Operations Engineer 2

Slingshot Biosciences•Emeryville, CA

About The Position

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 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.

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

Nice To Haves

Experience with microfluidics, flow cytometry, chemistry, and/or life science is a plus.
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

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