VRNDA Labs Company Description
VRNDA Labs is a rapid R&D company solving complex challenges in health and life sciences. Founded in 2021, the company brings together engineers, scientists, and clinicians to tackle novel problems: from point-of-care diagnostics to laboratory automation. The company operates with a lean, fast-moving approach built on rapid iteration from concept to working prototype, real-world testing, and deployment. VRNDA Labs vertically integrates its own technology, running on solutions it has built and proven in the field before they reach clients.
The portfolio spans custom dispensing systems, smart lab benches with context-aware AI, smart infusion pumps for hospitals, and end-to-end point-of-care diagnostic devices. VRNDA Labs does not simply design solutions; it builds, prototypes, and takes them all the way through commercialization. The company focuses exclusively on novel challenges that push boundaries and require creative problem-solving. Work is conducted in a multidisciplinary environment where perspectives from engineering, science, and clinical practice converge.
Position Overview
This is a full-time engineering role with broad scope and a high degree of independent ownership. The successful candidate will take projects from early ideation through prototyping and into deployment, with the expectation of driving work forward autonomously rather than in a supporting capacity.
The position sits at the intersection of the engineering and science/research teams. The candidate will contribute to both the hardware and instrumentation side of projects and the wet lab and experimental side, and will be expected to work fluently across both domains. A core part of the role involves translating between scientific requirements and technical feasibility in a cross-functional environment.
Responsibilities
- Own engineering projects end-to-end, from concept through to validated, deployable solutions
- Collaborate with the science and research team, contributing to and learning from wet lab experimentation and data-driven iteration
- Design, build, and validate electromechanical systems and instrumentation
- Participate in cross-functional problem-solving, bridging engineering and scientific perspectives
- Communicate project status, findings, and technical decisions clearly to teammates and senior staff
- Take on increasing responsibility over time, including contributing to team-level outcomes and supporting the development of junior team members
Required Qualifications
- Completed undergraduate degree in an Engineering discipline prior to employment start date; graduate candidates are strongly encouraged to apply
- Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident, under 30
- CAD: Demonstrated ability to design mechanical parts and assemblies from scratch for real projects (SolidWorks, Fusion 360, or equivalent)
- Electronics design and build: Experience taking a circuit from schematic to a functional physical board, including hands-on debugging experience
- Microcontroller firmware development: Firmware development experience on platforms such as Arduino, STM32, ESP32, or similar; experience building systems where hardware and software communicate over SPI, I2C, UART, or equivalent protocols
- Stepper motors and motion control: Hands-on experience driving and tuning stepper motors; familiarity with CNC-based platforms such as 3D printers or CNC routers
- Closed-loop control: Experience implementing or tuning feedback systems (PID or similar) to meet physical targets
- Aptitude for independent learning: Each project undertaken at VRNDA Labs will require the acquisition of new knowledge and skills; candidates must demonstrate comfort and enthusiasm for self-directed learning
Desired Qualifications
- PCB design: Experience laying out a board in KiCad, EasyEDA, or equivalent; understanding of the path from schematic to manufacturable design
- Proficiency in Python, C/C++, or another object-oriented language
- Wet lab or life sciences exposure: Familiarity with experimental workflows, assay development, fluid handling, or lab instrumentation, through coursework, research, or prior work experience
- Complex electromechanical systems: Experience building or operating systems such as custom robots, automated lab instruments, or comparable platforms
- Hands-on prototyping: Experience working in a shop environment with tools such as 3D printers, laser cutters, or basic machining equipment
- Git and version control
- AI and machine learning: Experience building models, working with computer vision, or integrating AI APIs into functional systems; VRNDA Labs has a heavily AI-driven long-term roadmap and candidates with this background will have a strong foundation for the work ahead
- Familiarity with simulation or analysis tools
- Prior internship, co-op, or research experience in hardware, robotics, medtech, or an R&D environment
How to Apply
Candidates should submit a resume and a cover letter (up to one page) describing how they meet the required qualifications and what unique perspective or experience they would bring to the team.
Pay: $40,000.00-$65,000.00 per year
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Richmond, BC: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):
- Are you a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident?
- Have you completed a Bachelor's degree in an Engineering discipline or a closely related field (such as Computer Science, Physics, or Applied Science)?
Work Location: In person
