Synthesis Instrumentation Engineer

The role

This person will design, build, and test prototypes for next-generation DNA synthesis technologies. They will translate scientific requirements into engineering designs and optimize chemistry, materials, and processes.

What you will do

• Design, build, and test prototypes for next-generation DNA synthesis technologies.
• Translate scientific and technical requirements into practical engineering designs and experimental setups.
• Scope and evaluate different technical approaches, components, materials, and equipment for prototype development.
• Develop and optimize the chemistry, materials, and processes underlying the synthesis platform.
• Design and execute experiments to characterize performance, identify limitations, and improve reliability.
• Work closely with mechanical, electronics, software, and automation engineers to develop integrated experimental systems.
• Troubleshoot complex technical problems across chemistry, hardware, and process engineering.
• Develop analytical methods and quality control strategies to measure performance and guide optimization.
• Help scale successful prototypes into robust, reproducible systems suitable for routine production.
• Work with external suppliers and engineering partners to source components, evaluate technologies, and accelerate development.

Required qualifications

• A strong background in chemical engineering, chemistry, materials science, bioengineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field.
• Hands-on experience designing, building, and testing experimental setups, prototypes, or laboratory equipment.
• Strong understanding of chemistry, materials, or process engineering, with the ability to apply these fundamentals to practical engineering challenges.
• Experience developing and optimizing experimental processes, including systematic troubleshooting and performance characterization.
• Comfortable working across hardware and experimental science, translating scientific requirements into practical engineering solutions.
• Experience selecting components, evaluating technical trade-offs, and iterating on prototype designs.
• Strong experimental skills, including designing experiments, analyzing data, and making decisions based on results.
• Independent, resourceful, and comfortable working on open-ended technical problems.
• A practical, hands-on approach to engineering, with a focus on building, testing, and improving systems rather than purely theoretical development.

Nice to have

• Experience with DNA or oligonucleotide synthesis, including chemical or enzymatic approaches
• Experience with solid-phase synthesis, surface chemistry, or chemical process development
• Familiarity with microfluidics, high-throughput dispensing, or array-based technologies
• Experience with laboratory automation, instrumentation, or custom hardware development
• Experience with CAD, electronics, fluidics, or mechanical prototyping
• Experience scaling experimental technologies from proof of concept to production
• Programming and data analysis experience, particularly in Python

About the company

Adaptyv is building an automated lab that lets AI agents run biology experiments. They are a fast growing biotech company building infrastructure that gives AI agents access to the physical world.