Automation Engineer, Laboratory Automation – Analytical Sciences

Overview

We are seeking an Automation Engineer to join the Laboratory Automation team within Analytical Sciences. This fully on-site role is based in Santa Monica, California. Reporting to the Senior Automation Scientist, you will support the development, implementation, testing, and optimization of automation solutions for analytical science workflows, including cell-based, immunological, and genomic assays.

The role focuses on hands-on support for converting laboratory processes into reliable, scalable, and dataenabled automated workflows. You will work with scientists, engineers, and cross-functional partners to build and test workcells, develop liquid-handling methods, support data automation, troubleshoot system performance, and document technical solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the design, development, and implementation of laboratory automation solutions for analytical workflows.

• Operate, program, test, and maintain automated liquid-handling platforms, with Hamilton and Lynx experience preferred.

• Develop, modify, and optimize liquid-handling methods and scripts under the guidance of senior team members.

• Build automation module and/or workcell, including integration of liquid handlers, laboratory instruments, robotic devices, scheduling software, and supporting equipment. Integrate automated workflows into workcells and test communication between instruments, automation platforms, and scheduling systems.

• Help translate manual laboratory procedures into robust automated workflows.

• Expertise in automation testing, method verification, troubleshooting, and performance evaluation.

• Troubleshoot automation hardware, software, liquid-handling, communication, and workflow issues.

• Hands-on experience data automation and data engineering related to automated workflow operation, including file management, data transfer, data parsing, result tracking, and basic data review.

• Maintain technical documentation, including SOPs, work instructions, test plans, user guides, and technical reports.

• Support the training of laboratory personnel on automation systems and workflows.

• Communicate project progress, issues, risks, dependencies, and support needs to the Senior Automation Scientist and project team.

• Support the integration of automated instruments with workflow execution software, data repositories, and LIMS platforms where applicable.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, biotechnology, or a related scientific or technical field with 2+ years work experience with laboratory automation or automated liquid-handling systems; Hamilton experience preferred.

• Master’s degree in engineering, computer science, biotechnology, or a related scientific or technical field. OCT2026

• Experience with developing workcell automation solutions, workcells, products and building and integration of automation workflows involving liquid handlers, laboratory instruments, robotics, or scheduling software.

• Experience with data automation and data handling associated with automated laboratory workflows.

• Familiarity with Hamilton VENUS, Dynamic Device Method Manager, HighRes Cellario, or comparable automation software.

• Basic programming or scripting experience in Python, C++, or a similar language.

• Strong troubleshooting, organizational, communication, and collaboration skills. Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly and proactively communicate project progress, issues, risks, dependencies, and support needs to the Senior Automation Scientist and project team.

• Ability to work hands-on in a fully on-site laboratory environment and manage assigned deliverables.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting analytical laboratory workflows, such as cell-based, immunological, genomic, or flow cytometry assays.

• Experience with Hamilton VANTAGE/STAR/STARlet or comparable liquid-handling platforms.

• Experience integrating laboratory automation with LIMS, instrument-control, scheduling, or datamanagement systems.

• Familiarity with barcode-based sample tracking, chain of identity, or chain of custody controls.

• Familiarity with cell therapy CMC fast-paced environment and matrix, project-based team works.

• Hands-on experience with engineering design, prototyping, and machine-shop fabrication, including developing custom fixtures, components, and in-house laboratory automation solutions from concept through build and testing.

The annual base pay (or hourly rate of compensation) for this position ranges from $90,960.80 to $136,441.20 . Our positions offer eligibility for various incentives—an opportunity to receive short-term incentive bonuses, equity-based awards for salaried roles and commissions for sales roles. Benefits offered include qualified retirement programs, paid time off (i.e., vacation, holiday, and leaves), as well as health, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms of the applicable plans. 

Date Posted

Closing Date

Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. In furtherance of that mission, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please complete the corresponding section in the application form.