Director, Analytical Instrument Engineering

Director, Analytical Instrument Engineering

ANDE is the global leader in Rapid DNA technology. We are seeking an exceptional, highly motivated, Director- Analytical Instrument Engineering to join our team.

ANDE is a dynamic and rapidly growing biotech and public safety company located in Waltham, MA. The Company is developing and commercializing Rapid DNA Identification™ products—instruments, consumables, and software that allow DNA processing outside the laboratory for the law enforcement, military, homeland security, energy, and clinical markets. Based on core competencies in microfluidics, molecular biology, and engineering, ANDE is delivering field-forward systems that provide dramatically superior nucleic acid-based identification and diagnostic capabilities than currently possible.

Far more accurate than a fingerprint, DNA is the gold standard for forensic human identification. But the value of DNA is diminished by the excessive time required for evidence processing in labs that are overwhelmed by the sheer volume of samples. With few exceptions, laboratory DNA analysis requires months or – in some jurisdictions – years. This leads to sample backlogs and increases the time required to solve crimes, identify disaster victims, prevent human trafficking, and disrupt terrorist activities. Millions of samples are not submitted or even collected because the results come too late to have a real impact.

ANDE is addressing these major problems. We have developed a Rapid DNA Analysis system that accepts forensic samples and generates DNA IDs in under two hours. Our products are operable by non-technical users outside the lab—at embassies, borders, the battlefield, and mass disaster sites. ANDE is already being utilized by military, law enforcement, and homeland security agencies in the US and around the world. We continue to pioneer—ANDE was used to identify victims in the 2018 California Wildfires, bringing closure to families in days, instead of years. In 2019, several states began to implement ANDE for the Rapid DNA Analysis of sexual assault evidence, a major step towards ending the rape crisis in the United States. In 2021, ANDE received the first approval to have our Rapid DNA products used in police stations. Since 2022, the system has been the most important modality for identifying victims of the Ukraine war. Today, ANDE is used across the US and in over two dozen countries—we are truly making the world a safer place.

Our Rapid DNA products are also being applied in a wide range of settings. For example, the ANDE clinical system is capable of detailed characterization of viral, fungal, and bacterial species in infected samples, and the ANDE energy products are being used to rapidly identify harmful microbial contaminants in various types of fuel. ANDE is committed to expanding our product pipeline to make the world a better place.

What you will do:

The Director, Analytical Instrument Engineering will be hands-on, lead and manage projects, and work collaboratively with team members to support the development of ANDE’s technology for Rapid DNA analysis. The work will be focused on developing and optimizing the instrument, associated software, and firmware for performing sample-in to results-out DNA analysis.

• Design and optimize the opto-mechanical subsystems
• Participate in the design and integration of subsystems, software, and firmware
• Contribute to prototype instrument development, testing, and validation
• Develop technical specifications and requirements for ANDE’s ruggedized DNA analysis instrument
• Troubleshoot and provide technical solutions to instrument engineering challenges
• Develop and implement calibration, operational, and quality control procedures
• Manage timelines and resources to meet development goals
• Ensure compliance with quality standards and regulatory requirements
• Train and mentor junior engineers and technicians
• Troubleshoot and maintain existing commercial instrumentation
• Work cooperatively in a team environment

What your will bring:

• A PhD or MS in science or engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, or related field) with at least 10 years of industrial experience
• Knowledge of optics and opto-mechanical system design
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
• Proficiency in CAD software
• Knowledge of two or more of the following areas: electronic, electrical, optical, mechanical, pneumatic, and thermal subsystems and related software and firmware.
• Knowledge of one or more of the following analytical instruments is beneficial but not required: capillary electrophoresis, thermal cycling, automated liquid handlers.
• Analytical Skills: Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with the capability to derive actionable insights from data and reports.
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively present and collaborate with stakeholders at all levels.
• Technical Proficiency: Proficiency in software and scientific tools and technologies.

ANDE offers competitive compensation and the opportunity to work in a dynamic environment where your skills will be valued. If you meet the qualifications outlined above, we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity.

ANDE Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.

www.ANDE.com

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $150,000 - $180,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Compensation Package:

• Yearly pay

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Application Question(s):

• Are you able to pass a background check?

Ability to Relocate:

• Waltham, MA: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person