Lead Manufacturing Engineer

Nuclera is a venture-backed, founder-driven biotech company headquartered in Cambridge, UK with significant operations in Billerica, MA. The company’s mission is to make biology accessible to everyone through desktop bioprinting. We are beginning this mission by making proteins accessible through the launch and on-going development of our eProtein desktop bioprinting platform. eProtein promises to be a breakthrough protein printing technology that brings rapid prototyping to the life science benchtop and accelerates the drug discovery process.

Nuclera is seeking a highly motivated, detail oriented, and hands-on Lead Manufacturing Engineer to lead the optimization and further development of the cartridge manufacturing processes. The successful candidate will optimize scalability of thin film coating processes and final device assembly in close collaboration with R&D, engineering, product development and technical operations teams. The role will involve developing key metrics and documentation, as well as conducting operational qualification, troubleshooting, and resolving manufacturing issues. The successful candidate will drive continuous process improvement efforts to maximize yield. 

This role will suit an individual who has a strong drive and experience working in a device manufacturing environment with a track record of execution and teamwork.

About the role:

• Develop, implement, verify, and validate manufacturing processes in support of process flow and value stream mapping improvements for existing products, and in support of business development initiatives with customers creating new products.
• Lead verification and validation exercises to support launch of commercial manufacturing. 
• Enhance manufacturing process flow and floor layout to enhance safety, quality and efficiency 
• Establish standard work and standard equipment operating parameters
• Lead the transfer and implementation of thin film deposition processes and device assembly techniques from R&D to manufacturing.
• Develop Capital Equipment Proposal.
• Lead the effort of scaling all aspects of cartridge manufacturing.
• Support development and growth of the members of the manufacturing team.
• Play a key role in developing the right Product/BOM structure for the manufacturing process in our ERP system.
• Support change management of design and manufacturing documentation in our product data management (PDM) system.
• Qualify new pilot manufacturing equipment, support optimizing process recipes, and ramp-up to production volumes.
• Effectively communicating technical details with other functions/departments in prototyping, testing, and design improvement by embracing sound experimental methods and taking a hands-on approach in the laboratory and assembly line.
• Responsible for achieving device manufacturing and engineering (M&E) operational objectives in support of process validation, execution, product launch, quality, cost and safety.

Essential:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Applied Sciences with 10+ years relevant experience.
• Hands on experience with operations.
• At least 2 years of team management experience within manufacturing functions.
• Deep understanding of writing effective SOPs, process specifications, and capturing all information about the manufacturing flow coupled with working knowledge of PDM, PLM and ERP systems.
• Familiarity with sensors, instrumentation and controls used in the process industry.
• Data analysis skills, ability to manipulate data using Excel or other software to extract meaningful information.
• Good work ethic and attitude with a desire to learn new skills and ability to work efficiently in a startup environment.

Desirable:

• Advanced degree in Engineering/Science.
• Experience with development and manufacturing of digital microfluidics devices, ideally based on thin film technology.
• Extensive experience with Good Documentation Practice and change management through PDM, PLM and ERP systems.
• Demonstrate ability to work with internal production or external vendors, and preferably CMOs.
• Expertise in process optimization using DOE’s, and in structured problem-solving.
• Knowledge of the standard materials set used in the semiconductor industry.
• Experience with metrology tools for the characterization of optical and structural properties of thin films.
• Demonstrates passion and taking initiative while being flexible to the technical needs of your teammates, department and company.

What we offer:

In addition to competitive salaries, we offer a range of benefits including:

• Incentive stock options
• A comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision and life insurance
• Short- and long-term disability insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• 25-day annual holiday allowance
• Investment in professional development and learning
• Fresh fruit, tea, coffee, and snacks in the office
• Organised summer and other events for staff