Cleanroom Technician

Mechanical Assembly Technician – Wearable Biosensor Manufacturing

This role focuses on precision mechanical and electro-mechanical assembly of wearable biosensor components in a laboratory and cleanroom environment. You will build small, detailed units, support non-standard and prototype builds with research and development engineers, and manage batch-based manufacturing processes from start to finish. The position combines hands-on assembly, documentation and data recording, basic laboratory techniques, and close collaboration with engineering and manufacturing teams in a fast-paced startup setting.

Responsibilities

• Perform mechanical and electro-mechanical assembly of very small components, including wire soldering and manual assembly, to build complete units independently once trained.
• Execute repetitive, well-defined processes while consistently meeting daily production goals and maintaining high quality standards.
• Assemble and inspect products using microscopes, ensuring excellent visual inspection skills and strong manual dexterity for fine, detailed work.
• Carry out cartridge assembly, reagent manufacturing kit assembly, and other medical assembly processes according to documented procedures and batch records.
• Support non-standard builds and prototype assembly in collaboration with research and development engineers, following instructions for new or evolving manufacturing processes.
• Review, follow, and update paper-based documentation, including batch record reports, raw material logs, and other paper travelers, ensuring accurate and complete records.
• Measure and track raw material usage in the manufacturing lab area, documenting quantities and maintaining accurate dimensional data and inspection records.
• Use hand tools, soldering equipment, microscopes, multimeters, pipettes, and other laboratory tools to assemble, test, and troubleshoot products.
• Run company-specific macros and equipment to set times and voltages, operate sensors, prepare solutions, and set products up for calibration.
• Participate in enzyme preparation and deposition over sensor layers, supporting processes where enzymes react with glucose to enable accurate sensor readings.
• Manage batch processes, starting with multiple sensors (e.g., 24 sensors per batch), monitoring long cycle steps, and initiating additional batches while earlier batches complete.
• Monitor multiple processes simultaneously, returning to earlier batches at the correct time to move them to the next step while continuing work on current tasks.
• Perform dimensional inspection and collect dimensional data to verify product conformance, escalating issues and participating in troubleshooting and process improvement as needed.
• Communicate effectively with engineering and manufacturing leadership, providing feedback on processes, documentation, and build performance.
• Work from engineering and R&D instructions to execute non-standard builds, pilot builds, and new manufacturing processes, and help translate these processes to the production floor.
• Follow all cleanroom and ISO Class 8 policies and procedures, including gowning requirements and restrictions on personal items, while maintaining a clean and controlled work area.
• Manage time effectively to stay focused during long process cycles, remain attentive while waiting for steps to complete, and maintain productivity throughout the shift.
• Collaborate closely with a diverse, fast-paced team, actively participate in problem-solving, and raise concerns or improvement ideas to help build a strong, accountable culture.
• Demonstrate flexibility by adapting to changing build schedules, working overtime when needed, and supporting occasional Saturday work to meet manufacturing goals.

Essential Skills

• Proven experience in mechanical assembly and manual assembly, including work with small components and precision builds.
• Experience with semi-automated manufacturing processes and comfort working with both manual and automated tools.
• In cartridge assembly, reagent manufacturing kit assembly, or similar medical or laboratory assembly work.
• Previous experience performing research and development or supporting R&D activities in a manufacturing or laboratory environment.
• Strong manual dexterity and the ability to perform very small assemblies using microscopes and fine tools.
• Proficiency with hand tools, soldering (including wire soldering), microscopes, multimeters, and basic laboratory equipment such as pipettes.
• Experience working with batch records, batch processing, and paper-based documentation, including paper travelers and good documentation practices.
• Ability to update raw material logs, batch record reports, and other production records accurately and consistently.
• Familiarity with dimensional inspection and recording dimensional data to verify product quality.
• Ability to troubleshoot basic assembly and process issues and contribute to process improvement efforts.
• Comfort working in a laboratory or medical assembly environment, including handling solutions, sensors, and enzyme-related processes.
• Effective communication skills to provide clear feedback to engineering teams and manufacturing leadership.
• Strong time management skills, including the ability to manage multiple batches and processes with varying cycle times.
• Ability to sit and stand throughout the shift and comfortably lift up to 25 pounds.
• Willingness and ability to follow strict cleanroom protocols and ISO Class 8 requirements.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience executing non-standard builds and pilot builds, particularly in environments where processes are still being developed or refined.
• Experience working directly from engineering and R&D instructions and helping translate those instructions into production-ready processes.
• Experience in startups or dynamic environments where processes change frequently and stability is still evolving.
• Demonstrated ability to learn new processes quickly and operate effectively in a setting with a large number of distinct procedures (potentially over 100 different processes).
• Strong documentation habits, especially in environments that rely heavily on paper-based systems and good documentation practices.
• Proactive, collaborative attitude with a willingness to go above and beyond and partner closely with teammates of varying experience levels.
• Comfort working with a fast-paced staff and contributing positively to a collaborative, feedback-driven culture.
• High level of adaptability and self-motivation, with the ability to stay focused during long process cycles and changing build schedules.
• Interest in medical devices, wearable biosensors, or related technologies.

Why Work Here?

You will join a late-stage startup focused on innovative wearable biosensor technology that monitors multiple analytes, offering the opportunity to contribute to the next generation of medical devices. As the company grows, you can build your career in an environment where early contributions are visible and can be rewarded, including access to full benefits and stock options upon conversion. The culture emphasizes accountability, empowerment, and open communication, encouraging every team member to speak up when something is not right and to help shape the environment they want to be part of. You will work alongside a passionate team that values collaboration, continuous improvement, and the shared responsibility to raise issues and solve problems together.

Work Environment

The role is based in an ISO Class 8 cleanroom and laboratory environment, where you will work with sensors, enzymes, solutions, and precision assembly tools. You will use hand tools, soldering equipment, microscopes, multimeters, pipettes, and other laboratory and measurement equipment to perform detailed assembly and inspection tasks. Work schedules require flexibility, with potential start times at 6:00 a.m., 6:30 a.m., or 8:00 a.m., and the need to be available for overtime, including occasional Saturday work with advance notice. The team operates under significant manufacturing requirements and ambitious production goals, so adaptability and comfort with changing build schedules are essential. Cleanroom gowning and hygiene standards apply, including wearing a gown, mask, gloves, hair cover, and shoe covers, and following policies such as no nail polish, artificial nails, or fragrances. You may need to learn and execute over 100 different processes, some with cycle times of several hours, requiring sustained focus and attention to detail even during waiting periods. The environment rewards flexibility, self-motivation, and a willingness to go above and beyond to help the team meet its manufacturing objectives.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of San Diego, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $20.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)