VP of Engineering: mRNA Manufacturing Technologies

VP of Engineering: Architecting the Future of mRNA Manufacturing Technologies with World’s Largest Microfluidic Chip.

Location: Oss, The Netherlands (On-site / Relocation Support Provided)

Company: RiboPro

Funding: Series A funded with Vlasroot, Rockstart, BOM Brabant Ventures, Mountain Capital partners along with undiluted funding from Wellcome Leap. Currently preparing for a Series B.

About RiboPro

At RiboPro, we are not just making mRNA medicines; we are reimagining how they are built. Based in the heart of the Dutch Life Sciences corridor in Oss, RiboPro is a high-growth biotech innovator dedicated to democratizing mRNA technology.

Our mission is twofold: we operate a world-class facility producing custom mRNA constructs and formulations, and we empower the global scientific community through our proprietary "RiboFlux" continuous-flow manufacturing systems. By reducing the transition time from academic discovery to clinical application, these new machines are providing the infrastructure for the next generation of pandemic response, personalized medicine and medicine in general.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a VP of Engineering to lead the hardware revolution of mRNA synthesis and redefine how medicines are made. This is a rare, high-stakes role for a visionary leader who thrives on "blank page" engineering. You will be responsible for the architecture of our RiboFlux systems: novel, unique equipment that does not follow a traditional blueprint.

You draw from 4 years of experimentation and engineering on prototypes of the system to deliver the first industrialized version of the RiboFlux system. Next, you will lead the work on the development various after-market upgrades and companion machines, expanding the capabilities of the system to a full-stack solution for medicine manufacturing.

You will have access to an experienced, multidisciplinary internal team (including QA/regulatory), a well-equipped prototyping lab, and strong external partners to achieve the mission.

As a member of the executive leadership team, you will work directly with the CEO to define our international growth strategy, turning bleeding-edge mechatronics into a global commercial standard.

Core Responsibilities

• Engineering Leadership: Directly manage, mentor and grow an agile team of 10-12 internal engineers while serving as the primary technical lead for our external third-party design and manufacturing partners.
• Novel System Architecture: Lead the design and development of "RiboFlux", our continuous-flow mRNA manufacturing system. You will navigate high levels of ambiguity to create unique, first-of-their-kind mechatronic solutions.
• Global Strategy & Growth: Partner with the CEO to build the company’s international scaling roadmap, ensuring our technology meets the needs of a diverse global market.
• Commercial Liaison: Act as the technical face of RiboPro. You will engage with Biotechs, CDMOs, Bio foundries, and sovereign government representatives to translate complex engineering into high-value commercial solutions.
• Regulatory & Safety Stewardship: Oversee the regulatory pathway for medicine equipment development, ensuring all hardware complies with international safety protocols and healthcare standards.

Who You Are

• The Problem Solver: You don't just solve problems; you thrive in the ambiguity of "unsolved" spaces. You have a proven track record of designing novel hardware architecture where no prior template existed.
• The Mechatronics Expert: You possess a deep background in high-precision mechatronics, ideally within the healthcare, life sciences, or complex fluidics sectors.
• The Communicator: You can navigate a technical deep dive with an engineer in the morning and a high-level strategic discussion with a government official in the afternoon. Your written and verbal English is impeccable.
• The Mentor: You are passionate about coaching. You take pride in building a culture of excellence, curiosity, and accountability within your team.
• The Hands-on Engineer: Next to your leadership role, you dive into the details when necessary and think 5 steps ahead to ensure maximum chance of success, without losing oversight of the bigger picture.
• The Rock: You are stress-resistant, enjoy the occasional sprint and delivering against a tight deadline.

Candidate Requirements

• Education: Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in Mechatronics, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience: Significant leadership experience (minimum 5 years, preferably 2+ products) in a commercial biotech/healthcare/med-tech environment.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Prior exposure to the regulatory pathways (CE, FDA, ISO) required for medicine manufacturing, or medical device, equipment development.
• Industry Savvy: A deep understanding of the commercial healthcare landscape and the ability to operate effectively within a fast-paced, Series A start-up environment (at least 1 start-up role preferred).

Why Join RiboPro in Oss?

While many look to Amsterdam, the true innovation in Life Sciences is happening in Oss. As part of the Pivot Park ecosystem, you will be at the epicentre of European biotech.

• Impact: Your work will directly reduce the cost and lead time of life-saving medicines. If successful, you will have forever changed how medicines are made.
• Stability & Growth: With our $20M funding, we offer the agility of a start-up with the financial runway of an established company.
• Total Rewards: A highly competitive executive compensation package, including performance incentives and comprehensive benefits.
• Relocation: For the right candidate, we provide full support to help you and your family settle into the high quality of life the Netherlands has to offer.

Apply Now

If you are ready to move beyond incremental improvements and want to build the machines that will define the future of medicine, we want to hear from you.