R&D Systems Engineer

At Cepheid, we are passionate about improving health care through fast, accurate diagnostic testing. Our mission drives us, every moment of every day, as we develop scalable, groundbreaking solutions to solve the world’s most complex health challenges. Our associates are involved in every stage of molecular diagnostics, from ideation to development and delivery of testing advancements that improve patient outcomes across a range of settings. As a member of our team, you can make an immediate, measurable impact on a global scale, within an environment that fosters career growth and development.

Cepheid is proud to work alongside a community of six fellow Danaher Diagnostics companies. Together, we’re working at the pace of change on diagnostic tools that address the world’s biggest health challenges, driven by knowing that behind every test there is a patient waiting.

Learn about the Danaher Business System which makes everything possible.

The R&D Systems Engineer is responsible for design, development, verification, and validation tasks related to hardware, consumables, software, and assay interoperability, with the goal of achieving overall system performance requirements for Cepheid’s diagnostic platforms. In this hands-on role, you will work with Biotechnology R&D, Failure Investigation, Firmware, Mechanical, Optical, and Electrical Engineering, Software, NPI, Consumables, and other interdisciplinary groups to design, refine, and test various instrument components/systems for in vitro diagnostic projects. The R&D Systems Engineer is responsible for the planning, execution, analysis, and reporting of laboratory experiments in support of R&D Engineering projects.

This position is part of the Biochip R&D Team and will be located in Sunnyvale, CA. We value an approachable and credible communication style and we’re proud of our efforts to keep all levels of the organization informed, engaged and motivated. Intellectual honesty and agility, with the ability to pivot based on shifting priorities and balance multiple projects seamlessly in a fast-paced environment, are key.

In this role, you will have the opportunity to:

• Collaborate cross-functionally with Hardware Engineering, Innovation, Biotechnology R&D, Consumables R&D, NPI, Firmware, Software, Technical Support, Service, and other functions to deliver system-level instrumentation platforms that meet the needs of Cepheid’s Oncology and Infectious Disease product portfolios.
• Design and execute complex test methods to assess hardware and system performance per Design Input Requirements.
• Analyze complex data via statistical methods and provide written and oral reports and updates to senior and executive management.
• Maintain internal knowledge base of GeneXpert product hardware, software, consumable, reagent, and fluidic design and performance history as well as cross-functional implementation of design rules.
• Lead troubleshooting efforts and DBS problem solving processes with cross functional teams; facilitate technical problem solving through proposed experimentation and alternate designs/approaches.
• Maintain organized and complete documentation of activities, and provide regular updates covering progress, problems and solutions.

The essential requirements of the job include:

• Demonstrated basic laboratory skills, including pipetting and reagent handling techniques. Comfortable operating instrumentation equipment/hardware and software.
• Experience working with PCR or other nucleic acid amplification techniques
• Experience working cross-functionally with both engineers and scientists

It would be a plus if you also possess previous experience in:

• Experience in medical device or biotechnology company.
• Experience troubleshooting complex instrumentation with cross-functional expertise
• Statistics knowledge, including proficiency in the use of Excel for data analysis and presentation.

Cepheid, a Danaher company, offers a broad array of comprehensive, competitive benefit programs that add value to our lives. Whether it’s a health care program or paid time off, our programs contribute to life beyond the job. Check out our benefits at danaherbenefitsinfo.com.

When you join us, you’ll also be joining Danaher’s global organization, where 69,000 people wake up every day determined to help our customers win. As an associate, you’ll try new things, work hard, and advance your skills with guidance from dedicated leaders, all with the support of powerful Danaher Business System tools and the stability of a tested organization.

Danaher is committed to a diverse and inclusive culture where everyone feels they belong and all voices are heard. We believe in our associates and the unique perspectives they bring to every challenge, which is why we’ll empower you to push the boundaries of what’s possible.

If you’ve ever wondered what’s within you, there’s no better time to find out.

Join our winning team today. Together, we’ll accelerate the real-life impact of tomorrow’s science and technology. We partner with customers across the globe to help them solve their most complex challenges, architecting solutions that bring the power of science to life. 

For more information, visit www.danaher.com.

Danaher Corporation and all Danaher Companies are committed to equal opportunity regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other characteristics protected by law. We value diversity and the existence of similarities and differences, both visible and not, found in our workforce, workplace and throughout the markets we serve. Our associates, customers and shareholders contribute unique and different perspectives as a result of these diverse attributes.

The EEO posters are available here.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform crucial job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us at [email protected] to request accommodation.