Lab Automation Hardware Engineer

Lab Automation Hardware Engineer

Emeryville, CA

Slingshot Biosciences is a fast-growing life sciences company with a platform technology and paradigm-shifting mission to make precision-engineered cell mimics the gold standard for all cell-based assay controls. We are transforming cell-based applications with the most robust, scalable, and reproducible controls available, including TruCytes™ Biomarker controls, SpectraComp® compensation controls, ViaComp® cell health controls, and FlowCytes® instrument controls.

Our TruCytes cell mimics precisely replicate real cells' optical and biochemical properties - without the sourcing, quality, or cost challenges of traditional controls. Trusted in cell-based applications across cell therapy, drug development, and diagnostics, they empower process and analytical development, quality control, potency assessments, multi-site validations, clinical research studies, and assay development and validation.

Slingshot is seeking motivated, creative team members who think outside the box. We empower employees to own their work, contribute ideas quickly, and improve processes. Come join our cross-disciplinary and world-class team that is delivering game-changing solutions for cell-based applications!

We're looking for an Operations/Automation Engineer to support Slingshot's growing portfolio of synthetic cell products. You will work across Manufacturing Operations, R&D, and Process Engineering to drive continuous quality improvements, equipment maintenance/calibration, and technology transfer from R&D to Manufacturing.

To be successful in this role, you'll need to be detail-oriented, with a strong technical background and industry lab or manufacturing experience. Ideal candidates will also have experience in lab automation, and the ability to combine creative problem solving with the rigorous documentation required in a regulated industry. Experience with microfluidics, flow cytometry, chemistry, and/or life science is a plus. You should also be comfortable with analyzing data and writing technical reports to clearly communicate results or making recommendations to management. We are a small but growing team and the applicant must be comfortable in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. Self-motivated and driven applicants are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Work in cross functional teams to support R&D and Manufacturing Operations
• Validate, monitor, improve, and support essential technical equipment and manufacturing processes
• Identify and implement automated solutions to improve production capacity, efficiency, and throughput
• Minimize downtime by maintaining critical laboratory and manufacturing equipment
• Rigorously document processes to ensure regulatory compliance and maintain records within eQMS
• Ensure that all lab equipment is regularly calibrated to regulatory standards.
• Utilize CMMS software tools (e.g. Limble, Jira, AirTable, etc.) to organize and document the maintenance and calibration of industrial equipment.
• Draft and execute installation, operational, and performance qualification protocols for equipment used in production
• Manage and organize relationships with vendors and service providers
• Write technical reports and present them to the leadership team.
• Train personnel on equipment and processes related to the manufacturing of Slingshot products
• Support general lab activities (supply chain, operations)
• Ensure compliance with laboratory health and safety guidelines

Requirements

• BS or MS in Engineering, or an equivalent demonstration of technical skills and background from work experience and STEM education
• Minimum of 3 years professional experience in biotech/manufacturing, or a related industry
• Hands-on problem solving experience, especially in the repair, maintenance, calibration and operation of manufacturing and/or scientific equipment
• Hands-on experience in implementing and programming lab automation solutions
• Experience with quality systems (e.g., ISO 9001) and working in regulated environments such as biopharma
• Basic proficiency with CAD and mechanical tools such as 3D printing for rapid prototyping and troubleshooting
• Experience with standard chemistry and/or life science lab workflows
• Knowledge of best practices for laboratory EH&S
• Excellent analytical and problem solving skills, with attention to detail
• Strong organization and communication skills
• Ability to manage and negotiate relationships with vendors and service providers
• Experience with software tools (e.g., Limble, Jira, AirTable, etc.) for organizing and documenting equipment maintenance and calibration is preferred.
• Flow Cytometry experience is preferred.
• Familiarity with technical project management tools such as Jira or Github is a plus
• Proficiency with data analysis, statistics or coding tools (e.g. Python, R, JMP, Minitab, etc.) is a plus

Our salary ranges are calculated by role and level. Your position within that range will be determined by your job-related knowledge, skills, experience, relevant education, and training/certifications. In addition to those factors, we also examine internal equity as well as consider current market rate, and title may be assessed one level lower or higher accordingly. After you join the company your performance, contributions, and results along with business and organizational needs will affect your base salary. The base salary range for this full-time position is between $125,000 - $200,000 + benefits.

About Slingshot:

Our north star is to make healthcare more accessible around the world. We are doing this by advancing cell biology to develop innovative solutions for human health.

At Slingshot, we value diversity and believe that a variety of backgrounds and experiences leads to more innovative ideas and a better understanding of our customers. Passion is at the core of our values, and employees are encouraged to pursue their passions in their work and contribute to the company's overall mission.

Slingshot Biosciences is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Legal authorization to work is required for all roles. Employment eligibility will be verified in accordance with applicable laws in the country where the position is based. For U.S.-based roles, this includes completion of required employment eligibility verification. For international roles, employment may be facilitated through an Employer of Record (EOR) in compliance with local regulations.