Data-Driven Operational Excellence Engineer

BioSpace; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 94,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) retirement plan with employer

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Flexible time-off

Mindfulness programs

Job summary

GRAIL in Durham, NC seeks a Senior Engineer, Operational Excellence to enhance efficiency, quality, and scalability across sequencing-based cancer screening operations. This role sits at the intersection of data, process, and operations within a fast-paced lab environment.

The ideal candidate has 6+ years in process engineering or continuous improvement in biotech, with Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen expertise and strong data analytics (Excel, SQL, Python, Tableau/Power BI).

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Life Sciences, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
• 6+ years of experience in process engineering, operations, or continuous improvement in biotech/diagnostics/manufacturing.
• Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen methodologies (certification a plus).
• Experience with data analysis and visualization tools (Excel, SQL, Python, Tableau, Power BI).
• Familiarity with SPC/QC tools and statistical analysis techniques.
• Strong problem-solving and data accuracy; effective cross-team collaboration.
• Experience in NGS, clinical lab operations, or diagnostics workflows.
• Familiarity with regulated environments (CLIA, CAP, FDA) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain operational dashboards and visualizations to track performance across workflows.
• Support generation and automation of KPI reporting, ensuring data integrity and usability.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to refine metrics and improve visibility into operational performance.
• Perform data exploration and statistical analysis to identify trends, variation, and potential process deviations.
• Apply SPC and QC methods to monitor and improve process stability.
• Identify leading indicators of performance issues and recommend proactive interventions.
• Execute and support Lean initiatives, including 5S, Kaizen events, and Six Sigma projects.
• Conduct root cause analyses (e.g., 5 Whys, Fishbone) and implement CAPAs.
• Partner with operations teams to pilot, measure, and scale process improvements.
• Capture and document operational issues, risks, and improvement opportunities.
• Maintain structured tracking systems (backlogs, ticketing tools) for visibility and accountability.
• Lead prioritization of improvement efforts with cross-functional stakeholders.
• Work with Operations, Engineering, Software, and Product to implement process improvements.
• Translate operational needs into clear requirements for technical teams.
• Provide feedback loops to ensure solutions address root causes.

Skills

Lean Six Sigma

Kaizen

Data analysis

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Life Sciences, Industrial Engineering, or related field

Tools

Excel

SQL

Python

Tableau

Power BI

Job description

GRAIL in Durham, NC seeks a Senior Engineer, Operational Excellence to enhance efficiency, quality, and scalability across sequencing-based cancer screening operations. This role sits at the intersection of data, process, and operations within a fast-paced lab environment.

The ideal candidate has 6+ years in process engineering or continuous improvement in biotech, with Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen expertise and strong data analytics (Excel, SQL, Python, Tableau/Power BI).