Biotech Facilities Leader: Build & Scale a 25k sq ft Lab

Mission Barns; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 135,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity compensation

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

401k and commuter benefits

Job summary

Mission Barns is seeking an experienced Facilities Manager to oversee our Berkeley R&D lab and lead the transition to a new ~25,000 sq ft facility. You will own the buildout from design through commissioning and run day-to-day operations with the Director of Bioprocess Engineering.

You will drive commissioning of building systems, manage risk programs, ensure EHS compliance, and expand the facilities team as operations scale in a rapidly evolving biotech startup.

Qualifications

• 5+ years facilities management in biotech, pharma, food manufacturing, or similar lab/manufacturing setting.
• Experience delivering a lab buildout, relocation, or major renovation including contractors, schedules, and budgets.
• Technical fluency with lab/building systems and utilities relevant to bioprocess.
• Experience running a preventive maintenance program in a CMMS.
• Proactive risk approach with controls to prevent failures.
• Experience using AI to accelerate facilities work with verification.
• Self-starter with bias for action in a fast-paced startup.
• Willingness to obtain certifications such as DOT hazmat shipping and hazardous waste manifest signing.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills with a collaborative approach.

Responsibilities

• Drive the buildout of the next Mission Barns facility, coordinating with R&D and product teams, architects, and vendors.
• Lead commissioning and startup of building systems, utilities, and process equipment with the Bioprocess Engineering lead.
• Plan and execute the transition of operations from the Berkeley lab, ensuring safe transfer of materials and equipment.
• Own and mature the facility risk management program including risk register and root cause investigations.
• Oversee monitoring and alarm systems from commissioning through day-to-day operations, including after-hours coverage.
• Lead EHS programs, training, and regulatory compliance for the new facility permits.
• Manage day-to-day facility operations, building systems, utilities, gases, maintenance, calibration, and inspections.
• Grow the facilities team, budget, vendors, and service contracts as operations expand.

Skills

Facilities management

Biotech facility operations

CMMS

Risk management

Startup environment

Regulatory compliance

EHS programs

Vendor management

Project leadership

Communication

Tools

CMMS

Job description

Mission Barns is seeking an experienced Facilities Manager to oversee our Berkeley R&D lab and lead the transition to a new ~25,000 sq ft facility. You will own the buildout from design through commissioning and run day-to-day operations with the Director of Bioprocess Engineering.

You will drive commissioning of building systems, manage risk programs, ensure EHS compliance, and expand the facilities team as operations scale in a rapidly evolving biotech startup.