Instrument Manufacturing Technician

DNA Script

DNA Script is a leading company in manufacturing de novo synthetic nucleic acids using enzymatic DNA synthesis (EDS) technology. The company aims at accelerating innovation in life science and technology through the decentralization of rapid, on demand and high-quality DNA synthesis. DNA Script's approach leverages nature's billions of years of evolution in synthesizing DNA to set a new standard for customizing nucleic acid synthesis thus accelerating discovery in genetics, genomics, and synthetic biology. Discovery disciplines with profound impacts upon humanity such as biopharma, translational genetics and even molecular information storage all start with synthetic DNA. The company has recently initiated the commercialization of its first EDS powered platform, the SYNTAX system. 

To date, DNA Script has raised over $315M of financing, with leading investors such as Coatue Management, Fidelity Management and Research, Catalio Capital Management, Casdin Capital, LSP, Bpifrance Large Ventures, Danaher, Illumina Ventures, Agilent, Merck Ventures, Sofinnova Partners, Kurma Partners, T Rowe Price, Baillie Gifford and Eurazeo. 

DNA Script also partners on technology and product development with leading organizations such as DARPA, IARPA, Moderna Therapeutics, GE Research, Illumina, the Broad Institute, Harvard University, Institut Pasteur and the French Department of Defense.

DNA Script has its research and manufacturing facilities headquartered in Paris, France, and is in the process of expanding its commercial and development teams in South San Francisco.

Opportunity and Challenges :

We are looking to assemble a team of best-in-class, innovative and passionately eager people.  We want to gather their talents and skills to achieve one goal: unlock the power of “DNA-write.” We offer the opportunity of joining a dynamic, international, and highly skilled team in a pioneering startup. Our DNA On Demand platform not only has the potential to change the way the world makes and uses synthetic DNA, but also to accelerate the rate of discovery by delivering upon the promise of same-day results.

This is an opportunity to join a rapidly growing company and to have a large impact on developing a technology that will have far-reaching impacts across biological sciences.

The Role

We are looking for a Engineering Technician, Instrument Manufacturing to be an integral part of our internal production activities for DNA Script’s current and future hardware systems. As a Engineering Technician, Instrument Manufacturing, you will be responsible to ensure good execution of manufacturing test processes in support of the company’s and department’s strategy and objectives. To be successful, you will need to work with multiple teams, specifically with the Manufacturing Engineering and Quality Control teams. The ideal candidate will enjoy and thrive on the challenge of testing, troubleshooting, repairing, and subsequently moving our systems forward in the production process.  

This position initially reports to the Senior Director, Instrument Manufacturing, based in South San Francisco.

Main Responsibilities

• Own all production testing steps for IQ/OQ/PQ (and additional temporary tests where applicable) for assigned systems.
• Respect all aspects of the production & testing process and ensure that all instructions & procedures are always followed and adhered to.
• Initiate internal escalations when technical problems cannot be resolved.
• Assist internal stakeholders with troubleshooting and repairing failed systems, request support from Manufacturing Engineering to resolve more challenging failures and own the de-installation of assigned instruments prior to shipment to our customers.
• Assist in resolving mechanical and electrical problems that prevent instruments from moving forward in the production process.
• Partner with our internal teams including Manufacturing Engineering and Quality Control to ensure production objectives are met.
• Work with those teams to define solutions for technical problems relating to electro-mechanical and liquid-handling instruments.
• Assist in the implementation of rework solutions as needed.
• Contribute to optimizing the internal aspects of our instrument manufacturing process to meet production targets.

Experience & Qualification

• Associates degree in an Engineering discipline, or related field, required.
• 2-5 years experience in manufacturing, assembly, production, or testing of life-science instruments

Skills

• Teamwork – ability to collaborate in inter-company, cross-functional and multi-cultural teams to meet objectives
• Strong academic and technical background
• Effective team player who possesses strong interpersonal and collaboration skills
• Sense of urgency to meet objectives on tight timelines, while maintaining flexibility when priorities shift
• Fluent English speaker and excellent communication skills (written & verbal)
• Autonomy – demonstrate the ability to work independently
• A high level of attention to details and a sense of excellence

Miscellaneous

• Job located in South San Francisco, California
• Start date: As soon as possible.
• The salary range for this CA-US based position is $70,000 --- $90,000/yr. Please note that the forecasted salary range and individual compensation varies based on multiple factors in: qualifications, experience, the scope of job-related responsibilities, and the working location. If your expectations are outside of this range we still encourage you to apply and provide us with your expectations to consider a move

Benefits

• Health, Dental, Vision. Company pays 95% of premiums for employees and dependents. We have lots of plans available including HMOs, PPOs, HDHPs, etc.
• Life insurance
• 401(k) with 4% match
• Short and long-term disability insurance
• Other employee-funded plans including pre-tax commuter, HSA, and FSA
• EAP

Recruitment Process

• Initial screening with the hiring manager
• Day interview at the office (or remote) with the manager, cofounders, HR and the rest of the team
• Reference Checks
• Timing: 2-3 weeks