Operations Engineer

CATALOG, a Boston-based pioneering startup, is making significant strides in the field of data storage and computation by harnessing the power of DNA. DNA, known for its millennia-long stability, unrivaled information density, and cost-effective replicability, offers revolutionary potential for latency-tolerant high-density data storage and massively parallel computation.

We are looking for a motivated entry-level engineer eager to work with an interdisciplinary team of biologists, engineers, and computer scientists. You will be responsible for routine operation and maintenance of our proprietary high throughput DNA writing system, used to build vast sets of information-encoding synthetic DNA molecules. As part of our rapidly expanding group, you will help to build, optimize, and evaluate molecular datasets at a scale enabling novel applications for the world's first DNA storage and computing platform.

In this role you will:

• Operate a complex custom system for combinatorial synthesis of DNA

• Support research and development teams by creating DNA datasets per project plans

• Develop and implement routine maintenance procedures to keep the system running smoothly

• Contribute to optimization and scaling of DNA writing capabilities to achieve throughput milestones

• Investigate failures, suggest mitigations, and test process improvements

We are looking for someone driven by:

• An environment demanding fast-paced learning across multiple disciplines

• The opportunity to bring a ground-breaking technology to market

You will also need to be able to:

• Work collaboratively, communicate effectively and balance competing priorities

• Execute protocols with precision and attention to detail

• Work comfortably on a stepstool to reach the top of system components

• Lift and manipulate objects weighing up to 25 kgs.

Ideally, we are looking for someone with:

• A BS in mechanical or biochemical engineering with 1-2 years of practical industry experience

• Familiarity with concepts in molecular biology, DNA sequencing, biochemistry, data storage, and computing

• Hands-on experience in a molecular biology laboratory

• A knack for troubleshooting and meticulous record keeping

• The confidence to respectfully share ideas, accept constructive input, and learn from failures

A career at CATALOG will challenge you to think critically and work creatively to conquer new problems in an unexplored and groundbreaking field. To do this, we believe in building an inclusive team with different points of view. CATALOG supports and celebrates diversity in our workforce. We provide competitive compensation packages and benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) with company matching, and generous PTO.

Note: Even if you don't meet all of the requirements listed, we encourage you to apply. Think of it more as looking for most of the items listed, not all.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position