2881 Scott Boulevard Santa Clara, CA 95050 US
Posted: 01/13/2026 2026-01-13 2026-02-12 Employment Type: Contract Job Category: Engineering Job Number: 624845 Is job remote?: No Country: United States
Job Description Summary
We are seeking a passionate Systems Engineer to join our Systems Development Group to support the Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) products. The candidate is expected to be a hands-on key contributor in the feasibility, development, customer support, and integration phases of end-to-end NGS solutions, according to customer & product requirements, and applicable regulatory and quality standards. In addition, maintains detailed documentation throughout all phases of research and development.
ROLE SUMMARY:
The site is developing new technologies to make genetic testing easy, reliable, and affordable. We are creating technologies and workflows that can be used to improve the lives of people in a wide variety of applications including the timely screening of newborns for diseases and the diagnosis of cancers and infectious diseases. Looking for a motivated and team-oriented individual who is passionate about revolutionizing sequencing technology. As a Senior System Engineer, you will learn how to use the new company Single Molecule Sequencing platform and help to develop the final operating protocols. The candidate will help design and perform wet-lab experiments to further develop the sequencing prototype instrument. The candidate will work with his/her manager and team members to interpret the experimental results and design future experiments. The candidate must be self-motivated and able to work well in a multidisciplinary team environment.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Become an expert on the operation of the companies Single Molecule Sequencing Platform.
Perform a variety of sample prep, library, or sequencing and sequencing related experiments on a daily basis, help to analyze and interpret the data.
General support of diverse research and development activities.
Customer support activities such as monitoring runs, documenting and communicating defects, and following escalation paths to resolve customer issues
Contribute to the platform verification team as a member by executing, analyzing, and interpreting the results of platform verification studies.
Perform all work using best laboratory practices and maintain a well-organized and concise record of work performed and progress made.
Assist engineers with hardware design through testing subcomponents
Analyze data, derive conclusions, document findings, write SOPs and prepare reports for sharing within and between R&D groups
Setup strong experimental designs while working independently.
Troubleshoot instrument failures and seek out specialized help as needed.
Responsibilities:
This position is responsible for, but not limited to, the following:
Develop and deploy a wide range of technologies, including sample extraction, library prep, and sequencing.
Develop, execute, and document test cases for verification and validation. Ensures complete and comprehensive coverage of requirements in the test campaigns.
Customer support through monitoring of runs, early morning meetings to discuss defects, results and progress, QC of reagents and configuration used for customer, possible travel to customer sites.
Support of instrument fleet to learn troubleshooting techniques as needed to assist R&D and to support customers
Perform system integration and testing activities and verify system performance through simulation, tests, and measurements. Assess results for applicability, validity, and conformance to product requirements.
Work independently with general management direction to drive product development and collaborations to identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
Keep supervisor/project leader informed of project status, particularly of significant findings and results in critical problem areas.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
B.S. or M.S. or PhD degree in the science/chemistry/engineering required and 1-5 years of experience (depending on educational background).
(Candidates with hands-on experience with DNA sequencing such as raw sample preparation, nucleic acid extraction, library preparation, and NGS sequencing are encouraged to apply)
Previous laboratory experience required.
Familiarity with MATLAB, GIT, Python or similar tools for data analysis and/or automation.
Previous experience with prototype instruments or DNA sequencing desirable.
Previous experience with PCR required.
Excellent written and oral communication skills are essential.
Demonstrated ability to work well in teams and across scientific disciplines is essential.
The candidate should be passionate, self-motivated, and possess a strong desire to acquire on-the-job training.
IDEAL CANDIDATE:
Experience with a variety of laboratory devices and instrumentation, including PCR and automation.
In addition to impeccable technical skills, successful candidates possess strong organizational, communication and team skills, and thrive in a fast-paced environment
Resourceful and flexible; Fast learner and a self-starter; hard-working
Adept at planning, prioritizing, multi-tasking, organizing and following through, while remaining highly energetic and focused;
Straightforward, self-driven, and trustworthy;
An individual with experience in biotechnology or medical device development;
Strong understanding of DNA & molecular Biology
Breadth of knowledge / cross-disciplinary
3+ years of hands-on experience with DNA sequencing such as raw sample preparation, nucleic acid extraction, library preparation, and NGS sequencing.
Knowledge in all phases of NGS workflow such as nucleic acid chemistry, and primer design technologies for gene targets is highly desirable.
Proven hands-on troubleshooting experience and skills in wet bench workflows on NGS platform.
Experience with statistical tools (e.g. Python/JMP for regression analysis, ANOVA) and Design of Experiments methodology, application of statistical process control is essential.
Experience in implementing workflow on semiconductor-based sensing devices or microfluidic devices is desirable.
Knowledge in surface chemistry is also desirable
Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and interpersonal skills and a fast learner.
DESIRED QUALITIES:
Anticipates needs and problems while creating solutions. Not always instruction-based
Demonstrates a sense of urgency, contagious optimism and a?can do attitude
Is curious, inquisitive, innovative, never satisfied with the status quo
Greets challenge and change as opportunity
Collaborates with others and strong orientation towards teamwork
Pay ranges between $65-74/hr based on experience
Equal Opportunity Employer: We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, sex, gender identity or expression, disability, age, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws and regulations. It is our policy not to discriminate against any applicant or employee, and we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful work environment across all locations in which we operate. We believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion are fundamental to our mission and enhance our ability to serve clients globally. If you have a disability or require any reasonable accommodations during the application or interview process, please inform your recruiter or contact us directly so that we can explore the appropriate arrangements.
Fraud Alert: Candidate safety is a top priority at Planet Pharma. The industry has seen an increase in people falsely representing themselves as recruiters to gather personal information from job seekers. For your safety, do not provide sensitive data to anyone you have not spoken with thoroughly, never provide banking information during the application process and always double check the email address of the Recruiter to ensure it’s from an official Planet Pharma domain (@planet-pharma.com, @planet-pharma.co.uk, and @ppgadvisorypartners.com) and not a domain with an alternative extension like .net, .org or .jobs.
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