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Microfluidics Research Engineer Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

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Microfluidics Research Engineer information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$38.3K

$109.6K

$147.3K

How much do microfluidics research engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for microfluidics research engineer in Silver Spring, MD is $109,593.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $107,500.00 and $107,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 is a microfluidics research engineer?

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 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 popular job titles related to Microfluidics Research Engineer jobs in Silver Spring, MD?

For Microfluidics Research Engineer jobs in Silver Spring, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Microfluidics Research Engineer jobs in Silver Spring, MD look for?

The top searched job categories for Microfluidics Research Engineer jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:

Microfluidics Research Engineer jobs near you

BME/ME Research and Prototyping Engineer (co-op)

Current Surgical Inc.

Washington, DC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

About Current Surgical Inc.

Current Surgical is a startup company developing technology on the frontier of engineering and biology. Our first product is a smart microinvasive needle that precisely destroys tumors without damaging healthy tissue, allowing doctors to treat cancers that are untreatable today.

Our technology is backed by the National Science Foundation, and the company is funded by top tier venture capital firms interested in dramatically improving the accuracy and accessibility of surgery.

About you

We are looking for a mechanical engineer or biomedical engineer (with a mechanical engineering focus) who is excited to develop technology at the forefront of medical devices and precision surgery. You will work directly with the co-founders to design, develop, and test our clinical prototype. This is a difficult hands-on engineering challenge that integrates precision mechanics, novel electronics, microfluidics, and ultrasound physics.

The ideal candidate is someone who is a ‘maker’ at heart, interested in working at a startup, and eager to challenge their technical development. This is a unique opportunity, as one of the first employees, you will have the opportunity to work across many areas of a hardtech biomedical startup, including helping to design preclinical studies and interfacing with clinicians. We are expecting you to be a core team member supporting mechanical development, which at this stage requires design, hands-on development, and experimental oversight and execution.

Educational background

  • BS, MS, or PhD candidates in mechanical or biomedical engineering or closely related fields (e.g. mechatronics, robotics).

  • Ideal BS candidates are juniors or seniors with experience in a research lab and/or prior internships. Ideal MS candidates have prior research and/or internship experience. Ideal PhD candidates are those interested in learning more about R&D roles in industry and enjoy developing experimental techniques.

  • Position requires a minimum of a 6 month commitment (an academic semester and summer).

Desired skills

  • Basic experience with a range of fabrication approaches and their tradeoffs, with different materials (metal, polymers, ceramics, etc.)

  • Experience with CAD tools (e.g., Solidworks, Fusion 360) and ability to design complex mechanical parts and assemblies

  • Interest in biomedical research and conducting benchtop experiments that may include ex vivo tissue

  • Elementary data analysis experience with Matlab and/or Python

  • General knowledge of medical imaging is a plus