> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/2706513-staff-senior-staff-principal-systems-engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/2706513-staff-senior-staff-principal-systems-engineer). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Staff/ Senior Staff/ Principal Systems Engineer - **Company:** Culture Biosciences - **Location:** South San Francisco, CA, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $165,000.0 - $260,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Computer-Aided Design, Systems Engineering, Software Debugging, Firmware, Python (Programming Language), Rapid Prototyping Process, Software Requirements Analysis, Verification and Validation (Software), Systems Architecture, Scripting, Break Fix, Integration Tests, Data Analytics - **Published:** September 4, 2026 - **Apply:** https://startup.jobs/staff-senior-principal-systems-engineer-rd-culture-biosciences-8275924 ## About the Role Culture Biosciences is looking for a Staff/ Senior Staff/ Principal Systems Engineer in R&D as the technical authority for end-to-end system design and integration of complex, cross-disciplinary platforms. The candidate will translate Business Needs into R&D objectives and system architectures. They define interfaces and requirements, and lead integration and verification strategy from prototype through pre-production readiness. This role resolves the hardest technical tradeoffs, drives technical alignment across teams, and raises the organization's systems engineering bar through mentorship and standards. The candidate must have a strong and experienced background in Bioprocessing, Bioreactor design, and applications and have a breadth of understanding of Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Embedded, and Software)., * Advanced degree (Masters or PhD preferred) in Bioengineering, Chemistry, Biology, or a related field. * 15+ years of Industry experience with 10+ years in the biopharma, biotech, or life science field. * Significant experience architecting and integrating complex R&D systems (multi-disciplinary: hardware + software/controls + test). * Strong track record of leading cross-functional technical decisions and delivering integrated prototypes that meet defined acceptance criteria. * Expert ability to write concise system requirements and define interfaces that reduce integration churn. * Deep hands-on troubleshooting capability in lab environments with instrumentation, data-driven debugging, and structured RCA. * Broad experience with software, writing scripts (Python) and using CAD tools to evaluate mechanical and electrical designs. * Involved or leading multiple products and design releases to Manufacturing using both internal and external Contract Manufacturers. Preferred Skills: * Experience with ambiguity-heavy programs: rapid prototyping, evolving requirements, and parallel exploration. * Comfort with requirements/configuration discipline without over-bureaucratizing early-stage R&D. * You're excited to work in a small, cross-functional team in a fast-paced environment; rolling up your sleeves and doing whatever it takes to get the job done. * You consider your ability to organize and plan as one of your greatest strengths. * You have strong analytical skills with the ability to create data-driven technical solutions and proposals. * You are an excellent communicator, self-motivating, work well independently and with others, and have strong emotional intelligence. * You're an adept collaborator and able to build relationships with external and internal stakeholders that enable productive relationships. ## Description * Requirements & interface leadership: Establish User Needs, System Requirements, and traceability to verification and validation (clear, testable, version-controlled). * System architecture ownership: Define the end-to-end architecture, subsystem boundaries, and interfaces across mechanical, electrical, firmware/software, controls, and test. * Integration strategy: Build the integration plan (bring-up sequencing, dependency mapping, integration test strategy) and lead cross-functional execution through integration milestones. * Technical tradeoff studies: Lead tradeoffs of performance, reliability, safety, cost, manufacturability, and document decisions, assumptions, and risks. * Verification strategy in R&D: Define verification intent early (what "works" means), build coverage plans, and ensure prototypes generate evidence-not just demos. * Validation strategy for end use: Assist with Validation development and help establish plans that relate to User Needs. Interface with Application teams and Early Adopters in validating their workflows. * Complex debugging & Root Cause Analysis: Drive root-cause across subsystems; implement corrective actions and regression prevention (design changes, test additions, process updates). * Design review leadership: Lead system-level design reviews and readiness gates around architecture, integration readiness and verification readiness. * Standards & mentorship: Create templates/best practices and mentor other systems engineers and tech leads. * Partner with operations early: Influence DFM/DFT and serviceability decisions early enough to avoid late redesign. Assist with production test plans and production workflows. * Vendor management: Work directly with vendors to drive technology, understand design needs, and verify 3rd party integrated technology. * Partner with Commercial/Sales: Stay abreast of competitive technologies, Win/Loss reports and overall customer needs to help define future developments for the business. ## Related Videos - [Playing Pong on a shoulder press machine](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100140-playing-pong-on-a-shoulder-press-machine) - [JavaScript? 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