Full-Time

Senior Director

Optical Engineering

Confirmed live in the last 24 hours

Element Biosciences

Element Biosciences

201-500 employees

Next-generation sequencing technology provider

Biotechnology
Healthcare

Compensation Overview

$180k - $255kAnnually

+ Stock Options + Bonus

Expert

San Diego, CA, USA

Category
Electronics Design Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Required Skills
Python
MATLAB
SolidWorks
Requirements
  • Minimum master’s degree in optical engineering with 18+ years of relevant industry experience
  • Proven track record developing world-class scientific instruments, preferably high-resolution fluorescence microscopy systems
  • Demonstrated ability to lead complex, multi-disciplinary engineering projects from concept through commercialization
  • Strong problem-solving, decision-making, motivation and communication skills
  • At least 10 years of supervisory responsibility overseeing diverse optical engineers and managers
  • Extensive knowledge of refractive optics principles, practices and tools (incl. optomechanical alignment and system integration)
  • Deep expertise in geometrical & physical optics, high-power illumination, spectral management, autofocus techniques, metrology and laser safety standards
  • Proficient in optical component selection and integration such as lenses, mirrors, prisms, filters, mounts, sensors and lasers
  • Mastery of optical design software such as Zemax or Code V. Familiarity with SolidWorks CAD software
  • Strong optical vendor network and partner management skills
  • Comfortable with Python, Matlab and / or LabView programming
Responsibilities
  • Group leader and subject matter expert for the optical engineering function
  • Set goals, provide mentoring and recruit optical engineering staff
  • Develop optical and imaging system architectures, simulations and supporting documentation
  • Drive requirements gathering, design, review, qualification and system integration of optical modules
  • Oversee complex troubleshooting and root cause analysis. Ensure successful production transfer (NPI activities)
  • Lead vendor selection, ensure productive partner relationships and provide project management support
  • Shape innovation in our product roadmap by researching new technologies and approaches
  • Collaborate across hardware, firmware, software, operations, field service and executive management functions

Element Biosciences focuses on next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology, offering the AVITI System, a compact benchtop device that provides high-quality sequencing at a low cost of $1 per million reads. This system is designed for accuracy and efficiency, catering to clients like academic researchers and pharmaceutical companies. Element Biosciences stands out by partnering with other biotech firms, such as QIAGEN, to provide complete NGS workflows, and by offering the 2023 AVITI for All Grant, which gives free sequencing for various applications. The company's goal is to make high-quality sequencing accessible and affordable for a diverse range of users.

Company Stage

Series D

Total Funding

$659.5M

Headquarters

San Diego, California

Founded

2017

Growth & Insights
Headcount

6 month growth

0%

1 year growth

-1%

2 year growth

0%
Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • AVITI24 platform integrates sequencing and multiomic analysis, revolutionizing cancer research.
  • Record growth in AVITI System installations indicates strong market demand and acceptance.
  • Recent executive appointments highlight commitment to leveraging AI for product optimization.

What critics are saying

  • Increased competition from companies like Illumina may impact market share.
  • Rapid technological advancements require continuous innovation, straining resources.
  • High cost of AVITI24 may limit adoption among smaller research institutions.

What makes Element Biosciences unique

  • Element Biosciences offers the AVITI System, a low-cost, high-quality sequencing platform.
  • The company's proprietary technology improves signal-to-noise ratio, enhancing sequencing data quality.
  • Strategic partnerships with firms like QIAGEN provide comprehensive NGS workflows for clients.

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Benefits

100% company-paid medical, dental, & vision coverage

Flexible spending & health savings accounts

Premier mental health care

401(k) with immediately vested 4% company match

Company-paid Life and AD&D insurance

Stock option grants

Flexible time off

10 paid annual holidays

8-weeks paid parental leave