Vertex Fall Co-op 2026, Instrumentation Engineer

Role Summary

The Instrumentation Engineer Co-op is a 6-month experiential program for undergraduate or graduate students in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or related fields. You will work on a cross-disciplinary instrument design and build project within Vertex's Engineering & Applied Physics team, receiving mentorship from experienced engineers and scientists and gaining real-world engineering experience. This role provides hands-on exposure to developing tools that enable breakthrough research and serves as a launchpad for your career. Location: San Diego, CA.

Responsibilities

• Key project responsibility is development of a low-profile electric motor instrument for mixing of chemical reagents.
• Collaborate with scientists to establish a shared comprehension of instrument applications and user interface requirements.
• Architect and build an embedded and/or PC-based control system to implement all required features.
• Document system with Theory of Operation, schematics, design files, bill of materials.
• Design and implement control system hardware from initial proof of concept stage through small-scale production and operational deployment.
• Collaborate with mechanical team on packaging design/build.
• Train and support Vertex scientists in the operation of the new instrument.
• Share status and work through regular design reviews and an end-of-term poster presentation.

Qualifications

• Advanced undergraduate (junior or senior) or graduate student in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics or related field.
• Proficient knowledge and experience with printed circuit board (PCB) design, build and test.
• Altium Designer, PSpice, STM32 MCU Software tools a plus
• Solid understanding of electric motor drive schemes, design, and theory.
• Proficiency in embedded firmware programming is desirable.
• Strong initiative for project implementation on short timelines.
• An effective team player, ability to collaborate closely with other engineers and scientists.
• A compulsive problem solver; able to find effective, innovative solutions to challenging problems, in a high-paced, highly productive, and collaborative work environment.
• Strong passion for science and engineering, with an ambition to apply this enthusiasm toward making a tangible impact on the lives of patients facing serious diseases.

Education

• Enrollment in an advanced degree program if graduating before December 2026.

Additional Requirements

• On-site work in San Diego, CA; capacity to work full-time onsite.
• Legal authorization to work in the United States, now and in the future. Vertex does not sponsor internships for this part of the organization.