Senior Hardware Engineer, Nanofabrication and MEMS Development

Tilde Bio, Inc. is building a next-generation biological sensing platform at the intersection of synthetic biology, protein engineering, nanopore biophysics, electrophysiology, signal processing, and machine learning. Our goal is to create programmable biological measurement systems capable of extracting rich molecular information from single-molecule interactions. We believe nanopores generate a high-dimensional measurement of molecular identity and behavior that remains largely untapped. Unlocking that information requires new computational approaches — ones that don't yet exist — built by people who are comfortable working at the edge of what's known. At Tilde, you will work alongside scientists and engineers from diverse disciplines to help define how a new generation of biological sensing systems extract meaning from the physical world. Tilde is backed by Flagship Pioneering, which brings the long-term vision and resources needed to build platforms that don't fit neatly into existing categories.

About the role

We are seeking a highly skilled and innovative Senior Nanofabrication Engineer to drive the development of MEMS-based sensor architectures and micro/nanoscale structures that are core to our next-generation proteomics platform. This individual will play a critical role in designing, fabricating, and optimizing micro- and nanoscale devices, translating novel concepts into robust, manufacturable processes. The ideal candidate has deep hands-on experience in MEMS fabrication, cleanroom process development, and microfabrication techniques including lithography, etching, deposition, and thin-film processing. Because our sensors operate at the interface of silicon and biology, experience integrating microfabricated devices with fluidic, chemical, or biological systems is highly valued. This role requires close collaboration with electrical, mechanical, materials, and bioengineering teams to ensure seamless integration of MEMS sensors into larger instrument systems. This is an on-site position requiring regular cleanroom and lab work.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, fabrication, and optimization of MEMS-based sensor components and microscale structures, from concept through manufacturable process.
• Develop and optimize cleanroom process flows including photolithography, thin-film deposition (PVD/CVD/ALD), dry and wet etching, and wafer bonding.
• Design masks and layouts, and characterize micro- and nanoscale structures using metrology tools such as SEM, profilometry, ellipsometry, and optical microscopy.
• Perform failure analysis and root-cause investigations to improve yield and device performance.
• Collaborate with electrical, systems, and bioengineering teams to integrate MEMS sensors with PCB, packaging, and fluidic/bio-interface solutions.
• Support process transfer to external foundries or manufacturing partners, and maintain thorough documentation of processes, results, and design revisions.
• Contribute to intellectual property development and technical strategy, and stay current with advancements in MEMS fabrication, materials science, and nanoscale device engineering.

Requirements

• B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related field.
• 5+ years of hands-on experience in MEMS fabrication or micro/nanofabrication in industry or advanced research environments.
• Demonstrated expertise in cleanroom processes including photolithography, thin-film deposition, and etching techniques (RIE/DRIE preferred).
• Experience designing microstructures and mask layouts using CAD tools (e.g., L-Edit, KLayout, or similar).
• Strong understanding of MEMS device physics and materials selection.
• Experience with wafer-level processing and packaging considerations.
• Hands-on experience with microfabrication characterization and metrology tools.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to iterate quickly in a fast-paced R&D environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Nice-to-Haves

• Experience developing MEMS-based sensing devices (mechanical, optical, electrical, or fluidic).
• Familiarity with microfluidics or bio-integrated MEMS devices.
• Experience with wafer bonding, surface functionalization, or nanostructure fabrication.
• Prior experience working with external semiconductor foundries.
• Experience in early-stage or startup environments.

Benefits

• Healthcare coverage
• Annual incentive program
• Retirement benefits
• Broad range of other benefits

Pay

The salary range for this role is $108,000 - $176,000. Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including a candidate’s qualifications, skills, competencies, and experience.