Senior/Staff Engineer, Wafer Fab Process

Company Overview

Sarmal, Inc. is a San Diego–based biotechnology company developing next-generation genomics and molecular detection platforms. Our work integrates molecular biology, chemistry, and advanced systems engineering to enable faster, more precise, and more accessible genomic insights.

We are a highly collaborative, R&D-driven team operating in a fast-paced, early-stage environment. Our scientists and engineers work across disciplines to solve complex technical challenges and translate innovation into scalable, real-world applications.

At Sarmal, we value scientific rigor, curiosity, and a builder mindset. We are looking for individuals who are energized by ambiguity, motivated by impact, and excited to help bring breakthrough technologies from concept to reality.

Key Responsibilities

• Own and drive wafer fab process development for devices used in the TEEM platform, from early feasibility through high-volume manufacturing readiness.
• Define, optimize, and control key unit processes including photolithography, etch, deposition, etc.
• Apply metrology techniques including profilometry, SEM, XRD, etc., to characterize process outputs and support process control.
• Contribute to device design by providing process engineering insights to ensure manufacturability, performance, and yield optimization.
• Lead process integration activities, ensuring compatibility of unit processes across full device fabrication flows.
• Drive root cause analysis and corrective actions for process issues using structured problem-solving methods.
• Support design of experiments (DOE), execution, and statistical analysis to characterize process windows and optimize process parameters.
• Manage technology transfer to contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs), including developing process qualification protocols and scale up.
• Partner cross-functionally with engineering and assay development teams to translate functional requirements into robust, manufacturable process specifications and ensure wafer-level performance aligns with system-level needs.
• Contribute to design history file (DHF) documentation and support regulatory submissions as needed.

Qualifications

• Deep hands-on experience in semiconductor or MEMS wafer fabrication process development, with expertise in photolithography, etch, and thin-film deposition.
• Familiarity with common cleanroom fabrication and metrology equipment
• Experience in wafer-level design and integration spanning complete end-to-end system development.
• Demonstrated experience developing and qualifying processes in a cleanroom environment, including process characterization.
• Strong background in failure analysis and root cause investigation methodologies applicable to wafer fabrication defects and yield loss.
• Experience with IVD, microfluidic, or life science device fabrication is strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with surface functionalization chemistries relevant to biological assays (e.g., silanization, SAM deposition, antibody or oligonucleotide immobilization) preferred.
• Knowledge of GMP/ISO 13485 quality system requirements as applied to medical device manufacturing preferred.
• Proficiency with statistical analysis tools (e.g., JMP) for DOE preferred.
• Excellent documentation skills and experience authoring controlled process documents, protocols, and reports in a regulated environment.
• Strong cross-functional communication and collaboration skills, with ability to interface effectively with engineers, scientists, and manufacturing personnel.

Education & Industry Experience

• B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or related field.
• Minimum experience of 6 years with B.S., 4 years with M.S. or Ph.D.

Why Join Sarmal

• Work on cutting-edge genomics and molecular detection technologies
• Collaborate with a deeply technical, cross-functional team
• Contribute to foundational platform development at an early stage
• Have visibility into and impact on core technical and strategic decisions
• Help shape the infrastructure, culture, and future direction of the company

Benefits & Perks

Sarmal offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Company-paid life insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Generous paid time off
• Access to additional voluntary benefits, employee perks, and discount programs
• We are committed to supporting the well-being of our employees and providing a strong foundation for both professional and personal success.

California Pay Transparency Statement.

The anticipated salary range for this position is $105,000 – $160,000, depending on experience and qualifications. Final compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, location, relevant experience, skill set, and internal equity considerations.

EEO Statement

Sarmal is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

Sarmal is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and consider all qualified candidates in accordance with applicable laws.

Closing Statement

Join us in advancing the next generation of genomic technologies and shaping the future of precision health.