Engineer II, Microfluidic

MSD; Gaithersburg (MD); On-site; USD 88,000 - 134,000; Full time

Job summary

MSD is seeking a Microfluidic Engineer II to drive mechanical design, prototyping, testing, and documentation for new microfluidic consumables. You will collaborate with engineers, scientists, and biologists in a dynamic R&D team to create robust, scalable solutions for biodefense, clinical, and life-science markets.

The role requires strong CAD and data analysis skills, experience in regulated environments, and proven ability to develop design controls and test protocols.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Applied Physics, Materials Science, or related field.
• Advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of industrial experience strongly preferred.
• Experience programming for instrument control and data analysis (LabView, MATLAB, Python) strongly preferred.
• Experience in an ISO, cGMP, or other regulated environment preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design, fabricate, and characterize microfluidic devices for integration with biological assays including but not limited to ELISA and molecular assays.
• Identify opportunities for improving performance, reliability, and cost-effectiveness in future generations of products.
• Contribute to the development of requirements and specifications.
• Contribute to the development, implementation, and documentation of test protocols for both informal and formal design testing.
• Interact with outside vendors and MSD's supplier quality department to source and qualify parts and materials.
• Develop relevant design control documentation.
• Present designs, engineering issues, and solutions to senior management as required.
• Specific duties will vary depending upon departmental requirements.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

COMSOL

Ansys Fluent

Excel

MATLAB

LabVIEW

JMP

GraphPad Prism

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

The Microfluidic Engineer II is responsible for mechanical design, prototyping, testing, and documentation in the development of new microfluidic and cartridge consumables for the biodefense, clinical, and life-science markets. This position will require a high degree of technical ability and creativity to develop solutions for a novel generation of consumables. The incumbent will work with a cross functional team of engineers, scientists, and biologists in a highly collaborative results driven research and development group.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design, fabricate, and characterize microfluidic devices for integration with biological assays including but not limited to ELISA and molecular assays.
• Identify opportunities for improving performance, reliability, and cost-effectiveness in future generations of products.
• Contribute to the development of requirements and specifications.
• Contribute to the development, implementation, and documentation of test protocols for both informal and formal design testing.
• Interact with outside vendors and MSD's supplier quality department to source and qualify parts and materials.
• Develop relevant design control documentation.
• Present designs, engineering issues, and solutions to senior management as required.
• Specific duties will vary depending upon departmental requirements.

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Applied Physics, Materials Science, or related field.
  • Advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of industrial experience strongly preferred.
• Experience programming for instrument control and data analysis (LabView, MATLAB, Python) strongly preferred.
• Experience in an ISO, cGMP, or other regulated environment preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrated proficiency with fluidic chip design using CAD packages (AutoCAD, Solidworks or equivalent).
• Ability to analyze and interpret experimental data using software tools (e.g., Excel, JMP, Graph Pad Prism) required.
• Demonstrated proficiency in simulation software such as COMSOL or Ansys-Fluent preferred.
• Working knowledge of the manufacture of FDA regulated devises is a plus.
• Strong engineering fundamentals and analytical abilities.
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Effectively communicate issues/problems and results that impact timelines, accuracy and reliability of project data.
• Excellent organizational and bench skills.
• Comfortable designing and performing laboratory experiments for testing microfluidic devices.
• Demonstrated propensity to be creative, collaborative, proactive, and self-motivated in the execution and completion of assigned tasks.
• Proven track record in developing and delivering microfluidic systems (consumables and instruments).
• Knowledge of process development, material selection, and surface treatment/functionalization for microfluidic devices.
• Knowledge of design for volume manufacturing processes.
• Understanding of design of microfluidic features including:
  • Mixing elements and strategies.
  • Capillary microfluidic features and strategies.
  • Fluidic Inlet and outlet integration.
  • Sensor integration
  • Separation or sorting elements and techniques desired.
  • Bubble traps and similar mitigations desired.
  • Passive and active valving desired.
• Understanding of design and prototyping fabrication processes including:
  • Microfabrication
  • Embossing
  • Plastic Bonding
  • Injection molding desired
  • Etching desired
  • Roll to roll converting desired
  • Soft lithography desired

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the individual is frequently required to sit and stand for long periods. The individual is occasionally required to walk; use hands and fingers to operate, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms. This position requires the ability to communicate and exchange information, utilize equipment necessary to perform the job, and move about the office.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position is performed in an engineering/laboratory environment.

COMPENSATION SUMMARY

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $88,100 to $134,400. This salary range represents a general guideline as MSD considers other factors when presenting an offer of employment, such as scope and responsibilities of the position, external market factors, and the candidate’s knowledge, skills, abilities, education and experience. Employees may qualify for a discretionary or non-discretionary bonus in addition to their base salary. These annual bonuses are intended to recognize individual performance and enable employees to benefit from the Company's overall success.

BENEFITS SUMMARY

At MSD, we offer a comprehensive benefits package to support our employees' well-being and financial security. In addition to competitive salaries, our benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with prescription benefits. We provide a 401(k) plan with company matching, flexible spending accounts, and company-paid short- and long-term disability insurance as well as group life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance. Our offerings also encompass paid vacation, paid sick leave, paid holidays, and paid parental leave, along with an employee assistance program. Additional voluntary perks include a fitness club membership contribution, pet insurance, identity theft protection, home and auto insurance discounts, and optional supplemental life insurance.

EEO/AA STATEMENT

MSD is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, making employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, age, protected veteran status, pregnancy, disability status, or any other protected characteristic. For our full EEO/AA and Pay Transparency statement, please visit here. Meso Scale Diagnostics uses E-Verify to validate the work eligibility of candidates.