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Microfluidics Research Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

HP R&D is dedicated to providing advanced innovative solutions to our partners and customers. This position is for an R&D MEMS Microfluidics Design Engineer, aka HP Fluidic Architect. This job is ...

New

... Engineering, Physics, and Materials Science. Highly motivated. Having experimental microfluidics background is preferred. Position Type Research Additional Information Northeastern University ...

Senior Scientist, Assay Research

Austin, TX · On-site

$97.60K - $124.40K/yr

Engineer Stable Chemistries for Raw Samples: Create robust sample-prep and assay chemistries ... Hands-on experience with droplet microfluidics, flow cytometry, or other single-cell "digitization ...

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Microfluidics Research Engineer information

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$37K

$106K

$142.5K

How much do microfluidics research engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for microfluidics research engineer in the United States is $106,012.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,000.00 and $104,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Microfluidics Research Engineer, and why are they important?

To excel as a Microfluidics Research Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering or physical sciences, with expertise in fluid dynamics, microfabrication, and analytical techniques, usually backed by a relevant degree (e.g., mechanical, biomedical, or chemical engineering). Familiarity with CAD software, photolithography, cleanroom protocols, and simulation tools like COMSOL Multiphysics is highly valuable. Strong problem-solving skills, creativity, and effective teamwork and communication abilities distinguish top performers in this field. These competencies are crucial for designing innovative microfluidic devices, troubleshooting complex systems, and successfully collaborating on multidisciplinary research projects.

What are some common challenges faced by Microfluidics Research Engineers when scaling prototypes to production?

Microfluidics Research Engineers often encounter challenges when transitioning from prototype devices to scalable production, including maintaining precise control over fluid dynamics at larger volumes, ensuring reproducibility, and selecting appropriate materials that are both manufacturable and compatible with biological or chemical samples. Additionally, integrating sensors and electronic components without compromising device performance can be complex. Collaborating closely with manufacturing teams and regulatory specialists is crucial to address these challenges and ensure a successful scale-up.

What are microfluidics research engineers?

Microfluidics research engineers are professionals who design, develop, and test devices and systems that manipulate small amounts of fluids, often at the microliter scale or smaller. They work at the intersection of engineering, physics, chemistry, and biology to create technologies used in areas such as medical diagnostics, drug development, and chemical analysis. Their work often involves fabricating microfluidic chips, optimizing fluid flow, and integrating sensors or other components. Microfluidics research engineers play a key role in advancing lab-on-a-chip devices and other innovations that enable rapid, precise analyses. They may work in academic, industrial, or clinical research settings.

What is the difference between Microfluidics Research Engineer vs Microfluidics Design Engineer?

AspectMicrofluidics Research EngineerMicrofluidics Design Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical, Chemical, or Biomedical Engineering; experience in microfluidic systemsBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical, Electrical, or Biomedical Engineering; focus on device design
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, R&D departments, academic institutionsDesign studios, R&D teams, industry manufacturing settings
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, biotech companies, universitiesMedical device companies, biotech firms, startups

While both roles involve microfluidic technologies, the Microfluidics Research Engineer focuses on experimental research and development, whereas the Microfluidics Design Engineer emphasizes designing and prototyping microfluidic devices. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds but differ in daily tasks and work environments.

More about Microfluidics Research Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Microfluidics Research Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Microfluidics Research Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Microfluidics Research Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Microfluidics Research Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Microfluidics Research Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Microfluidics Research Engineer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Microfluidics Research Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $106,012 per year, or $51 per hour.

Microfabrication & Microfluidics Engineer

Emergingdx Inc

Lowell, MA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, PTO

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

We are a small, agile R&D-driven, and mission-oriented company—working at the interface of engineering, biology and micro/nano-systems. We design and build advanced microsystems with real world impact: from In-vitro diagnostics to organ-on-a-chip platforms, to wearable sensors, to soft-robotic interfaces. If you thrive in a hands-on environment where you move quickly from concept to prototype to system, you will feel at home here.

As our Microfabrication & Microfluidics Engineer, you will lead the design, fabrication and integration of next-generation microsystems including micro/nano fluidics and on-chip sensors. You will work across disciplines—mechanical, electrical, biological, microfluidics—and bring together clean-room fabrication, simulation, CAD design, sensor integration and system packaging. You will be expected to execute independently and contribute to the progression of technologies toward commercialization.

