Principal Engineer II, Fluidic Systems Integration, Research & Early Development

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At Roche, we are working to make next-generation sequencing simple and accessible enough for routine use. By accelerating clinical research, streamlining workflows, and expanding assay menus, we are broadening access to genomic data and lowering barriers to adoption. From robust sample isolation and preparation tools to novel sequencing technology and advanced bioinformatics, we are developing differentiated, highly integrated end-to-end solutions for next-generation sequencing, resulting in a sample in, result out workflow.

Our Systems Technology Group, a part of Roche Sequencing Solutions, is focused on creating and advancing technologies to significantly enhance DNA sequencing workflows. We are seeking a Principal System Integration Engineer II to serve as a critical bridge between fundamental scientific discovery and tangible engineering execution during the earliest stages of research and development.

This is a pivotal, hands-on role for a multidisciplinary expert who is passionate about pioneering new technologies by mastering the complex intersection of chemistry, molecular biology, and biochemistry with hardware, surfaces, and materials. The ideal candidate lives at the nexus of these domains, capable of translating the first principles of biology into novel fluidic and mechatronic systems. This role is designed to break the traditional R&D model where scientific and engineering teams operate in sequence. Instead of being a liaison between teams, this individual will be the embodiment of both disciplines, personally driving technology from a theoretical concept to a functional, proof-of-concept breadboard. You will be the inventive force responsible for answering the most fundamental question in our R&D cycle: "Is this new technology physically possible?" You will bring instruments from initial concept to demonstrated feasibility, laying the technical foundation for the next generation of sequencing platforms.

Role & Responsibilities:

• Concept & Feasibility: You will invent, prototype, and characterize novel devices, subsystems, and workflows for next-generation sequencing applications, with a primary focus on establishing fundamental feasibility and de-risking new technological approaches.

• Workflow Translation: You will lead the effort to translate complex, multi-step biochemical and molecular biology protocols from the benchtop onto early-stage instruments, breadboards, and custom test fixtures with novel fluidic and microfluidic systems.

• Hands-on Development & Testing: You will personally design, build, and commission custom test fixtures, breadboards, and automation scripts (e.g., Python, LabView) required for early-stage system characterization, proof-of-concept validation, and feasibility studies.

• Hypothesis-Driven Experimentation: You will design and execute rigorous, hypothesis-driven experiments to characterize system performance, pushing the boundaries of new technologies and identifying critical failure modes at the interface of biology, chemistry, and hardware.

• First-Principles Troubleshooting: You will lead early-stage, deep-dive troubleshooting efforts for complex performance issues on novel systems, seamlessly connecting systemic failures back to first-principles root causes-whether molecular, chemical, material, or physical.

• Data Analysis & Communication: You will analyze complex, multi-modal data sets, author detailed technical reports and feasibility studies, generate intellectual property, and present findings to technical teams and R&D leadership to inform technology roadmap decisions.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: You will serve as a key technical partner to assay development scientists and hardware design engineers, providing critical, data-driven feedback to guide the co-development of reagents, consumables, and instrument hardware, ensuring that biological requirements and engineering constraints are harmonized from day one.

A cover letter is required for this application.

Please outline your relevant experience and explain why you are interested in this role and Roche.

Who You Are:
(Required)

• Education & Experience: You have a PhD in Bioengineering, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Biophysics, Molecular Biology, or a closely related discipline with 7+ years of relevant industry experience; OR a Master's degree in Bioengineering, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Biophysics, Molecular Biology or closely related discipline with 8+ years of relevant industry experience; OR a Bachelor's degree in Bioengineering, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Biophysics, Molecular Biology or closely related discipline with 10+ years of relevant industry experience.

• Core Technical Expertise: You have demonstrated, hands-on success translating complex biological or chemical workflows (e.g., library prep, enzymatic assays, immunoassays) onto prototype instruments, breadboards, or integrated microfluidic devices in a life sciences or diagnostics R&D environment.

• Interdisciplinary Knowledge: You possess a deep, intuitive understanding of the fundamental principles of molecular biology, biochemistry, and enzymology, and a proven ability to apply this knowledge to solve complex hardware, fluidics, and materials science challenges.

• Fluidics & Hardware Acumen: You have proficiency in designing, building, and troubleshooting complex fluidic and microfluidic systems. You think in terms of flow rates, pressures, surface tensions, and material compatibility as fluently as you do about DNA concentrations and enzyme kinetics.

• Problem-Solving & Mindset: You have a demonstrated ability to troubleshoot from a first-principles perspective, identifying and resolving ambiguous issues that span molecular biology, chemistry, hardware, consumables, and software. You exhibit a high degree of ingenuity, resourcefulness, and scientific curiosity to invent new technology and develop cutting-edge concepts in a fast-paced, ambiguous R&D environment.

• Communication: You have demonstrated strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to communicate complex technical knowledge in a clear and understandable manner to a multidisciplinary team.

Preferred:

• You have hands-on experience defining workflows and then translating them onto instrumentation by writing custom scripts via Python, MATLAB, LabView or custom fluidic simulation software).

• You have hands-on experience with CAD for designing custom parts, fixtures, and consumables (e.g., SolidWorks).

• You have experience with advanced microfabrication techniques.

• You have a strong record of innovation, demonstrated by a portfolio of patents and/or publications in relevant fields.

• You have direct experience using Design of Experiments (DOE) and statistical analysis tools (e.g., JMP, R).

This is an on-site position based in Santa Clara, CA.

Relocation benefits are not being offered for this role.

The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of Santa Clara, CA is $127,000 - $236,000. Actual pay will be determined based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other job-related factors permitted by law. A discretionary annual bonus may be available based on individual and Company performance.

This position also qualifies for the benefits detailed at the link provided below.

Benefits

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A healthier future drives us to innovate. Together, more than 100'000 employees across the globe are dedicated to advance science, ensuring everyone has access to healthcare today and for generations to come. Our efforts result in more than 26 million people treated with our medicines and over 30 billion tests conducted using our Diagnostics products. We empower each other to explore new possibilities, foster creativity, and keep our ambitions high, so we can deliver life-changing healthcare solutions that make a global impact.

Let's build a healthier future, together.

Roche is an equal opportunity employer. It is our policy and practice to employ, promote, and otherwise treat any and all employees and applicants on the basis of merit, qualifications, and competence. The company's policy prohibits unlawful discrimination, including but not limited to, discrimination on the basis of Protected Veteran status, individuals with disabilities status, and consistent with all federal, state, or local laws.

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