Test Engineer II

Sarmal; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Company-paid life insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Generous paid time off

Voluntary benefits and employee perks

Job summary

Sarmal, Inc. in San Diego seeks a Test Engineer 2 to design, test, and transfer fluidic components and sub-systems for our detection platform. This hands-on role focuses on building, characterizing, and troubleshooting test setups while taking ownership of test plans and root-cause investigations.

With a BS in engineering and 2+ years in an R&D lab, you will work across disciplines, program instrumentation, and contribute to scalable manufacturing transfer as the platform evolves.

Qualifications

• 2 to 4 years of hands-on experience in an R&D laboratory or equivalent.
• Experience with the assembly, operation, and troubleshooting of fluidic-based systems.
• Experience with experimental design and execution, including DOEs and root cause analysis.
• Proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively across disciplines.
• Ability to analyze data and present technical results and recommendations clearly.
• Experience with programming (MATLAB, LabVIEW, C++, Python, or similar) is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plan, set up, and execute fluidic and electrochemistry experiments in the lab, owning test plans from definition through data analysis.
• Program, configure, and debug fluidic instrumentation and automated test setups.
• Assemble and perform metrology on prototype consumables and fluidic sub-assemblies.
• Characterize flow profile, pressure, leakage, and material interactions for devices under test, identifying performance trends and failure modes.
• Assemble, maintain, and debug test setups and fixtures, improving their reliability, repeatability, and throughput.
• Support root cause analyses and design of experiments (DOE) to resolve hardware, consumable, and process issues.
• Analyze, document, and present test results and recommendations to cross-functional teams.
• Partner with design, manufacturing, and quality teams to support manufacturing transfer of fluidic components and consumables.
• Contribute to the development of test methods, fixtures, and documentation standards.

Skills

Hands-on R&D experience

Cross-functional collaboration

Data analysis

Problem solving

Education

B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical, Bioengineering, or related field

Tools

MATLAB

LabVIEW

C++

Python

Job description

Company Overview
Sarmal, Inc. is a San Diego–based biotechnology company developing next-generation genomics and molecular detection platforms. Our work integrates molecular biology, chemistry, and advanced systems engineering to enable faster, more precise, and more accessible genomic insights.

Company Overview
Sarmal, Inc. is a San Diego–based biotechnology company developing next-generation genomics and molecular detection platforms. Our work integrates molecular biology, chemistry, and advanced systems engineering to enable faster, more precise, and more accessible genomic insights.
We are a highly collaborative, R&D-driven team operating in a fast-paced, early-stage environment. Our scientists and engineers work across disciplines to solve complex technical challenges and translate innovation into scalable, real-world applications.
At Sarmal, we value scientific rigor, curiosity, and a builder mindset. We are looking for individuals who are energized by ambiguity, motivated by impact, and excited to help bring breakthrough technologies from concept to reality.
About The Job
We are seeking a Test Engineer 2 to support the design, test, and manufacturing transfer of fluidic components, consumables, and sub-systems for our target detection platform. This is a hands-on laboratory role with a strong focus on building, characterizing, and troubleshooting fluidic and electrochemistry test setups. Building on a foundation of R&D and instrumentation experience, you will take ownership of test plans, drive characterization and root cause investigations with increasing independence, and help mature our test methods as the platform develops.
Key Responsibilities

• Plan, set up, and execute fluidic and electrochemistry experiments in the lab, owning test plans from definition through data analysis
• Program, configure, and debug fluidic instrumentation and automated test setups
• Assemble and perform metrology on prototype consumables and fluidic sub-assemblies
• Characterize flow profile, pressure, leakage, and material interactions for devices under test, identifying performance trends and failure modes
• Assemble, maintain, and debug test setups and fixtures, improving their reliability, repeatability, and throughput
• Support root cause analyses and design of experiments (DOE) to resolve hardware, consumable, and process issues
• Analyze, document, and present test results and recommendations to cross-functional teams
• Partner with design, manufacturing, and quality teams to support manufacturing transfer of fluidic components and consumables
• Contribute to the development of test methods, fixtures, and documentation standards

Qualifications

• 2 to 4 years of hands-on experience in an R&D laboratory or equivalent
• Demonstrated experience with the assembly, operation, and troubleshooting of fluidic-based systems
• Experience with experimental design and execution, including DOEs and root cause analysis
• Proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively across disciplines
• Ability to analyze data and present technical results and recommendations clearly
• Experience with programming (MATLAB, LabVIEW, C++, Python, or similar) is preferred
• Experience with metrology, prototype consumables, or design-to-manufacturing transfer is preferred
• Familiarity with microfluidics, analytical instrumentation, or DNA-based platforms (sequencing, PCR, molecular diagnostics) is preferred

Education & Experience
B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical, Bioengineering, or a related field with 2+ years of relevant hands-on experience. An equivalent combination of education and directly applicable industry experience will also be considered.
Benefits & Perks
Sarmal offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Company-paid life insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Generous paid time off
• Access to additional voluntary benefits, employee perks, and discount programs
• We are committed to supporting the well-being of our employees and providing a strong foundation for both professional and personal success.

$80,000 - $110,000 a year
California Pay Transparency Statement.
The anticipated salary range for this position is $80,000 – $110,000, depending on experience and qualifications. Final compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, location, relevant experience, skill set, and internal equity considerations.
EEO Statement
Sarmal is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.
Reasonable Accommodation Statement
Sarmal is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and consider all qualified candidates in accordance with applicable laws.
Why Join Sarmal

• Work on cutting-edge genomics and molecular detection technologies
• Collaborate with a deeply technical, cross-functional team
• Contribute to foundational platform development at an early stage
• Have visibility into and impact on core technical and strategic decisions
• Help shape the infrastructure, culture, and future direction of the company

Closing Statement
Join us in advancing the next generation of genomic technologies and shaping the future of precision health.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.