About the Company

Sapho Bio is the developer of a rapid microbiology release platform for precision medicine. We are a multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers committed to transforming pharmaceutical release testing through innovation, speed, and accuracy. We are a team built on ownership, accountability, and continuous improvement, scaling rapidly following product validation and commercial traction. Our culture emphasizes agency, innovation, intellectual curiosity, and continual learning.

About the Role

We are seeking a highly motivated Operations Engineer Manager to join our growing team in San Carlos. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys solving operational challenges through systems thinking, organization, and continuous improvement.

The Operations Engineer will play a critical role in supporting laboratory operations by managing equipment, inventory, procurement, facilities coordination, and operational workflows. This position provides broad exposure to startup operations and offers an opportunity to directly influence the efficiency and scalability of a rapidly growing biotechnology company.

The ideal candidate is organized, analytical, resourceful, and driven to optimize complex systems. You enjoy learning new technologies, building processes from scratch, and finding practical solutions to operational challenges.

This role reports directly to the Head of Lab.

Qualifications

Required

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, Biology, Chemistry, Biotechnology, Operations, Supply Chain, or related STEM field.
0–2 years of professional experience in laboratory operations, facilities operations, procurement, logistics, manufacturing, engineering, or related fields.
Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail and documentation practices.
Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot problems using first-principles thinking.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong proficiency with Google Workspace and modern productivity tools.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic startup environment.
Demonstrated ownership mentality and strong follow-through.
Must reside within a reasonable commuting distance of San Carlos, CA.

Preferred

Familiarity with operating and maintaining analytical laboratory equipment.
Experience leveraging AI tools and automation technologies.
Experience with Notion, Airtable, or similar operational platforms.
Familiarity with React, Supabase, scripting, or workflow automation tools.
Biotechnology or laboratory operations experience.

Responsibilities

Manage inventory and consumable purchasing through company procurement systems.
Receive, verify, quality-check, and distribute incoming shipments.
Receive and verify incoming pharmaceutical samples.
Coordinate purchasing, installation, maintenance, and repair of laboratory equipment.
Maintain physical organization of laboratory spaces.
Manage laboratory consumables, chemicals, reagents, and supplies.
Coordinate equipment calibrations, certifications, service contracts, and preventative maintenance.
Manage laboratory waste programs, including hazardous, biohazardous, and controlled-substance waste.
Coordinate with building maintenance and external vendors.
Manage laboratory gas inventory and replenishment.
Coordinate freezer cleanouts, organization, and maintenance activities.
Support laboratory safety training and onboarding activities.
Manage our general inbox.
Support office operations, including supplies, events, printers, and facility systems.
Perform other duties as assigned. Own procurement, storage, organization, and replenishment of laboratory consumables, chemicals, reagents, and supplies.
Any other duties as assigned

Travel & Logistics

This position is primarily onsite in San Carlos, California.
Occasional local travel may be required for vendor visits, equipment inspections, training, or operational support activities.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $100,000 – $115,000 annually

In addition to base compensation, this position is eligible for stock option participation, subject to company equity plan terms.

Benefits

Paid Time Off: Unlimited PTO, plus company-recognized holidays.
Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
DoorDash Credit: $25 credit for lunch and dinner while working in the office.
401(k) Plan with company matching, subject to plan terms.
Company-paid life insurance.
Stock option package.

Ideal Candidate Profile

You are someone who:

Takes full ownership of outcomes, not just assigned tasks.
Has a strong work ethic and consistently follows through on commitments.
Is naturally organized and enjoys building systems that scale.
Thrives when solving operational problems and improving processes.
Is intellectually curious and committed to continuous learning.
Learns quickly and adapts well to changing priorities.
Maintains a high level of integrity, accountability, and professionalism.
Enjoys working in a fast-paced, high-growth startup environment.
Leverages technology and AI tools to improve efficiency and effectiveness.

Application Requirements

Your cover letter (one page) should include clear examples of:

A time you demonstrated exceptional work ethic.
A time you optimized a complex process.
A time you designed an organizational system or workflow that improved efficiency.
A time you solved a difficult operational or logistical problem.

Applicants must also include an undergraduate transcript for consideration.

Life at Sapho Bio

High-Impact Work: Help transform pharmaceutical testing and accelerate patient access to life-saving therapies.
Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
Financial Security: 401(k) with company matching and company-paid life insurance.
Time to Recharge: Unlimited PTO and company-recognized holidays.
Connection & Community: Team lunches, office events, and offsite gatherings.
Competitive Compensation: Market-leading salary and meaningful equity participation.
Fast-Paced Environment: Join a team that moves quickly, learns continuously, and executes with purpose.
World-Class Team: Work alongside experienced scientists, engineers, and operators.
Prime Location: Sunny, collaborative workspace in San Carlos.

Sapho Bio is an equal employment opportunity employer. Employment is at-will, in accordance with California law.

Sapho Bio

Open Positions at Sapho Bio

Operations Manager