Systems Integration Manager

At BioFire Defense, our workplace is as vibrant as our mission: casual vibes, intense execution, and a passion for IMPACT.

Position Summary:

The Systems Integration Manager is responsible for leading and developing a multidisciplinary team focused on the integration of software, chemistry, instrumentation, and molecular diagnostic technologies into cohesive system-level solutions. This role provides technical and operational leadership across laboratory research, assay and system integration activities, verification and validation efforts, and complex troubleshooting initiatives supporting product development and process improvement objectives.

The position requires advanced scientific and technical expertise, strong problem-solving capabilities, and the ability to operate effectively in a highly collaborative, cross-functional environment. The Systems Integration Manager exercises substantial independent judgment in designing approaches, resolving complex technical challenges, allocating resources, and driving execution of organizational priorities, study budget estimates, and project timelines. This individual is accountable for delivering high-quality technical outcomes, supporting strategic initiatives, optimizing team effectiveness, and developing organizational capability through mentorship and leadership.

The ideal candidate possesses experience in molecular biology methodologies, including PCR, as well as demonstrated leadership experience within laboratory or product development environments.

This is a full-time exempt position reporting to the Director of R&D Operations.

Principal Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Perform all work in compliance with company policy and within the guidelines of BioFire Defense's Quality System.
• Lead, mentor, and develop Systems Integration personnel while establishing clear priorities, performance expectations, accountability measures, and opportunities for professional growth.
• Plan, prioritize, and oversee laboratory research and integration activities supporting product development, verification and validation, process improvements, and investigative studies.
• Provide technical leadership in the integration of instrumentation, software, chemistry, and assay components into unified system-level solutions.
• Design and oversee execution of integrated and holistic processes, including verification and validation strategies, development and review of protocols, test plans, technical reports, summaries, and quantitative analyses.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Molecular R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, Regulatory, Software, Engineering, and other organizational partners to achieve project and organizational objectives.
• Apply advanced scientific and technical knowledge to solve complex problems, identify risks, and develop innovative and effective solutions.
• Maintain current knowledge of scientific literature, emerging technologies, and industry trends relevant to molecular diagnostics and systems integration.
• Support development, implementation, and continuous improvement of laboratory processes, work instructions, batch records, and related documentation in accordance with quality system requirements.
• Ensure laboratory records and project documentation are maintained in compliance with company policies, quality standards, and regulatory expectations.
• Contribute to intellectual property development through identification and documentation of potentially patentable inventions.
• May serve as technical lead for assigned studies, projects, or initiatives.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, inclusion, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
• Manage resource planning, workload prioritization, and allocation of personnel to ensure effective execution of departmental and project objectives.
• Drive accountability for project deliverables, timelines, and quality outcomes while proactively identifying and mitigating technical or operational risks.
• Partner with leadership members to support strategic planning, capacity forecasting, and prioritization of integration activities aligned with organizational goals.
• Balance technical, operational, and business considerations to support efficient execution in a fast-paced development environment.

Principal Decisions:

Related to job functions.

Core Competencies: BioFire Defense has adopted three core competencies that are expected of employees. In this management role, the following are expectations:

Belong

Builds trust-based relationships and fosters an inclusive, collaborative team environment where diverse perspectives are valued and individuals are empowered to contribute. Effectively partners across functions to achieve shared company and team goals and acts with integrity.

Dare

Demonstrates accountability, sound judgment, and a growth mindset when addressing complex technical and operational challenges. Encourages innovation, continuous learning, and thoughtful risk-taking while empowering team members to develop and succeed.

Impact

Drives execution and delivers high-quality results aligned with organizational priorities. Effectively balances scientific rigor, operational efficiency, and business objectives to achieve measurable outcomes and to support the company's success.

Qualifications

Training and Education: (Minimum education and/or training requirements for this position; i.e., high school diploma, college degree, certification.)

• Bachelor's degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, biomedical engineering, life sciences, or related scientific discipline; advanced degree preferred.

Experience: (Minimum time and type experience required for this position.)

• Seven to 12 years of experience in molecular biology/biotechnology/life sciences field with 2+ years of people management experience (or equivalent technical leadership)
• Progressive experience in molecular diagnostics, systems integration, assay development, or related life sciences environment.
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing or mentoring technical personnel and cross-functional initiatives.

Skills: (Special skills required; e.g., negotiation, technical writing; statistical evaluation.)

• Strong technical knowledge of molecular biology techniques, including qualitative and quantitative PCR and fluorescence-based nucleic acid detection methods.
• Experience supporting verification and validation activities within regulated environments.
• Excellent critical thinking, analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage complex technical issues.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including technical writing and presentation of scientific data.
• Demonstrated organizational skills with strong attention to detail and documentation practices.
• Ability to influence, collaborate, and build effective working relationships across multiple functions and organizational levels.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and standard laboratory documentation systems.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and operate effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Physical Requirements: (List any special physical requirements needed to perform the job, such as ability to lift specific weight. List "None" if there are no special requirements.)

• Ability to safely lift and maneuver ~20 lbs.
• Must have sufficient manual and visual dexterity for standard laboratory practices (e.g., pipetting, micro centrifuge tube capping/uncapping, syringe manipulation, etc.).
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) and work with a variety of organisms and body fluids in a Biosafety Level 2/2+ laboratory environment.
• If unable to meet these requirements, reasonable accommodation will be made if supervisor is notified.

Benefits:

Medical

Dental

Vision

Bonus eligible

9/8/80 work schedule (every other Friday off)

401k - company match of 5% regardless of participation and up to a total of 9.5% company match if contributing

160 Hours of PTO (prorated from date of hire)

9 Paid Holidays

Paid Winter Break from the work week between December 24 thru December 31

Participation in Companys Wellness Program (discounted medical premiums)

Multiple Company Sponsored Events Each Year (catered breakfast/lunch, holiday parties, snacks)

Convenient location near I-15 and Trax Station

Free Parking

Our EEO Policy

BioFire Defense is an equal opportunity employer (M/F/D/V). We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote without regard to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law. BioFire Defense complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.