DropGenie is a biotechnology startup envisioning gene editing at the click of a button, for the development of personalized cell therapies. We are developing hardware and software to automate gene editing pipelines. The underlying technology we are leveraging is called Digital Microfluidics, where we are able to control discrete droplets of reagents using electricity. You can learn more about our company visionhere. DropGenie is a dynamic startup and successful candidates will flourish in a fast-paced environment.

Currently, we are seeking a Head of Hardware Engineer to build and lead our team of mechanical, electrical and firmware engineers. You will take ownership of our hardware product,  working on system architecture, mechanical design and product development roadmap. You will work with a microfluidics engineer to interface consumable chips with the system.

What you'll do

• Build and lead a team of interdisciplinary engineers, sourcing talent and building a positive work environment based on accountability, collaboration and communication.
• Ownership of hardware product vision, system architecture, project and release plans and development roadmap (design, develop, assemble, validate) that align with the company's overall vision and financing strategy.
• Work cross-functionally to ensure proper execution of the projects within the company and with third-party engineering partners. Work with prototyping engineer consultants and external manufacturers to create a product ready for scale manufacturing.
• Design a supply chain and bring up manufacturing partners to bring scalable products
• Implement best engineering practices while communicating clear product milestones, budgets and timelines.
• Close collaborations with microfluidics engineer to understand the key characteristics for hardware design and communicating results clearly and contribute data for making critical design decisions.
• Manage product certification requirements and testing (safety, EMC etc)

About you

• Strong technical background including a BS or MS in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or similar field
• 5+ years of proven hands-on experience working with electro-mechanical devices
• At least one previous experience in overseeing product development from concept to mass production (design, built, test, ship) with a high level of ownership
• Strong leadership skills and previous experience building and managing interdisciplinary teams
• Highly skilled in mechanical engineering, system design and/or electrical engineering, willingness to be an individual contributor in your area of  expertise while the team is growing
• Experience in implementing engineering best practices
• Ability to offer, document, and test practical and creative solutions to issues found during development and assembly of devices
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Nice to have

• Previous experience working in a startup environment.
• Interest/knowledge of molecular biology pipelines and standard molecular biology laboratory equipment.
• Experience with channel microfluidics, digital microfluidics and/or electrowetting.
• Previous experience in the biotech industry.
• Experience in mechanical CAD, component and assembly design, and industrial design
• Analog and Digital Circuit design, prototyping and review.
• Experience in PCB design, schematic capture and layout
• Some programming knowledge with embedded software (C/C++) and/or higher level languages (Python, etc).

Direct applicants only. No agencies please.

Due to the stage of our company, we will be unable to apply for a visa for this role and will only accept candidates who are eligible to work in the US without the need for working visa. For Canadian citizens only, we are able to help navigate the visa application process.

At DropGenie, we believe that everyone has the ability to make an impact. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, military or veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please mention it in your outreach email.