Director, Engineering Operations (RTP Lab) 4269 Position Available In Durham, North Carolina

Job Description:

Our mission is to detect cancer early, when it can be cured. Weare working to change the trajectory of cancer mortality and bringstakeholders together to adopt innovative, safe, and effectivetechnologies that can transform cancer care. We are a healthcarecompany, pioneering new technologies to advance early cancerdetection. We have built a multi-disciplinary organization ofscientists, engineers, and physicians and we are using the power ofnext-generation sequencing (NGS), population-scale clinicalstudies, and state-of-the-art computer science and data science toovercome one of medicine’s greatest challenges. GRAIL isheadquartered in Menlo Park, California, with locations inWashington, D.C., North Carolina, and the United Kingdom. It issupported by leading global investors and pharmaceutical,technology, and healthcare companies. For more information, pleasevisit grail.com . The Director of Engineering Operations willprovide executive leadership and strategic direction to GRAIL’sengineering operations teams, responsible for ensuring the smoothand compliant functioning of all laboratory automation, systems,and equipment. This leader will champion operational excellence,continuous improvement, and cross-functional collaboration tosupport GRAIL’s mission of delivering our groundbreakingmulti-cancer early detection test to more patients at scale. Theideal candidate has deep experience leading large teams responsiblefor technical support, reliability, and process improvement in aregulated, high-throughput laboratory or manufacturing environment.

This individual will ensure that all engineeringfunctions—including maintenance, calibration, and automation—meetthe highest standards of quality, compliance, and performance. Thisis an onsite role, 5 days a week at our Durham lab – 4001 E NC 54Hwy Assembly Suite 1100, Durham, NC 27709. Responsibilities Providestrategic vision and operational leadership to multi-siteengineering teams supporting process automation, laboratoryequipment, and scientific computing environments within a regulatedlaboratory environment. Define and execute objectives, policies,and growth plans that drive uptime, scalability, and operationalexcellence for GRAIL’s high-throughput labs. Build, mentor, andempower a high-performing management team of engineers,technicians, and technical leaders. Oversee the execution of majorengineering infrastructure projects, system implementations, andtechnical upgrades. Partner cross-functionally with Operations,R D, Quality, Regulatory, Software Engineering, and IT toproactively solve challenges, improve workflows, and ensurehigh-quality support for GRAIL’s product, laboratory, and businessgoals. Ensure operations meet cGMP/GLP and QMS requirements, andchampion a culture of compliance, safety, and continuousimprovement. Lead and manage operating expenses (OPEX) and provideinput on capital planning (CAPEX) for engineering operationsinvestments. Direct the timely completion of investigations, changecontrol, CAPAs, deviations, and other compliance activities,utilizing KPIs to drive efficiency, safety, cost, and qualityimprovements. Optimize the allocation of internal and externalresources across a complex, high-growth operational landscape.

Serve as a thought leader and role model for GRAIL’s values andpolicies. Preferred Qualifications BS, MS, or PhD in Engineering,Science, or a related technical field; advanced degree highlydesirable. 15 years of relevant engineering and operationsexperience in regulated lab, production, or manufacturing settings,with at least 8 years in progressive management roles leadingmulti-disciplinary teams. Demonstrated success in strategicleadership, organizational scaling, and team development in adynamic, growth-focused company. Deep technical proficiency inlaboratory automation, equipment reliability, maintenance,calibration, and troubleshooting (including software, robotics, andnext-generation sequencing workflows). Expert understanding ofcompliance and quality systems in FDA-regulated, cGMP/GLPenvironments. Excellent communication, influence, and collaborationskills with a strong track record of partnering with diversefunctional groups. Advanced understanding of maintenance andcalibration management systems, risk management, and businesscontinuity planning. Hands-on knowledge of complex lab automationplatforms (e.g., Agilent, Hamilton, Labcyte, Illumina), and ITsystems (LIMS, MES, CRM, scheduling software). Experience leadinglarge-scale capital projects and system implementations fromconcept to delivery. Proven ability to operate effectively inhigh-pressure, mission-critical operational environments. HighlyPreferred Experience supporting systems for next-generationsequencing (NGS) or molecular biology workflows. In-depthunderstanding of IT networking, systems infrastructure, andlaboratory automation software (GBG and others). Industrialelectrical and mechanical engineering expertise, with advancedtroubleshooting abilities. Exposure to Illumina NGS technology andrelated lab platforms. Familiarity with advanced safety training,hazardous materials handling, and lockout/tagout protocols.

Expected full time annual base pay scale for this position is$167K-222$K. Actual base pay will consider skills, experience andlocation. Based on the role, colleagues may be eligible toparticipate in an annual bonus plan tied to company and individualperformance, or an incentive plan. We also offer a long-termincentive plan to align company and colleague success over time. Inaddition, GRAIL offers a progressive benefit package, includingflexible time-off, a 401k with a company match, and alongside ourmedical, dental, vision plans, carefully selected mindfulnessofferings. GRAIL is an Equal Employment Employer and does notdiscriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexualorientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteranstatus, disability or any other legally protected status. We willreasonably accommodate all individuals with disabilities so thatthey can participate in the job application or interview process,to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefitsand privileges of employment. Please contact us to requestaccommodation. GRAIL maintains a drug-free workplace.