Lab Instrument Engineer
Redwood City, CA
Operations /
Full-time /
On-site
Retro develops therapies for diseases driven by the biology of aging. We focus on cellular reprogramming and autophagy to rejuvenate cell and tissue function with the ultimate aim of adding 10 years to healthy human lifespan.
We’re building a mission-driven team of accomplished and kind individuals who embrace our startup culture of rapid iteration, transparency, and versatility.
We are hiring a Lab Instrument Engineer whose primary focus will be supporting our growing laboratory instrumentation core. You will be a part of the Science Operations team - a close-knit group of dedicated, resourceful humans, handling all things labs, facilities, and logistics.
About you:
You’re a collaborative, hands-on generalist who takes pride in learning across a wide variety of laboratory instruments and systems and eagerly steps in wherever help is needed. Detail-oriented and organized, you balance following established procedures with the resourcefulness and persistence to solve unexpected problems. You communicate clearly, own tasks from start to finish, and adapt quickly to shifting priorities - whether that means staying late to finish a calibration or proactively flagging a potential issue before it becomes critical.
What you'll do in this role:
- Install + qualify new laboratory instruments and auxiliary equipment, from biosafety cabinets and incubators to mass spectrometers and flow cytometers
- Diagnose, repair + maintain a broad range of lab instruments (cell analyzers, cell sorters, microscopes, HPLC/UPLC systems, refrigeration units, etc.)
- Produce and maintain detailed records, including maintenance logs, calibration reports, quality checks, and SOPs
- Train lab personnel on proper instrument use and best practices; update workflows and SOPs as systems evolve
- Support equipment lifecycle - from procurement and installation through decommissioning and dispositionIdentify when external experts are needed and coordinate with approved vendors, keeping in mind our preference for vertical integration whenever possible
- Serve as a key on-call responder for facility emergencies and urgent issues (such as power failures, significant leaks, cold storage alarms, etc.) - a rotating team responsibility which includes some nights, weekends, and holidays
You might thrive in this role if:
- Have a degree in biomedical or mechanical engineering, electronics, or other equivalent
- Have 3+ years of experience hands-on with auxiliary lab equipment (biosafety cabinets, incubators, smaller analytical devices)
- Are a true generalist - you love complex machines, can troubleshoot on the fly, and won’t hesitate to open up a device rather than call the manufacturer
- Have a broad mechanical/electrical aptitude - the ability to read schematics and manuals will help you succeed
- Embrace technology and organization - you’re familiar with digital tools such as Google Workspace, Asana, and Notion to track tasks and document work, as well as confident in picking up new softwares or systems to monitor the facilities
- Can lift and move equipment - you’re physically capable of safely lifting equipment or materials, often 50 lbs or more, with proper tools and assistance (this is an active role)
- Take pride in your work - you don’t wait around for a work order when you notice a problem, you feel ownership of the labs’ well-being
- Are willing to work occasional irregular hours to support critical maintenance or emergency repairs
Bonus if you have experience with:
- Mass Spectrometry, Flow Cytometry, Cell Sorting, Microscopy, Bioreactors, and/or Automation equipment
- GMP qualification of devices (IQ/OQ/PQ)
- Cold storage systems (fridges, freezers, cryogenic gases)
- Background in startup environments - comfortable with rapid change and scrappy problem-solving
- Basic programming or scripting skills for instrument control or data analysis
- CAD experience for designing custom instrument fixtures or lab layouts
$100,000 - $130,000 a year
Total compensation also includes generous equity and benefits including:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your family
- 401(k) plan with 4% matching
- Flexible time off and 10 company holidays per year
- Annual learning & development stipend
- Daily Retro-sponsored lunch and snacks
We take pride in cultivating an environment that fosters collaboration, open communication, and authenticity. We believe that great results are best delivered by a highly creative team working in concert. We are an equal opportunity employer; we do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We are diverse in background and singular in mission.
