Role

Vivodyne is seeking a Director of Microfluidics R&D and Production to lead the end-to-end production, scaling, and optimization of our proprietary microfluidic disk technology—a core component of our automated tissue-on-a-chip platform. This is a mission-critical, high-visibility role that will require a technical leader who can seamlessly transition between hands-on problem-solving and strategic leadership to drive yield, quality, cost, and operational excellence.

In this player-coach role, you will own the entire lifecycle of microfluidic disk manufacturing, from process engineering and yield optimization to supply chain management and consumables tracking. You will shape the automation strategy, working closely with hardware and software teams to enable high-throughput, scalable production.  You are the primary stakeholder and accountable party for automation requirements, process validation, and continuous improvement initiatives to ensure seamless scale-up.

This is a full-time, onsite role in San Francisco, where you will lead a small-but-growing team of engineers (chemical, mechanical) and technicians to drive manufacturing excellence, cost efficiency, and quality control.

Responsibilities

Microfluidic Manufacturing & Yield Optimization

• Own and optimize the entire microfluidic disk manufacturing process, driving improvements in yield, cost, quality, and lead time.
• Develop and refine process control methodologies, implementing rigorous statistical process control (SPC), Six Sigma, and failure mode analysis (FMEA) to systematically improve production consistency and efficiency.
• Oversee the scaling of microfluidic disk production, identifying bottlenecks, automation opportunities, and quality risks.
• Work closely with mechanical engineers, automation specialists, and material scientists to enhance manufacturing robustness and throughput.
• Implement real-time data tracking, barcoding, and electronic inventory control for full visibility into yields, scrap rates, and defect trends.

Automation & Scale-Up Collaboration

• Define and drive automation requirements for microfluidic disk manufacturing, ensuring hardware, robotics, and software teams develop solutions that meet manufacturing and quality standards.
• Work cross-functionally with automation engineers, process development teams, and R&D scientists to translate manufacturing needs into scalable automation solutions.
• Act as the internal customer for manufacturing automation, providing direct input on tooling, robotics integration, and quality control systems.

Supply Chain, Consumables, and Inventory Management

• Own the stocking, kitting, and tracking of all in-house manufactured microfluidic consumables and all Production-level needs for off-the-shelf items (reagents, well plates, pipette tips, etc.) along with other critical materials used in our Production workflows, ensuring full electronic tracking and barcode-based inventory management that hits cost, leadtime, and quality requirements.
• Establish supply chain resilience, developing strong vendor relationships and contingency plans to prevent materials shortages and workflow disruptions.
• Optimize cost structures through strategic procurement, inventory forecasting, and supply agreements.

New R&D & Process Innovation

• Lead the development of new microfluidic manufacturing processes, both as an individual contributor or through direct reports.
• Identify and implement emerging materials, coatings, and fabrication techniques to enhance the performance and reliability of microfluidic disks.
• Guide experimental design, data collection, and failure analysis to drive continuous improvement in manufacturing processes.

Leadership & Team Management

• Build and manage a small, high-performing team of engineers (chemical, mechanical) and technicians to support manufacturing scale-up and process development.
• Establish a culture of high accountability, data-driven decision-making, and continuous improvement.
• Coach and mentor junior engineers and technicians, ensuring team growth, technical excellence, and process ownership.

Requirements & Expectations

Technical Mastery

• Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D. preferred) in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field with a focus on process engineering, microfluidics, or semiconductor manufacturing with at least ten years of directly relevant industry experience.
• Deep expertise in microfluidic manufacturing, including PDMS molding, soft lithography, thermoplastic fabrication, and surface coatings.
• Strong background in process engineering with hands-on experience in process control, yield optimization, and automation-driven manufacturing.
• Proficiency in data-driven decision-making, using statistical process control (SPC), Design of Experiments (DOE), Six Sigma, and failure mode analysis (FMEA).
• Familiarity with automation systems and robotics—able to define requirements and collaborate with automation engineers, but not necessarily develop automation software or hardware.

Experience with scale/ramp of Biotech workflows, microfluidics, and consumables/reagents 

• Proficiency in Python or similar languages for data analysis, process optimization, and automation integration is a plus.

Leadership & Execution

• Experience in a fast-paced, high-growth manufacturing environment, preferably in biotech, medical devices, or semiconductor manufacturing.
• Demonstrated success in leading small teams, balancing hands-on execution with strategic decision-making.
• Ability to independently drive manufacturing improvements, identify cost-saving opportunities, and implement scalable, high-quality production processes.
• Strong cross-functional communication skills, capable of influencing automation, R&D, and operations teams to align on manufacturing goals.

Why Vivodyne?

• High-Impact Mission – Play a pivotal role in transforming drug discovery and human therapeutics through advanced robotics and automation.
• Multi-Disciplinary Exposure – Work alongside leading experts in robotics, AI, biology, and microfluidics, expanding your expertise in a truly collaborative setting.
• Growth Opportunities – A fast-growing startup environment with significant autonomy, ownership, and influence over best practices in the intersection of biotech and robotics.
• Innovative Culture – Join a team that prioritizes continuous learning, rigorous engineering and scientific standards, and bold problem-solving.

If you're excited about revolutionizing automation in organoid engineering and biotech—while pushing the boundaries of robotics, AI, and advanced systems—let’s connect! Please submit your resume and a brief statement of interest. We look forward to exploring the opportunity together.