The Engineer, Operational Excellence will support continuous improvement initiatives within our sequencing-based cancer screening operations. This role will work at the intersection of data, process, and operations to enhance efficiency, quality, and scalability across laboratory and operational workflows. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, data-savvy, and experienced in Lean methodologies, with a strong inclination toward solving complex operational problems through structured analysis and experimentation.
This role works on-site full-time at our office located in Durham, NC
Responsibilities:
Operational Data & Reporting
Support generation and automation of KPI reporting, ensuring data integrity and usability
Collaborate with stakeholders to refine metrics and improve visibility into operational performance
Process Analysis & Monitoring
Perform data exploration and statistical analysis to identify trends, variation, and potential process deviations
Apply Statistical Process Control (SPC) and Quality Control (QC) methods to monitor and improve process stability
Continuous Improvement Execution
Execute and support Lean initiatives, including 5S, Kaizen events, and Six Sigma projects
Partner with operations teams to pilot, measure, and scale process improvements
Issue Tracking & Prioritization Support
Capture and document operational issues, risks, and improvement opportunities
Support prioritization of improvement efforts in collaboration with cross-functional stakeholders
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Work closely with Operations, Engineering, Software, and Product teams to implement process improvements
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Life Sciences, Industrial Engineering, or related field
3+ years of experience in process engineering, operations, or continuous improvement roles, ideally in biotech, diagnostics, or manufacturing
Working knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen methodologies (certification a plus)
Experience with data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Excel, SQL, Python, Tableau, Power BI)
Familiarity with SPC/QC tools and statistical analysis techniques
Strong problem-solving skills with attention to detail and data accuracy
Effective communicator with the ability to collaborate across teams
Preferred Qualifications:
Strong problem-solving skills with attention to detail and data accuracy
Effective communicator with the ability to collaborate across teams
Physical Demands and Work Environment
Work performed across office, production, and executive settings.
Exposure to manufacturing environments, including noise, chemicals, and production equipment.
Extended or flexible hours may be required to meet organizational goals.
Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, gloves, and hearing protection, required in designated areas.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Life Sciences, Industrial Engineering, or related field
- 3+ years experience in process engineering, operations, or continuous improvement roles (ideally in biotech, diagnostics, or manufacturing)
- Working knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen methodologies
- Lean or Six Sigma certification
- Experience with data analysis and visualization tools (Excel, SQL, Python, Tableau, Power BI)
- Familiarity with Statistical Process Control (SPC), Quality Control (QC) tools, and statistical analysis techniques
- Strong problem-solving skills with attention to detail and data accuracy
- Effective communication and ability to collaborate across teams
What the Team is Saying
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GRAIL Compensation & Benefits Highlights
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Healthcare Strength — Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and mental‑health resources are offered, with FSAs/HSAs and multiple carrier options. Feedback suggests the company covers a large share of premiums, enhancing perceived value.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Flexible/“unlimited” time off, sick time, paid holidays, and summer/winter shutdowns provide broad time‑off options. Hybrid/remote work further expands flexibility for many roles.
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Equity Value & Accessibility — An ESPP with a discounted purchase feature and equity grants provide accessible ownership upside confirmed by company filings. Feedback suggests equity is a meaningful part of total rewards.
GRAIL Insights
What We Do
GRAIL is a healthcare company whose mission is to detect cancer early, when it can be cured. GRAIL is using the power of high-intensity sequencing, population-scale clinical studies, and state-of-the-art computer science and data science to enhance the scientific understanding of cancer biology, and to develop and commercialize pioneering products.
Why Work With Us
Everything we do is guided by our mission to detect cancer early, when it can be cured. It’s the reason we’re here, and it’s no small task. The right people make all the difference. That’s why we’re looking for those who strive to share their knowledge, contribute their skills, inspire each other and commit to something bigger than themselves.
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GRAIL Offices
Hybrid Workspace
Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.
GRAIL has a variety of work types depending on the roles. Some roles are onsite like a lab role, some are fully remote like our Galleri Sales Consultant roles. Others are hybrid with 2-3 days onsite. Typically Tuesday and Thursday.
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