Production Manager (Primary Assembly) Production Manager (Primary Assembly) Elegen is blazing a path towards a biology-based economy with a highly innovative approach to DNA synthesis that delivers an industry leading length of 7kb in 7 business days with a 99.999% per base accuracy. Our multidisciplinary team of best-in-class biologists, chemists, hardware, and software engineers apply cutting-edge technologies and methods to solve critical bottlenecks in synthetic biology workflows to help our customers in pharma, biotech, agbio, and biomanufacturing streamline their work and realize the full potential of programmable biology. We are seeking a dynamic Production Manager to champion the efficiency and scalability of our Primary Assembly processes. In this role, you will lead the existing assembly process and support its scale-up through new technologies currently in development. The primary objectives for this position include managing and executing manufacturing batches, overseeing personnel, and conducting synthesis forecasting. You will drive cross-functional communication within the manufacturing team to predict readiness for downstream use while providing strong leadership to our production associates. Additionally, you will collaborate cross-functionally to introduce innovations that enhance the product’s robustness and scalability to meet increasing demand. Your contributions will directly impact the productivity and resilience of our production operations. This is an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated team leader looking to join a uniquely innovative, rapidly moving, high-impact start-up. Beyond managing production, you will help build a culture of respect, integrity, and collaboration while working alongside leading scientists, engineers, and professionals. Essential
Responsibilities: Lead and Manage Primary Assembly Process: Provide technical expertise and support to the existing assembly process, ensuring reliable day-to-day operations. Identify areas for improvement and implement strategies to enhance performance and reliability. Timely Manufacturing: Manage and execute batch and personnel schedules to ensure on-time manufacturing output. Support lab execution as needed and coordinate with downstream teams to ensure product readiness. Forecasting and KPIs: Support production forecasting and track KPIs related to volume, quality, and efficiency. Analyze performance data to identify and drive improvements. Collaboration: Work closely with the Product Development and Continuous Improvements (PDI) and Research and Development (RD) teams to drive process improvements and support technology transfer into production. Team Management: Manage a small team of production associates, providing guidance, training, and support as needed. Ensure effective communication, teamwork, and adherence to safety and quality standards. Automation Support: Partner with the Automation Team to optimize instrument performance and provide feedback for process enhancements. Troubleshooting and Weekend Support: Provide troubleshooting assistance to address production issues. Offer on-call support as needed to maintain production continuity. Essential Candidate Profile: Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (such as Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, or a related discipline) 2+ years of experience in a lead production or manufacturing role in life sciences Strong knowledge and working experience in oligo synthesis, cloning, and gene synthesis processes Strong knowledge and working experience of different/integrated liquid handlers like Bravo, Tecan, Hamilton, Multiflow, and analytical instruments, especially Zag, DNA quantification devices, etc Proven ability to manage production batches and personnel schedules effectively Experience supporting daily lab execution, including batch records, SOP maintenance, and manufacturing documentation Experience working with LIMS, Jira, and Confluence Experience in forecasting and maintaining KPIs Excellent collaboration and communication skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams Experience with new product implementation, operational scaling, and training operators Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills Availability to provide support over the weekend as needed Preferred Candidate
Qualifications: Basic bioinformatics and coding experience for data management Experience with operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of liquid handling robots, PCR, general molecular biology tools, and NGS library prep devices Experience in start-up environments, with the ability to anticipate and adapt to changes and maintain operational continuity Previous experience managing a team is preferred Salary and
Benefits: The annual base salary
compensation for this role, if based in California is: $120,000 - $145,000.
Compensation may be different in other locations. Final
compensation also includes
bonus, equity, and
benefits. Specific offer packages are determined by multiple factors, including candidate skill, experience, expertise, and location. ✓ Healthcare ✓ Dental ✓ Vision ✓ Learning Allowance ✓ 401K ✓ Flexible PTO ✓ Short Term Disability ✓ Fitness Allowance ✓ Long Term Disability ✓ Parental Leave Program ✓ Commuter
Benefits
About The Company: Founded and led by Dr. Matthew Hill and located in San Carlos, CA, Elegen is well-capitalized by top life science investors, including Andreessen Horowitz, 8VC, and KdT. The company is advised and staffed by leading biotechnology scientists and entrepreneurs, including Dr. Marc Unger, inventor of the Nanoflex™ valve, and former CSO of Fluidigm. Dr. Hill has a PhD from Stanford and a proven track record of advancing innovative technologies from invention to commercial success. Over eight years in his previous role as VP of R&D at a leading molecular diagnostics company, he co-invented and launched five precision molecular diagnostic products, including a best-in-class noninvasive prenatal test used by millions. These products earn more than $350 million per year in revenue and enabled an IPO. Elegen is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Elegen provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic characteristics, or any other category protected by law. All applicants have rights under the following Federal Employment Laws: Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA) Apply now 610 - Production Menlo Park, CA Share on: Apply now Terms of service Privacy Cookies Powered by Rippling
Salary
$120,000 - $145,000
Location
Menlo Park, CA
Experience
2+ years
Total raised
$35.0M
Last stage
Growth
Investors
Matt Hill
Founder & CEO
Marc Unger
Chief Scientific Officer
Dan La Caze
Chief Business Officer
No applications, no recruiter spam. Just the intro.
A few questions to make sure this role is the right shape for you. Two minutes.
I write the intro, send it to the founder, and handle the back-and-forth.
If they’re a yes, I book the chat. You show up — that’s the whole job-hunt.