs into engineering solutions, and improve platform performance
• Design and execute mechanical tests to evaluate performance, reliability, usability, and manufacturability
• Analyze test results, identify design improvements, and communicate findings clearly to cross functional team members
• Support vendor communication, part sourcing, fabrication, and build planning for prototypes and early product systems
• Contribute to product development by maintaining a strong understanding of customer needs, technical requirements, and practical constraints in laboratory environments

Your experience & qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related engineering field
• 0 to 3 years of experience in mechanical design, product development, prototyping, laboratory instrumentation, medical devices, life science tools, or a related environment
• Experience with CAD software such as SolidWorks, Fusion 360, Onshape, or similar
• Strong mechanical intuition and problem solving skills, with comfort working hands on with tools, prototypes, assemblies, and test setups
• Ability to clearly document designs, tests, results, and engineering decisions
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across engineering, biology, and product teams
• A collaborative, team oriented mindset with the ability to contribute in a growing organization
• Adaptability and learning agility, with a demonstrated ability to thrive in a fast moving startup environment
• Experience with precision hardware, fluidics, motion systems, sensors, 3D printing, machining, injection molding or electromechanical systems is a plus

Please note: Portal’s headquarters are located in Watertown, MA with free on-site parking. On-site parking is available and it's a 15 minute walk from the Caltrain station. We are open to hiring for either location.

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