Engineer II, Microfluidic Process

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 a highly skilled and operationally-minded Microfluidic Process Engineer II to lead the development, optimization, and scaling of our microfluidic consumables and cell mimic products. This role bridges high-precision microfluidic chip fabrication with scalable commercial manufacturing. You'll own the end-to-end in-house PDMS chip fabrication process while strategically leading the transition of these chips to external contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs). You'll also directly oversee the day-to-day production of Slingshot's polymeric base beads. Reporting to the Senior Director of Engineering, this individual plays a vital cross-functional role, carrying significant responsibilities in supporting Slingshot's Manufacturing Department while driving Quality Assurance (QA) improvements and standards across the production lifecycle. Learn more about Slingshot and what we do: See what Cell Mimics can do About Slingshot Biosciences Location: On-site in Emeryville, CA. This role reports to the Senior Director of Engineering. What You'll Do: Microfluidic Consumables & Outsourcing Strategy: Lead PDMS chip outsourcing: own the strategic technical transfer and transition of Slingshot's PDMS microfluidic chips from in-house microfabrication to high-volume external contract manufacturers; establish raw material specifications, critical dimensions, and incoming quality control (IQC) protocols. Manage and execute internal PDMS chip production, including silicon wafer photolithography/design, wafer manufacturing, PDMS casting, curing, plasma bonding, surface silanization, and chip QC. Hands-on development, testing, and optimization of microfluidic prototypes. Serve as primary user/manager and SME for all PDMS-related equipment. Reagent Production & Scale-Up: Direct and oversee day-to-day manufacturing of Slingshot's polymeric base beads to guarantee on-time delivery, high quality, and consistent functional properties. Define critical process parameters (CPPs) and critical quality attributes (CQAs) for bead chemistry and microfluidic chip operations to drive continual process improvements that improve yield and minimize process noise. Identify and validate alternative sources of critical raw materials; develop incoming QC processes to ensure supply chain robustness. Serve as SME for base bead QC and microfluidic system characterization methods. QA & QMS Support: Drive strict adherence to Slingshot's Quality Management System (QMS) under relevant frameworks such as ISO 9001, 17034, and 13485. Lead root-cause analysis (RCA) and technical investigations for non-conformances (NCRs), establish Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPAs), and author Engineering Change Controls (CCs). Draft, update, and validate SOPs, electronic Master Batch Records (eMBRs), and equipment technical qualification protocols (IQ/OQ/PQ) to support quality assurance, technology transfer, and manufacturing scale-up. General Manufacturing & Departmental Support: Provide cross-functional operational support to general Manufacturing Department operations, consumables assembly, chemical inventory management, and general lab readiness. Help train and onboard technicians, manufacturing associates, and junior engineering team members on chemical handling, microfluidic techniques, and safety standards. Act as a chemical safety leader, ensuring full compliance with laboratory health and safety guidelines regarding solvents, plasma bonding systems, and cleanroom protocols. What You'll Bring: B.S. in Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Materials Science, or a related STEM discipline with 8+ years of industry experience; or an M.S. with 6+ years; or a Ph.D. with 3+ years of industry experience in a biotech or medi #J-18808-Ljbffr slingshotbiosciences