Engineer II, Microfluidic

Gaithersburg, Maryland, Gaithersburg, MD 20877, USA

The Microfluidic Engineer II is responsible for mechanical design, prototyping, testing, and documentation in the development of new microfluidic and cartridge consumables for the biodefense, clinical, and life‑science markets. This position will require a high degree of technical ability and creativity to develop solutions for a novel generation of consumables. The incumbent will work with a cross‑functional team of engineers, scientists, and biologists in a highly collaborative, results‑driven research and development group.

• Design, fabricate, and characterize microfluidic devices for integration with biological assays including but not limited to ELISA and molecular assays.
• Identify opportunities for improving performance, reliability, and cost‑effectiveness in future generations of products.
• Contribute to the development of requirements and specifications.
• Contribute to the development, implementation, and documentation of test protocols for both informal and formal design testing.
• Interact with outside vendors and MSD's supplier quality department to source and qualify parts and materials.
• Present designs, engineering issues, and solutions to senior management as required.
• Specific duties will vary depending upon departmental requirements.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Applied Physics, Materials Science, or related field.
  • Advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of industrial experience strongly preferred.
• Experience programming for instrument control and data analysis (LabVIEW, MATLAB, Python) strongly preferred.
• Experience in an ISO, cGMP, or other regulated environment preferred.

• Demonstrated proficiency with fluidic chip design using CAD packages (AutoCAD, Solid Works or equivalent).
• Ability to analyze and interpret experimental data using software tools (e.g., Excel, JMP, Graph Pad Prism) required.
• Demonstrated proficiency in simulation software such as COMSOL or Ansys‑Fluent preferred.
• Working knowledge of the manufacture of FDA regulated devices is a plus.
• Strong engineering fundamentals and analytical abilities.
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Effectively communicate issues/problems and results that impact timelines, accuracy and reliability of project data.
• Excellent organizational and bench skills.
• Comfortable designing and performing laboratory experiments for testing microfluidic devices.
• Demonstrated propensity to be creative, collaborative, proactive, and self‑motivated in the execution and completion of assigned tasks.
• Proven track record in developing and delivering microfluidic systems (consumables and instruments).
• Knowledge of process development, material selection, and surface treatment/functionalization for microfluidic devices.
• Knowledge of design for volume manufacturing processes.
• Understanding of design of microfluidic features including:
  • Mixing elements and strategies.
  • Capillary microfluidic features and strategies.
  • Fluidic inlet and outlet integration.
  • Sensor integration.
  • Separation or sorting elements and techniques desired.
  • Bubble traps and similar mitigations desired.
  • Passive and active valving desired.
• Understanding of design and prototyping fabrication processes including:
  • Microfabrication.
  • Embossing.
  • Plastic bonding.
  • Injection molding desired.
  • Etching desired.
  • Roll to roll converting desired.
  • Soft lithography desired.

While performing the duties of this job, the individual is frequently required to sit and stand for long periods. The individual is occasionally required to walk; use hands and fingers to operate, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms. This position requires the ability to communicate and exchange information, utilize equipment necessary to perform the job, and move about the office.

This position is performed in an engineering/laboratory environment.

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $88,100 to $134,400. This salary range represents a general guideline as MSD considers other factors when…