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GRAIL is a healthcare company whose mission is to detect cancer early, when it can be cured.
The Role
Lead continuous improvement for sequencing-based cancer screening operations: build dashboards and automated KPI reporting, perform statistical process control and data analysis, execute Lean/Six Sigma projects, conduct root-cause analyses and CAPAs, track and prioritize issues, and partner with cross-functional teams to pilot and scale process improvements in regulated lab settings.
Summary Generated by Built In
Our mission is to detect cancer early, when it can be cured. We are working to change the trajectory of cancer mortality and bring stakeholders together to adopt innovative, safe, and effective technologies that can transform cancer care.
We are a healthcare company, pioneering new technologies to advance early cancer detection. We have built a multi-disciplinary organization of scientists, engineers, and physicians and we are using the power of next-generation sequencing (NGS), population-scale clinical studies, and state-of-the-art computer science and data science to overcome one of medicine’s greatest challenges.
GRAIL is headquartered in the bay area of California, with locations in Washington, D.C., North Carolina, and the United Kingdom. It is supported by leading global investors and pharmaceutical, technology, and healthcare companies.
For more information, please visit grail.com
The Senior 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
- Develop and maintain operational dashboards and visualizations to track performance across workflows
- 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
- Identify leading indicators of performance issues and recommend proactive interventions
- Continuous Improvement Execution
- Execute and support Lean initiatives, including 5S, Kaizen events, and Six Sigma projects
- Conduct root cause analyses (e.g., 5 Whys, Fishbone) and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs)
- Partner with operations teams to pilot, measure, and scale process improvements
- Issue Tracking & Prioritization Support
- Capture and document operational issues, risks, and improvement opportunities
- Maintain structured tracking systems (e.g., backlogs, ticketing tools) for visibility and accountability
- Lead 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
- Translate operational needs into clear requirements for technical teams
- Provide feedback loops to ensure solutions effectively address root causes
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Life Sciences, Industrial Engineering, or related field
- 6+ 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
- Experience in NGS, clinical laboratory operations, or diagnostics workflows
- Familiarity with regulated environments (CLIA, CAP, FDA) preferred
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.
The expected, full-time, annual base pay scale for this position is $94K - $125K. Actual base pay will consider skills, experience, and location.
This role may be eligible for other forms of compensation, including an annual bonus and/or incentives, subject to the terms of the applicable plans and Company discretion. This range reflects a good-faith estimate of the range that the Company reasonably expects to pay for the position upon hire; the actual compensation offered may vary depending on factors such as the candidate’s qualifications. Employees in this role are also eligible for GRAIL’s comprehensive and competitive benefits package, offered in accordance with our applicable plans and policies. This package currently includes flexible time-off or vacation; a 401(k) retirement plan with employer match; medical, dental, and vision coverage; and carefully selected mindfulness programs.
GRAIL is an equal employment opportunity employer, and we are committed to building a workplace where every individual can thrive, contribute, and grow. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, status as a protected veteran, , or any other class or characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, and local laws. Additionally, GRAIL will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in a manner consistent with applicable law and provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please contact us at [email protected] if you require an accommodation to apply for an open position.
GRAIL maintains a drug-free workplace. We welcome job-seekers from all backgrounds to join us!
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Life Sciences, Industrial Engineering, or related field
- 6+ years of experience in process engineering, operations, or continuous improvement, ideally in biotech/diagnostics/manufacturing
- Working knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen methodologies
- Lean/Six Sigma certification (e.g., Green/Black Belt)
- Experience with data analysis and visualization tools (Excel, SQL, Python, Tableau, Power BI)
- Familiarity with SPC/QC tools and statistical analysis techniques
- Experience in NGS, clinical laboratory operations, or diagnostics workflows
- Familiarity with regulated environments (CLIA, CAP, FDA)
- Strong problem-solving skills with attention to detail and data accuracy
- Effective communicator with ability to collaborate across teams
What the Team is Saying
Neda Ronaghi
Strategy and Operational Excellence Associate Director
Ruth Mauntz
Staff Bioinformatics Scientist
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Tristan Matthews
Senior Director, Software Engineering
David Jenions
Principal Automation Engineer
Satnam Alag
SVP, Software Engineering
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GRAIL Compensation & Benefits Highlights
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Healthcare Strength — Multiple medical plan options, comprehensive medical/dental/vision coverage, and strong mental health programs are described, with employer HSA contributions up to $3,000 for the HDHP. These elements indicate a well‑rounded health offering.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Flexible time off is highlighted, with examples of unlimited/FTO policies working well in practice. Paid holidays and company winter breaks further support time away from work.
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Equity Value & Accessibility — New‑hire equity grants that vest over four years and a discounted Employee Stock Purchase Plan are positioned as meaningful parts of total compensation. Ongoing eligibility for additional equity is also noted.
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The Company
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.
Gallery
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.
Typical time on-site:
2 days a week
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