Director, Manufacturing Engineering

VedaBio is developing a next-generation, amplification-free molecular detection platform for point-of-care diagnostics. Our technology integrates CRISPR-driven detection with novel sample-to-answer workflows on a fully-automated system – instrument, single-use consumables, and customer-facing software. Both the chemistry and the instrument platform are under active development as we enter a major product development push.

As VedaBio moves from prototyping into development and commercialization, manufacturing is a core capability and key to our success. We are a fast-paced, execution-focused startup building systems designed to scale from day one.

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

We’re now at a pivotal stage of growth, and we’re seeking a Director of Manufacturing Engineering to lead, help build out and scale our global Manufacturing Engineering function.

What makes this opportunity especially exciting is the team. We’ve brought together deeply experienced, curious, and forward-thinking individuals who genuinely enjoy building, solving, and pushing boundaries together. There’s a shared sense of momentum here, of creating something meaningful and having fun while doing it.

We’re now at a pivotal stage of growth, and we’re seeking a Director of Manufacturing Engineering to lead, help build out and scale our global Manufacturing Engineering function. This is more than a leadership role, it’s an opportunity to architect how a breakthrough platform comes to life in the real world, and to do it alongside a smart, driven, and highly collaborative team.

If you’re energized by building, by innovation, and by the idea of making a tangible impact on science and patients, we’d love to connect.

POSITION SUMMARY

This individual will be responsible for establishing US-based pilot manufacturing capabilities for single-use consumable assembly and kitting, while working closely with an Asia-based high-volume manufacturing partner to develop, transfer, and ramp commercial-scale production lines.

This role sits at the interface of engineering, operations, quality, and external partners. The position requires hands-on leadership across early process development, pilot line buildout, and full-scale manufacturing deployment. The right candidate will bring a strong systems-level understanding of complex consumable product assembly and experience scaling manufacturing from prototype through commercialization in a regulated environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Manufacturing Engineering & Process Development

• Develop and implement processes using design for manufacturability (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA) principles for high-volume consumable production.
• Example processes include pick-and-place, plastic laser welding, PSA application & robotic gluing, thermal bonding, and packaging.
• Define and execute process characterization, validation (IQ/OQ/PQ), and continuous improvement activities.
• Establish test strategies including in-line, end-of-line, and reliability testing for cartridge and final packaging performance and integrity.
• Collaborate across engineering, operations, and external partners to resolve technical and production issues.
• Build and lead a lean team of process and automation engineers.

Pilot Manufacturing Line Bring-up & Operational Excellence

• Build internal manufacturing capability from the ground up for the assembly and packaging of a complex single-use consumable, including equipment selection, line layout, and process flow.
• Translate prototype builds and lab processes into robust, repeatable assembly and packaging processes suitable for scale with a continuous improvement mindset.

Global Scale-Up & Technology Transfer

• Lead end-to-end technology transfer to an Asia-based manufacturing partner, including process definition, documentation, training, and line qualification.
• Define and monitor KPIs related to yield, throughput, quality, and cost. Champion the use of statistical modeling and data analytics.
• Partner with Quality to ensure manufacturing processes comply with applicable regulatory and quality system requirements.
• Build a lean Asia-based team to work alongside Asia-based manufacturing partner.
• Travel as needed (up to 25%, including internationally) to support manufacturing partner development, line bring-up, and production ramp.

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, or related field with 10+ years of relevant leadership experience preferably in regulated industries like diagnostics, pharmaceuticals, or biotechnology (e.g., FDA, ISO 13485).
• Experience scaling production from early development through high-volume manufacturing, including pilot line buildout and production ramp.
• Direct experience working with contract Asian manufacturers, including line development and technology transfer.
• This role will require regular off-hours communication and meetings to maintain program schedule across international partners.
• Strong background in automated manufacturing systems for high-volume device assembly and packaging, including metrology and inline testing.
• Familiarity with production data systems and manufacturing analytics.
• Proven ability to build and lead teams in fast-paced environments.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to drive multiple parallel efforts.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, cross-functional startup environment.
• Aptitude for approaching challenges with attention to detail, critical thinking, and a strong sense of ownership.

Work Environment:

Employee works in office, laboratory, and manufacturing environments with a moderate amount of noise and activity. The role requires hands-on involvement in pilot manufacturing and up to 25% travel, including internationally. The work environment is fast-paced and execution-driven.

This role is focused on bring-up of equipment and processes (then continuous improvement activities) for the manufacturing lines.

CANDIDATES: Please respond to this posting, do not reach out to company employees.

RECRUITERS: Please note we are not accepting unsolicited resumes or agency outreach for this role. Please do not contact company employees directly. No fees will be paid for unsolicited submissions.