Staff Quality Engineer

Company Overview

Sarmal, Inc. is a San Diego–based biotechnology company developing next-generation genomics and molecular detection platforms. Our work integrates molecular biology, chemistry, and advanced systems engineering to enable faster, more precise, and more accessible genomic insights.

We are a highly collaborative, R&D-driven teamoperatingin a fast-paced, early-stage environment. Our scientists and engineers work across disciplines to solve complex technical challenges and translate innovation into scalable, real-world applications.

AtSarmal, we value scientific rigor, curiosity, and a buildermindset. We are looking for individuals who are energized by ambiguity, motivated by impact, and excited to help bring breakthrough technologies from concept to reality.

About the Job

Sarmal is hiring a Staff Quality Engineer to build and run our quality management system hands-on as we bring molecular assay, consumables, and instrument programs from concept through design transfer and commercialization. This is a full‑time, individual‑contributor role within Operations, reporting directly into company leadership, with no existing quality staff or precedent to lean on — you will write the procedures, train the team on them, audit against them, and revise what doesn't work. You will own design control and Design History Files across multiple concurrent programs, lead ISO 14971 risk management, implement and administer our eQMS, run CAPA and nonconformance to closure, qualify suppliers and CDMO partners, and drive process and software validation — right‑sizing every control to a 30–50 person organization without leaving audit exposure.

Key Responsibilities

• Design control & DHF ownership — own Design History Files across multiple molecular assay, consumables, and instrument programs from concept through design transfer.
• Risk management — own ISO 14971 risk management files, hazard analysis, dFMEA/pFMEA/uFMEA, risk control verification, and benefit-risk rationale, feeding directly into design and process decisions.
• eQMS implementation & administration — select, implement, and administer the electronic quality management system as the backbone of document control and quality records.
• CAPA, nonconformance & deviation management — own the full loop: investigation, root cause, corrective/preventive action, effectiveness checks, and trending into management review.
• Supplier quality & purchasing controls — qualify and monitor critical suppliers, CDMO partners, and OEM chemistry sources; own incoming inspection criteria and supplier corrective actions.
• Validation — lead process validation (IQ/OQ/PQ) with defensible statistical rationale; support assay, consumables, instrument, and software validation, including computer system validation under an SDLC framework.
• Audit & certification readiness — run the internal audit program; prepare for and support notified body, supplier, and regulatory audits; drive the system toward ISO 13485 certification and IVDR technical documentation readiness.

Qualifications

• Working command of FDA QMSR (21 CFR 820), ISO 13485:2016, ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14971, and cGMP.
• ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or equivalent certification.
• Sound applied statistics for quality engineering: sampling plans, process capability, gage R&R, and method validation — able to defend the rationale, not just execute the protocol.
• Familiarity with IEC 62304 and premarket cybersecurity documentation preferred.
• Sufficient technical depth across molecular/genomics, assay chemistry, or instrumentation to review technical data and credibly challenge conclusions.

Education & Experience

• 10+ years of quality experience in medical device or IVD product development and commercialization, with demonstrated progression across multiple quality functions.
• Hands‑on experience building or substantially rebuilding a quality system — document control, design control, CAPA, supplier controls — rather than solely operating within an established one.
• Demonstrated ownership of a Design History File through at least one product from concept to design transfer or launch.
• Process validation experience (IQ/OQ/PQ) with sound applied statistics, including DOE familiarity.
• A builder's mindset: comfortable operating without support staff or precedent, with the pragmatic judgment to right-size controls and the credible independence to hold the line with engineering, R&D, and executive stakeholders on the things that matter most.

Benefits & Perks

Sarmal offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Company‑paid life insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Generous paid time off
• Access to additional voluntary benefits, employee perks, and discount programs
• We are committed to supporting the well‑being of our employees and providing a strong foundation for both professional and personal success.

$125,000 - $160,000 a year

California Pay Transparency Statement.

The anticipated salary range for this position is $125,000 – $160,000, depending on experience and qualifications. Final compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, location, relevant experience, skill set, and internal equity considerations.

EEO Statement

Sarmal is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

Sarmal is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and consider all qualified candidates in accordance with applicable laws.

Why Join Sarmal

• Work on cutting‑edge genomics and molecular detection technologies
• Collaborate with a deeply technical, cross‑functional team
• Contribute to foundational platform development at an early stage
• Have visibility into and impact on core technical and strategic decisions
• Help shape the infrastructure, culture, and future direction of the company

Closing Statement

Join us in advancing the next generation of genomic technologies and shaping the future of precision health.