Operational Excellence Engineer: Lean & Data in Biotech

Initial Therapeutics, Inc.; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 69,000 - 93,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) employer match

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Flexible time-off

Mindfulness programs

Job summary

GRAIL in Durham, NC is seeking an Engineer, Operational Excellence to lead continuous improvement across sequencing-based cancer screening operations. You will apply Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen methods to improve data, process, and workflow efficiency in lab and office settings.

The role collaborates with Operations, Engineering, Software, and Product teams to pilot and scale improvements, develop KPI reporting, and monitor process stability using SPC/QC techniques.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Life Sciences, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
• 3+ years in process engineering, operations, or continuous improvement, biotech/diagnostics/manufacturing ideal.
• Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen knowledge; certification a plus.
• Experience with data analysis and visualization tools (Excel, SQL, Python, Tableau, Power BI).
• Strong problem-solving, data accuracy, and cross-team collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Operational Data & Reporting: automate KPI reporting and maintain data integrity.
• Process Analysis & Monitoring: explore data, identify trends, apply SPC/QC methods.
• Continuous Improvement Execution: lead Lean initiatives; pilot and scale improvements.
• Issue Tracking & Prioritization: document risks and support prioritization with stakeholders.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: work with Operations, Engineering, Software, and Product teams.

Skills

Lean/Six Sigma/Kaizen

Data analysis & visualization

Problem-solving

Collaborating across teams

Strong 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 lead continuous improvement across sequencing-based cancer screening operations. You will apply Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen methods to improve data, process, and workflow efficiency in lab and office settings.

The role collaborates with Operations, Engineering, Software, and Product teams to pilot and scale improvements, develop KPI reporting, and monitor process stability using SPC/QC techniques.