Systems Engineer

Job Title: Systems Engineer
Location: Santa Clara, CA

Need PCR and Sequencing experience for this position.

We are seeking a passionate Systems Engineer to join our Systems Development Group to support the Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) products. The candidate is expected to be a hands-on key contributor in the feasibility, development, customer support, and integration phases of end-to-end NGS solutions, according to customer & product requirements, and applicable regulatory and quality standards. In addition, maintains detailed documentation throughout all phases of research and development.

ROLE SUMMARY:
Roche Sequencing Solutions at Santa Clara site is developing new technologies to make genetic testing easy, reliable, and affordable. We are creating technologies and workflows that can be used to improve the lives of people in a wide variety of applications including the timely screening of newborns for diseases and the diagnosis of cancers and infectious diseases.
Roche is looking for a motivated and team-oriented individual who is passionate about revolutionizing sequencing technology. As a Senior System Engineer, you will learn how to use the new Roche Single Molecule Sequencing platform and help to develop the final operating protocols. The candidate will help design and perform wet-lab experiments to further develop the sequencing prototype instrument. The candidate will work with his/her manager and team members to interpret the experimental results and design future experiments. The candidate must be self-motivated and able to work well in a multidisciplinary team environment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Become an expert on the operation of the Roche Single Molecule Sequencing Platform.
• Perform a variety of sample prep, library, or sequencing and sequencing related experiments on a daily basis, help to analyze and interpret the data.
• General support of diverse research and development activities.
• Customer support activities such as monitoring runs, documenting and communicating defects, and following escalation paths to resolve customer issues
• Contribute to the platform verification team as a member by executing, analyzing, and interpreting the results of platform verification studies.
• Perform all work using best laboratory practices and maintain a well-organized and concise record of work performed and progress made.
• Assist engineers with hardware design through testing subcomponents
• Analyze data, derive conclusions, document findings, write SOPs and prepare reports for sharing within and between R&D groups
• Setup strong experimental designs while working independently.
• Troubleshoot instrument failures and seek out specialized help as needed.

Responsibilities:

• This position is responsible for, but not limited to, the following:
• Develop and deploy a wide range of technologies, including sample extraction, library prep, and sequencing.
• Develop, execute, and document test cases for verification and validation. Ensures complete and comprehensive coverage of requirements in the test campaigns.
• Customer support through monitoring of runs, early morning meetings to discuss defects, results and progress, QC of reagents and configuration used for customer, possible travel to customer sites.
• Support of instrument fleet to learn troubleshooting techniques as needed to assist R&D and to support customers
• Perform system integration and testing activities and verify system performance through simulation, tests, and measurements. Assess results for applicability, validity, and conformance to product requirements.
• Work independently with general management direction to drive product development and collaborations to identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Keep supervisor/project leader informed of project status, particularly of significant findings and results in critical problem areas.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
B.S. or M.S. or PhD degree in the science/chemistry/engineering required and 1-5 years of experience (depending on educational background).

(Candidates with hands-on experience with DNA sequencing such as raw sample preparation, nucleic acid extraction, library preparation, and NGS sequencing are encouraged to apply)

• Previous laboratory experience required.
• Familiarity with MATLAB, GIT, Python or similar tools for data analysis and/or automation.
• Previous experience with prototype instruments or DNA sequencing desirable.
• Previous experience with PCR required.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills are essential.
• Demonstrated ability to work well in teams and across scientific disciplines is essential.
• The candidate should be passionate, self-motivated, and possess a strong desire to acquire on-the-job training.

IDEAL CANDIDATE:

• Experience with a variety of laboratory devices and instrumentation, including PCR and automation.
• In addition to impeccable technical skills, successful candidates possess strong organizational, communication and team skills, and thrive in a fast-paced environment
• Resourceful and flexible; Fast learner and a self-starter; hard-working
• Adept at planning, prioritizing, multi-tasking, organizing and following through, while remaining highly energetic and focused;
• Straightforward, self-driven, and trustworthy;
• An individual with experience in biotechnology or medical device development;
• Strong understanding of DNA & molecular Biology
• Breadth of knowledge / cross-disciplinary
• 3+ years of hands-on experience with DNA sequencing such as raw sample preparation, nucleic acid extraction, library preparation, and NGS sequencing.
• Knowledge in all phases of NGS workflow such as nucleic acid chemistry, and primer design technologies for gene targets is highly desirable.
• Proven hands-on troubleshooting experience and skills in wet bench workflows on NGS platform.
• Experience with statistical tools (e.g. Python/JMP for regression analysis, ANOVA) and Design of Experiments methodology, application of statistical process control is essential.
• Experience in implementing workflow on semiconductor-based sensing devices or microfluidic devices is desirable.
• Knowledge in surface chemistry is also desirable
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and interpersonal skills and a fast learner.

DESIRED QUALITIES:

• Anticipates needs and problems while creating solutions. Not always instruction-based
• Demonstrates a sense of urgency, contagious optimism and a ?can do” attitude
• Is curious, inquisitive, innovative, never satisfied with the status quo
• Greets challenge and change as opportunity
• Collaborates with others and strong orientation towards teamwork

Roche is an equal opportunity employer and strictly prohibits unlawful discrimination based upon an individual's race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin/ancestry, age, mental/physical disability, medical condition, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Interview process: 1. Phone (30 mins) 2. Virtual / Onsite ( 2-3 hr panel interview)
May travel off state 10% to a customer site (after 6 months or after 1 yr) - will be reimbursed by client
Onsite position SANTA CLARA


Role Overview
We are seeking a motivated Systems Engineer to support the development and optimization of Roche's next-generation sequencing (NGS) platform. This is a hands-on, lab-focused role within the Systems Development Group, contributing to feasibility, verification, and integration of end-to-end sequencing workflows.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform sample prep, library prep, and sequencing experiments in a structured R&D environment.
• Execute and document verification and validation test cases for sequencing workflows.
• Analyze experimental data, interpret results, and contribute to protocol development.
• Support troubleshooting of instrument and reagent-related issues.
• Maintain high-quality laboratory documentation and SOPs.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (chemistry, hardware, software).
• Participate in customer support activities as needed after initial training.

Required Qualifications

• Hands-on PCR experience required (must be able to explain principles, controls, and troubleshooting).
• Prior laboratory experience with nucleic acid handling and contamination control.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with NGS workflows (library prep, sequencing, data review).
• Familiarity with Illumina or similar sequencing platforms.
• Experience with MATLAB, Python, or similar tools for data analysis.
• Background in assay development, troubleshooting, or prototype instrumentation.
• Knowledge of statistical analysis (DOE, ANOVA, SPC) is a plus.

Desired Attributes

• High energy, curious, and self-motivated.
• Team-oriented with strong problem-solving skills.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, iterative R&D environment.

____________________________________________

Role Overview

• We are seeking a motivated Systems Engineer to support the development and optimization of Roche's next-generation sequencing (NGS) platform. This is a hands-on, lab-focused role within the Systems Development Group, contributing to feasibility, and integration of end-to-end sequencing workflows.
• Key Responsibilities
• Perform sample prep, library prep, and sequencing experiments in a structured R&D environment.
• Analyze experimental data, interpret results, and contribute to protocol development.
• Support troubleshooting of instrument and reagent-related issues.
• Maintain high-quality laboratory documentation and SOPs.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (chemistry, hardware, software).
• Participate in customer support activities as needed after initial training.
• Required Qualifications
• B.S., M.S., or PhD in Biology, Chemistry, Bioengineering, or related field.
• 1–5 years of relevant laboratory experience (depending on degree level).
• Hand