Senior Engineer - Microfluids and Perfusion Interfaces

About us e184 is a biotechnology research company dedicated to overcoming the limits of human biology. One of our programs in reproductive technologies develops ectogenesis - the ability to support human development outside the body - to expand reproductive freedom and redefine what is possible in medicine. Our mission is to remove the biological constraints that limit who can safely carry a pregnancy, enabling new pathways to parenthood for individuals facing medical risk, infertility, or physiological barriers to gestation.

We operate at the intersection of biology, engineering, and computational science, building integrated platforms that combine advanced tissue models, adaptive culture systems, and automated experimental workflows to understand and recreate the conditions required for healthy human gestation beyond the uterus.

Role overview As a Senior Engineer at e184, you will lead the design and development of microfluidic and perfusion-based systems that enable long-term maintenance of complex cell and tissue cultures. Your work will focus on engineering interfaces that precisely control media exchange, gas delivery, waste removal, and fluid dynamics to recreate physiologically relevant environments over extended culture periods.

You will own the development of integrated culture hardware from concept through experimental validation, working closely with biologists and computational teams to translate biological requirements into robust engineering solutions. This is a highly hands-on, leadership role for an engineer or experimental scientist who thrives at the intersection of bioengineering and developmental biology in a fast-moving startup environment where device performance directly determines experimental success.

What you'll do

• Lead perfusion system development: Design and build microfluidic and perfusion platforms that support long-term cell and tissue culture through controlled nutrient delivery, gas exchange, and waste management.
• Engineer culture interfaces: Develop biocompatible fluidic architectures and culture chambers that maintain stable physiological conditions while enabling imaging, sampling, and experimental manipulation.
• Optimize fluid and gas transport: Model and experimentally validate flow dynamics, oxygenation, and mass transport to ensure stable culture environments across varying developmental stages and tissue scales.
• Prototype and iterate rapidly: Design, fabricate, and test devices using microfabrication and rapid prototyping approaches (e.g., CNC machining, laser cutting, soft lithography, additive manufacturing), iterating based on biological performance.
• Collaborate across disciplines: Work closely with developmental biologists to translate biological constraints into engineering specifications and with software/data teams to integrate monitoring and experimental control systems.

Core requirements

• PhD or MS with significant experience in Bioengineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field
• Demonstrated experience designing or operating microfluidic or perfusion-based culture systems
• Strong understanding of fluid dynamics, mass transport, and gas exchange in biological systems
• Hands-on experience with device prototyping and experimental validation
• Ability to independently drive complex technical projects from concept to implementation
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, iterative startup environment
• Strong organizational and documentation skills

You'll stand out with

• Experience working with mammalian cell culture or biological interfaces
• Experience developing long-term perfusion or organ-on-chip culture systems
• Background in microphysiological systems, tissue engineering, or bioreactor design
• Experience designing oxygenation or gas exchange interfaces for biological systems
• Microfabrication experience (soft lithography, PDMS devices, micromachining, microfluidic bonding techniques)
• Experience integrating sensors, automation, or closed-loop control systems
• Prior startup or early-stage technology development experience

Why e184?

• Unrivaled impact : Your work directly enables technology that transforms human fertility and reproductive medicine.
• Full-spectrum growth : Gain exposure to the entire lifecycle of discovery. From screening to mechanistic validation.
• Best of both worlds : Experience the creative chaos of an early-stage startup with the stability of a well-capitalized company.
• Elite collaboration : Work alongside a world-class team who are as driven as you are.

The perks

• Competitive salary + equity participation is considered
• State-of-the-art facility in Portland metro area
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, Vision, and 401(k) with company match
• 20 days PTO + 11 paid holidays