Lead Microfluidics Engineer

About SiPhox:

SiPhox, supported by Khosla Ventures, and Y Combinator, is revolutionizing diagnostics through Silicon Photonics, an advanced technology that has transformed the data center industry with optics miniaturization. Our handheld devices, powered by disposable silicon photonic chip sensors, deliver the capabilities of large laboratory instruments in a compact form.

Role Overview:

Join SiPhox at a pivotal moment in its growth trajectory. Our first-generation platform is primed for commercialization and scale-up, with ongoing development of next-generation innovations. SiPhox is striving to expand its range of immunoassay targets on a multiplexed, clinical-grade, validated diagnostics platform for at-home use. We seek a dynamic, experienced leader with expertise in mechanical engineering, microfluidic cartridge design, and sample preparation to work with our sensor, reader, process, and assay teams, creating a cost-effective, high-performance cartridge and reader duo for at-home multiplexed clinical chemistry panels.

Responsibilities:

• Responsible for architecting, designing, and implementing sample preparation strategies within a small, low-cost single-use disposable sample-to-answer cartridge
• Develop high-accuracy, low-variability flowcells
• Design, rapid prototyping, and validation of fluidic cartridges
• Design for injection molding
• Design assembly fixtures and manufacturing automation worflows
• Design of test stands and flow characterization
• Perform Flow modeling
• Work closely with scientists who are responsible for assay development
• Collaborate with the reader team on the electromechanical design of the reader-microfluidics interface
• Contribute to the optimization of all aspects of SiPhox’s semiconductor-based diagnostics platform
• Design and implement quality control and quality assurance methods
• Resolve technical problems through experiment design and execution
• Technology transfer to the manufacturing and process team and support as needed for process improvement or troubleshooting
• Mentor and train team members
• Hands-on involvement in all phases of product development, including concept, planning, development, and validation
• Manage microfluidics intellectual property portfolio
• Author and contribute to patents and scientific publication
• Update everybody in the company on a biweekly basis on silicon photonics progress

Note: This is a fully in-person job

Qualifications:

• Microfluidics and mechanical engineering expert (university or industry)
• Experienced in both component-level and circuit-level design for microfluidics
• Experienced in reliability and design for manufacturing
• In touch with the latest microfluidics developments and knows the architecture of existing successful microfluidic products
• Knows tradeoffs of most microfluidic components and approaches
• Experience with making silicon photonic circuits that perform as designed and are optimized for packaging and testing
• Must have designed microfluidic cartridges and systems that were commercialized
• Experienced in using the latest simulation tools for microfluidics is a plus
• Experience with microsyringes and microvalves, wax valves, etc. is a plus
• Experience with immunoassay cartridges is a plus
• Experience with electrochemistry is a plus
• Blood sample collector design experience is a plus

Personal Characteristics

• History of delivering top-tier work
• Eye for detail with "right from the first time" mindset
• Passion for microfluidics
• Interest in health tech
• Creative mindset and strategic thinker
• Great coworker and team-oriented mindset

Compensation and Benefits:

• Compensation is competitive including comprehensive benefits, unlimited PTO, Lifetime Gym Membership (luxury gym 1 block from the office), and significant stock options