Staff Laboratory Automation Engineer

Location: San Diego, CA

Job Type: Full-Time, Onsite

Hiring Range Salary: $150,000 - $160,000 + Equity & Bonus

Position Overview:

We are seeking an experienced Staff Laboratory Automation Engineer to own the design, scripting, deployment, and ongoing support of Hamilton VENUS liquid-handling automation across core laboratory workflows.

This is a hands-on, platform-expert role supporting an accelerated laboratory launch. The successful candidate will bring production-grade Hamilton VENUS expertise from day one and serve as a senior technical authority for laboratory automation.

Responsibilities:

• Design, script, test, optimize, and deploy Hamilton VENUS methods supporting library preparation, extraction, and sample-processing workflows.

• Configure deck layouts, labware definitions, liquid classes, pipetting parameters, tip strategies, and exception/error-handling logic.

• Translate molecular biology protocols into reliable, reproducible, and scalable automated workflows.

• Build and maintain standardized deck configurations, reusable method components, labware libraries, and liquid-class standards.

• Integrate Hamilton platforms with peripheral instrumentation, including thermal cyclers, plate sealers/peelers, barcode readers, robotic arms, and other laboratory devices.

• Serve as the senior escalation point for method failures, instrument faults, and liquid-handling performance issues; perform root-cause analysis and implement corrective solutions.

• Partner with R&D, Lab Operations, and Quality on IQ/OQ/PQ, method validation, change control, and production releases.

• Maintain method documentation, version histories, validation records, and technical specifications.

• Partner with LIMS and Software Engineering to ensure sample manifests, run logs, plate maps, and sample-level data integrate reliably with laboratory systems.

• Establish automation development, scripting, testing, and documentation standards and review methods prior to production deployment.

• Mentor engineers and laboratory partners on Hamilton VENUS capabilities, troubleshooting, and automation best practices.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with scientists, engineers, Quality, and Lab Operations to support laboratory readiness, workflow improvements, and future automation initiatives.

Qualifications

• BS with 8+ years, MA with 6+ years or PhD with 3+ year of experience in life sciences, engineering or computer science.

• Deep, production-grade Hamilton VENUS expertise required from day one, including method scripting, deck design, liquid-class development, pipetting optimization, and troubleshooting.

• 6+ years of hands-on experience developing, deploying, and supporting laboratory automation using Hamilton STAR, STARlet, Vantage, or similar platforms.

• Strong understanding of molecular biology and laboratory workflows, including library preparation, extraction, and sample processing.

• Experience integrating liquid handlers with third-party laboratory instrumentation and peripheral devices.

• Familiarity with validation, documentation, and change-control requirements within CLIA/CAP, GxP, or similarly regulated environments.

• Strong troubleshooting, root-cause-analysis, and independent technical decision-making capabilities.

• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced environment and independently drive complex automation issues through resolution.

Additional Qualifications:

• Experience with additional automation platforms such as Agilent Bravo or Tecan Fluent.

• Programming or scripting experience with Python, C#, Java, or similar languages.

• Experience integrating laboratory automation with LIMS/LIS and laboratory informatics systems.

• Experience supporting complex, high-throughput laboratory automation environments.

• We are an equal opportunity employer. We thrive on diversity and collaboration.