Hiring: Principal Systems Architect - Instruments Company: Cytek Biosciences Location: Bellevue, WA Job Posted Time: 2026-09-11 10:33:20 Employment Type: Contract Target Skills & Keywords : MATLAB, Python, R About the job Experience: •Direct experience with flow cytometer, fluidic subsystems, or closely related technologies such as hematology analyzers, cell sorters, or microfluidic diagnostic systems. •Operational familiarity with optical detection systems, fluorescence, and signal acquisition. •Hands-on experience coordinating with China- and APAC-based engineering and operations teams. •Proficiencywith modeling, simulation, or data analysis tools such as CFD, MATLAB, or Python. Required Skills: •Own the end-to-end system architecture for flow cytometry instruments, ensuring strong integration of fluidics, optics, electronics, software, and serviceability requirements. •Define system requirements, interface specifications, and performance budgets to balance performance, reliability, manufacturability, cost, and scalability. •Lead architecture decisions for fluidics subsystems, including sample handling, sheath flow, flow cell design, clog resistance, and contamination control. •Drive reliability engineering activities, including failure mode analysis, reliability risk assessment, root cause analysis, corrective actions, and long-term robustness improvements. •Establish and track system-level reliability goals such as uptime, MTBF, failure rates, maintenance intervals, and field performance metrics. •Collaborate closely with R&D, quality, manufacturing, service, and NPI teams to ensure design choices support product reliability and lifecycle performance. •Work directly with internal teams and suppliers in China to align on technical requirements, resolve issues, support qualification, and drive on-time execution. •Participate in supplier development, design reviews, risk mitigation, and technical issue resolution with global and China-based partners. Qualifications: •Ph.D. or M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Bioengineering, Physics, or related field. •8+ years of experience developing complex analytical, diagnostic, or life science instrumentation. •Demonstrated experience in system architecture and cross-functional technical leadership. •In-depth knowledge of fluidics systems, including flow control, microfluidics, particle transport, and contamination mitigation. •Strong troubleshooting skills and a bias toward root cause resolution and preventive action. •Direct experience with Class I, II, or III medical devices, including 510(k) cleared products •Demonstrated capacity to translate customer and product needs into clear engineering requirements and trade-offs. •Strong communicator who can teach, coach, and influence without formal authority •Hands-on problem solver who enjoys working on the production floor as well as in documentation systems •Demonstrated capacity to travel internationally (up to 20%) to support global manufacturing and cross-site collaboration Compensation: •$176,000 - $220,000 / year Interested candidates, please apply directly through the job posting on company's career page or try via AI auto apply on this platform. Don't miss this opportunity to join a forward-thinking team!