Key Responsibilities

  • Drive the design, fabrication, and characterization of microfluidics, micro-/nano-fabricated in-vitro diagnostic devices and organ-on-a-chip technologies.
  • Develop and optimize clean-room micro/nano fabrication processes (photolithography, thin-film deposition, dry&wet etching, bonding, surface treatment, soft lithography).
  • Perform surface functionalization of the micro/nano fluidics devices and fully characterize them using various instruments and tools.
  • Design and prototype wearable and/or soft robotic systems incorporating microfluidics, sensors, and actuators using various fabrication methods including but not limited to 3D printing, embossing, injection molding.
  • Integrate micro/nanofluidic, sensing technologies (optical, physical, chemical and biological sensors) and actuation modules into full systems; collaborate with electronics, biology, materials and manufacturing teams.
  • Use simulation and modelling tools (e.g., COMSOL Multiphysics) to validate fluidic, thermal, mechanical, or electrokinetic behavior and iterate design.
  • Generate detailed CAD models and fabrication drawings using SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Adobe Illustrator (or similar tools).
  • Troubleshoot prototypes, perform testing, analyze results, document findings, revise designs and scale toward manufacture.
  • Develop and manage fast-paced project timelines while proactively identifying and mitigating risks.
  • Maintain strong documentation of process flows, design history files, risk assessments, prototypes, and results—supporting potential regulatory or commercialization pathways.
  • Effectively communicate results and technical insights to clients and stakeholders through both written reports and oral presentations.
  • Contribute to IP generation, technical reports, grant proposals and internal project milestones.
  • Stay current on scientific literature, and emerging technologies and incorporate them as needed.

Qualifications

  • Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Materials Science, Applied Physics or a closely related field.
  • Demonstrated minimum 7 years of hands-on experience in microfabrication, microfluidics or MEMS device development (preferable in industry R&D settings).
  • Strong demonstrable expertise in:
    • Clean-room micro/nano-fabrication (photolithography, thin-film deposition, dry&wet etching, bonding, dicing, laser ablation, soft lithography, and the other methods).
    • Micro- and nano-fluidic device design and prototyping (e.g., PDMS, silicon/glass, polymer devices).
    • Running and troubleshooting micro/nanofluidic experiments.
    • Multiphysics simulation/modeling (COMSOL Multiphysics or equivalent FEA/CFD tools).
    • CAD/design tools: SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Adobe Illustrator (or similar 2D/3D design and layout tools).
    • Sensor integration (optical, physical, electrochemical, biochemical) and system-level assembly.
    • Proficiency in data processing and analysis to enable interpretation of results.
    • Application to: organ-on-a-chip technologies, wearable systems, soft robotics with embedded microfluidics/sensors.
    • Fabrication methods such as 3D printing, injection molding, embossing.
    • Characterization instruments and tools including but not limited to AFM, optical profilometry, nanoindentation, microscopy (brightfield, fluorescence, confocal), SEM, TEM, XPS, Auger.
    • Coding with Python or similar.

· Detail-oriented, systems-focused, and passionate about delivering high impact through innovation

  • Excellent analytical, problem-solving and documentation skills; able to communicate clearly in written and oral form.
  • Comfortable working in a fast-paced, resource-constrained R&D environment, collaborating across disciplines, and handling ambiguity.
  • A track-record of driving R&D projects to prototype stage and beyond, with attention to manufacturability and transferability.
  • Bonus Skills:

o Experience with automation systems and robotic platforms, including system integration and troubleshooting.

o Understanding of regulatory, quality, and safety standards applicable to laboratory and analytical instrumentation.

o Demonstrated commercial product development experience, including design-for-manufacturing (DFM), machine design, and automation engineering.

Why You will Join Us

  • You will work on impactful, high-visibility technologies—not just incremental features.
  • You will be part of a small, cross-disciplinary team where your expertise is pivotal and visible.
  • You will have autonomy, ownership and the opportunity to shape new device platforms and technologies.
  • You will gain exposure to both early-stage R&D and downstream commercialization pathways.
  • We offer competitive compensation, and benefits.

How to Apply—Ready to Define Future Microfluidic Platforms

Please send your CV, a brief cover letter highlighting your most relevant hands-on fabrication/simulation/design experience, and examples of past projects (including publications or prototypes where applicable) to careers@emergingdx.com with the subject line: “Microfabrication & Microfluidics Engineer – [Your Name]”

Due to the nature of our business and information associated with this position, interested candidates must be US Citizens or Permanent Resident.

At EmergingDx Inc, we are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building and sustaining a talented, inclusive, and diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.

Note to recruiters: We are not seeking assistance for this position. Please do not contact us via phone or email regarding this opening.

As a U.S. Government contractor, we are required to collect certain applicant information for federal reporting purposes. We are also E-Verified.