Senior Software Quality & Compliance Engineer

Personalis, Inc. is a leader in advanced cancer genomics for enabling the next generation of precision cancer therapies and diagnostics. The Personalis NeXT Platform® is designed to adapt to the complex and evolving understanding of cancer, providing its biopharmaceutical customers and clinicians with information on all of the approximately 20,000 human genes, together with the immune system, from a single tissue sample. In population sequencing, Personalis operates one of the largest sequencing operations globally and is currently the sole sequencing provider to Veterans Affairs' Million Veteran Program. To enable cancer and population sequencing, Personalis' Clinical Laboratory was built with a focus on clinical accuracy, quality, big data, scale and efficiency. The laboratory is GxP-aligned as well as Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988-certified and College of American Pathologists-accredited. Personalis is based in Fremont, California.

Summary:

We are seeking a proactive, self-motivated and detail-oriented Senior Software Quality & Compliance Engineer to serve as the vital bridge between innovative software development and rigorous regulatory and compliance standards.. In this high-impact role, you will spearhead Computer System Validation (CSV) initiatives, champion our Electronic Quality Management System (eQMS), and pioneer the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into our quality frameworks. The ideal candidate will ensure that Personalis software products and internal systems are high-performing, compliant with global standards (including FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and 820, ISO 13485, and IEC 62304 etc), and primed for the next generation of automated quality oversight.

Onsite: Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday 

Responsibilities:

• Computer System Validation (CSV): Drive the end-to-end GAMP 5 validation lifecycle for both internal software and cloud-based platforms. Take full ownership of authoring, executing, and finalizing critical compliance deliverables, including Validation Plans, IQ/OQ/PQs, and Validation Summary Reports.
• Regulatory Compliance: Enforce rigorous regulatory alignment across all software development activities, ensuring seamless, continuous compliance with FDA 21 CFR 820, 21 CFR Part 11, EU Annex 11, and IEC 62304 standards.
• Risk Management: Spearhead proactive Risk Assessments (FMEA) to pinpoint potential software hazards early, implementing robust mitigation strategies across the entire CSV and Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC).
• AI Integration & Governance: Partner with Quality leadership to integrate AI-driven tools into the QMS. Develop robust, risk-based frameworks for AI validation to ensure all machine learning models utilized in quality processes remain transparent, traceable, and fully compliant.
• Cybersecurity - Champion a secure-by-design culture by collaborating seamlessly with IT, ensuring our digital infrastructure and software products maintain a proactive, audit-ready posture against emerging cybersecurity threats.
• Audit Support: Serve as the primary SW Quality Subject Matter Expert (SME) during internal and external audits, confidently presenting and defending validation packages and quality processes to regulatory bodies.
• eQMS Support: As the SW Quality Subject Matter Expert, driving continuous improvement in system configuration and user workflows champion uncompromising data integrity across foundational quality modules in the eQMS such as Document Control, CAPA, and Change Management.
• Drive rigorous cross-functional alignment by partnering closely with Software Development and SQA teams: Provide expert guidance on accurate generation of essential design control documentation, including Software/System Requirement Specifications, Architecture, Testing protocols/reports, and System Risk Analyses.

Required Qualifications:

• Education - BS in computer science or other related areas or equivalent experience.
• Experience: 5-8 years of direct experience in Software Quality Assurance or Compliance within a regulated industry (Diagnostics, MedTech, Pharma, or Biotech preferred).
• CSV Expertise: Proven track record of validating complex software systems and maintaining a "validated state" through rigorous change control.
• eQMS Proficiency: Deep hands-on experience managing or implementing platforms such as MasterControl, Veeva, Arena, or ETQ Reliance.
• Technical Knowledge: Demonstrate deep expertise in varied SDLC methodologies (including Agile and the V-Model), coupled with extensive hands-on experience driving core quality resolutions, such as Non-Conformances (NC), Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA), and Complaint handling.
• AI Exposure: Demonstrate a strong working knowledge of AI/ML principles, combined with a clear strategic focus on governing and applying these technologies compliantly within a mature Quality Management System.

Preferred Skills:

• Exhibit exceptional communication skills, with a proven track record of translating complex regulatory software requirements into clear, actionable guidance for cross-functional teams.
• Hands-on experience within global frameworks—specifically the FDA, IVDR (EU 2017/746), or MDR (EU 2017/745)—is a strong plus.

The hiring range for this position is $130,000 to $155,000 per year, which may factor in various geographic regions. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. Our full-time regular positions also include an annual performance-based bonus (or a sales incentive plan) and long-term incentive units (equity) provided as part of our compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.

Personalis is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the full inclusion of all individuals. As part of this commitment, Personalis will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodations. If you need an accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please let your recruiter know, if/when they contacts you.

Protecting Our Candidates: At Personalis, we value your security. Please note that all official correspondence from our team will come exclusively from @personalis.com email addresses. We will never ask for personal financial information or conduct interviews over text or chat platforms. If you receive a suspicious request, it is likely a scam. We are committed to a safe recruitment experience and actively work with authorities to investigate and prosecute cyber crimes targeting our community.

Personalis is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabilities. Personalis offers a competitive compensation package and benefits including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) match, ESPP, tuition reimbursement, sick/vacation time, commuter benefits/ EV charging stations, onsite gym, and wellness benefits. (For US only, benefits in other countries may vary.) 

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