About this Engineer II, Microfluidic Process role at Slingshot Biosciences
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:
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 medical device environment.
- Deep hands-on experience with PDMS microfluidic device fabrication, including silicon wafer photolithography, prepolymer casting, degassing, oven curing, oxygen plasma bonding, and surface chemistry/silanization.
- Demonstrated track record of transferring laboratory-scale microfluidics or biotech consumable manufacturing into robust, validated, high-throughput commercial operations or outsourced CMO environments.
- Proven experience with chemical synthesis, polymer chemistry, hydrogel formulation, or managing complex, multi-stage reagent fabrication processes.
- Working knowledge of ISO 9001, 17034, or 13485 quality standards, with experience executing change control, drafting SOPs, and driving root-cause investigations.
- Strong analytical skills; proficiency with statistical analysis software (e.g., JMP, Minitab, Excel, Python) to evaluate process capabilities and perform Design of Experiments (DoE) and other statistical analyses (e.g., ANOVA).
- Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills; comfortable collaborating with senior leadership and cross-functional teams (R&D, QA, Manufacturing, Supply Chain).
- Self-motivated and proactive, with the ability to prioritize and execute multiple projects in a fast-paced, rapidly shifting startup environment.
Salary and Benefits:
The base salary range for this full-time position is between $130,000 – $150,000 + benefits.
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.
- Retirement Plan (401k)
- Paid Time Off
- Family Leave
- Life Insurance
- Fully stocked break room with food, snacks, and beverages
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.
Slingshot Biosciences is a fast growing life sciences company with a platform technology and paradigm-shifting mission to make synthetic cells the gold standard for all cell-based applications. We’re a team of individuals from diverse backgrounds who are united by the common goal of making diagnostics and therapeutics more accessible. Our mission is to improve access to advanced medical innovations and healthcare using our synthetic cell platform. We seek to create an environment where we inspire excellence, and cultivate a growth mindset, and are always looking for people to join our team of creative problem solvers!
