Operational Excellence Engineer - Biotech Process Improvement

BioSpace; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 69,000 - 93,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible time-off

401(k) employer match

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Mindfulness programs

Job summary

GRAIL in Durham, NC, is seeking an Engineer, Operational Excellence to drive continuous improvement across sequencing-based cancer screening operations. You will blend data, process, and operational insights to boost efficiency, quality, and scalability in lab workflows.

Ideal candidates have Lean/Six Sigma experience, strong data analysis skills (Excel, SQL, Python, Tableau, Power BI), and a collaborative mindset to work with Operations, Engineering, Software, and Product teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Life Sciences, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
• 3+ years of experience in process engineering, operations, or continuous improvement roles, ideally in biotech, diagnostics, or manufacturing.
• Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen methodologies knowledge; 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 skills with attention to detail and data accuracy.
• Effective communicator with the ability to collaborate across teams.

Responsibilities

• Operational Data & Reporting: support KPI reporting, ensure data integrity and usability.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to refine metrics and improve visibility into operational performance.
• Process Analysis & Monitoring: perform data exploration and statistical analysis to identify trends and deviations.
• Apply SPC and QC methods to monitor and improve process stability.
• Continuous Improvement Execution: lead Lean initiatives (5S, Kaizen, Six Sigma) and scale improvements.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: work with Operations, Engineering, Software, and Product teams to implement improvements.

Skills

Lean methodologies

Six Sigma

Kaizen

SPC

QC

Data analysis

Excel

SQL

Python

Tableau

Power BI

Strong problem-solving

Effective communicator

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, is seeking an Engineer, Operational Excellence to drive continuous improvement across sequencing-based cancer screening operations. You will blend data, process, and operational insights to boost efficiency, quality, and scalability in lab workflows.

Ideal candidates have Lean/Six Sigma experience, strong data analysis skills (Excel, SQL, Python, Tableau, Power BI), and a collaborative mindset to work with Operations, Engineering, Software, and Product teams.