Senior Director, Clinical Genomics Engineering

Summary

Join Natera as a Senior Director of Clinical Genomics Engineering and lead the development and scaling of software systems transforming genomic data into clinical insights. You will own the strategy and execution of the Clinical Genomic Insights platform, a suite of cloud-native systems processing genomic data, automating variant annotation and classification, streamlining review, and generating clinical reports. This role requires driving innovation in bioinformatics, software engineering, and clinical genomics, leveraging AI and machine learning to automate variant interpretation and improve efficiency. The platform supports germline and somatic assays at a clinical scale, impacting millions of patients. You will lead a high-performing engineering team, collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards. This is a leadership position at the intersection of technology and healthcare, offering a unique opportunity to make a significant impact.

Requirements

• Advanced degree (MS/PhD) in Genomics, Bioinformatics, Computer Science, or related field; or equivalent industry experience
• 10+ years of engineering leadership experience, including 5+ years managing medium-to-large engineering organizations
• Proven track record building bioinformatics software for clinical interpretation, including variant annotation, curation, and reporting
• Deep understanding of genomic data (e.g., VCFs, BAMs), variant classification frameworks (e.g., ACMG), and tertiary analysis tools and databases (e.g., VEP, SnpEff, ClinVar, COSMIC, etc)
• Hands-on experience building cloud-based distributed systems at scale (AWS preferred), including event-driven architectures (e.g., Kafka)
• Familiarity with regulatory standards for software in medical diagnostics (e.g., SaMD, IEC 62304, 21 CFR Part 11)

Responsibilities

• Define and evolve the architecture for a cloud-native, microservices-based platform powering Natera’s results interpretation and reporting capabilities
• Drive innovation in both engineering and scientific domains, including: AI-assisted variant annotation and classification, Automated technical review and variant curation pipelines, Reflex assay orchestration and decision logic, Report generation, rendering, and report delivery​
• Ensure systems meet clinical-grade SLAs for scalability, reliability, and accuracy across millions of variants per week and high-throughput pipelines
• Lead cross-functional delivery across software, bioinformatics, and product to launch new assay capabilities, improve efficiency, and enhance quality
• Instill engineering excellence through best practices in architecture, test automation, CI/CD, monitoring, and observability
• Operate in compliance with regulatory standards including FDA, CLIA, CAP, and HIPAA, maintaining audit readiness and traceability
• Build and lead a high-performing engineering organization (~60+ people), scaling teams focused on platform development, scientific services, and system operations
• Mentor and develop engineering managers and technical leads, fostering a culture of scientific rigor, collaboration, and ownership
• Manage strategic planning, headcount allocation, and delivery velocity across complex, multi-assay programs
• Collaborate closely with stakeholders across Laboratory Directors, Clinical Affairs, R&D, Regulatory, and Product to align delivery with business and clinical goals
• Represent the Clinical Genomics Insights platform in company-wide architecture forums, regulatory audits, and key program reviews

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with AI/ML applications in genomics or clinical diagnostics
• Familiarity with multi-omics data integration or longitudinal data pipelines
• Strong cross-functional communication skills and ability to lead in a matrixed environment

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life and disability plans for eligible employees and their dependents
• Free testing in addition to fertility care benefits
• Pregnancy and baby bonding leave
• 401k benefits
• Commuter benefits
• A generous employee referral program