Senior Director, Process Development and Pilot Manufacturing

Senior Director, Process Development and Pilot Manufacturing

Fluidigm Corporation, an innovator in the microfluidic market, is dedicated to delivering the promise of microfluidics through the commercialization of complete and enabling microfluidic systems that impact mission critical objectives within life science research. Fluidigm uses a proprietary process known as Multi-Layer Soft Lithography to fabricate Integrated Fluidic Circuits. We have an excellent opportunity in our South San Francisco HQ for an experienced, hands-on professional.


Fluidigm Corporation is a pre-IPO growth company that has successfully commercialized a revolutionary micro-fabrication platform originally developed at Caltech. Fluidigm develops and manufactures disposable chips within a system that leverage the unique properties of integrated fluidic circuits (IFCs). These novel devices are fabricated through a process called multilayer soft lithography (MSL?), in which microscopic vias, valves, channels, and chambers are molded within bonded layers of elastomer. IFCs are to biology as integrated circuits were to the electronics industry in the 1970?s. Compared to other technologies, such as microplates and robotics, IFCs are vastly more efficient for large-scale biology and represent an elegant solution to the need for greater throughput with smaller sample volumes. The potential markets for IFC-based platforms include genomics, proteomics, cancer diagnostics, early detection of biological threats, and even energy.


As Fluidigm continues to grow and develop, including the launch of additional product lines, the complexity of the business is rapidly expanding. Fluidigm is seeking a mature, experienced Sr. Director of Process Development and Pilot Manufacturing. The successful candidate will be the point person to drive Fluidigm?s IFC Manufacturing processes to new levels of capability and as such will be a key member of Fluidigm?s core functional team. This position reports directly to Fluidigm?s Executive Vice President of Research and Development. In this role, he or she must exhibit strong leadership in an environment of technology challenges and aggressive timelines. Clear technical understanding and excellent decision making capabilities are essential.
He or she will be directly responsible for) Fluidigm-wide chip manufacturing process development, 2) introduction of new chip products into manufacturing, and 3) all aspects of the pilot fabrication line operation.


Essential Duties include:
Lead the Process Development group to create new processes and improve existing microfluidic chip manufacturing processes
Manage budget, staffing, planning, and daily operations of the Pilot Fabrication line
Staff product development teams with resources needed to ensure successful scale-up to full manufacturing and timely new product shipment
Develop and maintain a process roadmap in support of Fluidigm strategic direction


Qualifications: (experience, skills, education etc.)


Essential:
Strategic leadership skills in a process development and pilot/manufacturing environment and with experience directly overseeing a pilot or production facility
Experience building and leading high performance teams
Ability to creatively and consistently meet goals within tight budget constraints
Minimum 12-15 years of experience with semiconductor wafer micro-fabrication processes, inclusive of photolithography, wet and dry etching
Extensive background in the development of advanced wafer fabrication process technologies or materials for the semiconductor industry
Demonstrated track record in new process technology development, and the successful transfer of these processes to high volume manufacturing
Demonstrated success bringing new products up into production, on schedule and within cost targets
Knowledgeable in thin-film and thick-film micro-fabrication of Integrated Circuits or MEMS (Micro-Electro Mechanical Systems) assembly processes, materials and technologies
Competent in statistic process control, Design of Experiments, statistical analysis tools and problem solving methodologies
Willingness to travel periodically to Singapore


Desired:
Desire to work in a high performance start-up environment with special emphasis on commercializing products
Experience in the development of polymer film deposition or dry resist lamination would be an added advantage
Experience at a company successfully growing from $10M to $500M+
Interest in life science research tools and diagnostics products


Work for one of Red Herring?s Top 100 Private Companies! Fluidigm offers an exciting, collegial working environment with excellent compensation and benefits, including pre-IPO stock options. To apply for this position, please email your resume to: jobs@fluidigm.com . Please be sure to include the position title and job code in the subject heading. Fluidigm Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Fluidigm will not accept resumes from third parties for candidates.





www.fluidigm.com