Junior Engineer, Bioreactors
Job Location:
Redwood City, CA - USA
Yearly Salary:
Posted:
Application Deadline:
Vacancies:
Job Summary
Retro develops therapies for diseases driven by the biology of aging. We focus on cellular reprogramming and autophagy to rejuvenate cell and tissue function with the ultimate aim of adding 10 years to healthy human lifespan.
Were building a mission-driven team of accomplished and kind individuals who embrace our startup culture of rapid iteration transparency and versatility.
We are hiring a new member of the team who will expand Retros capabilities by building maintaining and scaling custom bioreactor systems used for automated cell culture. This is a highly hands-on builder role at the intersection of precision assembly fluidics sensors electronics and this role expect to be at the bioreactorassembling hardware improving designs strengthening reliability and enabling scientists to run more experiments confidently.
You are a hands-on engineer at heartsomeone who loves building complex reliable systems. You balance rigor and documentation with a bias toward unconventional approaches and rapid iteration.
Youve likely worked in environments like precision manufacturing instrument assembly or hardware-heavy R&D where you were close to the hardwarenot just designing it but building it debugging it and improving it. Ideally you have a track record of transforming prototype systems into closed production-ready platforms within cGMP environments.
Assemble and maintain custom-built bioreactors producing cutting edge cell therapies (combination of fluidics electronics).
Source and modify the right parts (fittings electronics fluidics) for bioreactor building and expansion.
Own pre-experiment setup readiness including sterilization/autoclave workflows sterile assembly and end-to-end system preparation.
Develop repeatable build/assembly processes (fixtures checklists standards) to reduce setup time and variability across runs.
Troubleshoot and resolve hardware/software issues quickly (leaks pressure/flow instability sensor drift electrical faults controller errors).
Support in-experiment operations by monitoring sensors pressure weights and media changes and responding rapidly to deviations.
Implement and improve process monitoring and control strategies to maintain optimal cell culture environments.
Partner with process development scientists to integrate bioreactor systems into workflows and scale experimental throughput.
Train lab personnel on proper instrument use and best practices; update workflows and SOPs as systems evolve.
Produce and maintain rigorous documentation and records (maintenance logs calibrations QC checks SOPs and design documentation) to support internal knowledge sharing regulatory submissions and GMP transition.
A degree in biomedical engineering mechanical engineering electrical engineering mechatronics or equivalent hands-on experience.
Proven experience building and assembling hardware systems (not only designing)especially where precision and repeatability matter (instrumentation precision manufacturing hardware R&D etc.).
Strong mechanical aptitude (comfortable reading manuals/schematics diagnosing failures working with fittings/tubing/fluid paths).
Comfort working across disciplines (fluidics sensors electronics mechanical assemblies) and learning new skills quickly.
Great organizational skills and attention to detailable to keep systems logs and procedures clean and reliable in a fast-moving lab environment.
A love of complex systems and machines the ability to troubleshoot on the fly and the desire to continuously improve processes.
Pride in your work - you dont wait around for a work order when you notice a problem you feel ownership of the labs well-being.
Worked with bioreactors and/or automation equipment.
Worked with equipment in a GMP environment.
Experience sourcing parts and coordinating with vendors (e.g. McMaster-Carr and similar suppliers); ability to quickly find evaluate and procure the right components.
Basic programming or scripting skills for instrument control or data analysis.
Basic electronics skills (circuits breadboards microcontrollers sensors displays).
3D printing and rapid prototyping experience.
Worked in startup or scrappy build environments where requirements evolve quickly.
Total compensation also includes generous equity and benefits including:
Medical dental and vision insurance for you and your family
401(k) plan with 4% matching.
Flexible time off and 10 company holidays per year.
Paid parental leave.
Annual learning & development stipend.
Monthly Longevity stipend.
Daily Retro-sponsored lunch and snacks.
*At Retro we dont use titles internally. New hires join as a Member of X Team.
Required Experience:
Junior IC
About Company
We take pride in cultivating an environment that fosters collaboration, open communication, and authenticity. We believe that great results are best delivered by a highly creative team working in concert. We are an equal opportunity employer; we do not discriminate on the basis of rac ... View more
