Automation Engineer

Description

This is a 12-month contract role for an automation engineer at the Petaluma site.

You will design, configure, test, put in place, and maintain automation for formulation, DNA synthesis, manufacturing workflows, and production data systems.

You will work with Manufacturing, Quality, Operational Technology, Enterprise Information Technology, and outside vendors to deliver automation that is reliable, maintainable, and compliant.

The job mixes hands-on equipment and workflow support with software work, MES and LIMS integration, scheduling and batching automation, production data capture, and deploying automation that raises productivity, protects data integrity, and helps the site scale.

Responsibilities

• Build, configure, test, troubleshoot, and verify automated liquid handling workflows on Dynamic Devices, Tecan, and other production equipment, covering methods, deck layouts, consumables, plates, scripts, and links to nearby manufacturing steps.
• Write, change, test, troubleshoot, and document automation and scheduling scripts in C, Python, instrument-specific languages, and other approved tools.
• Support DNA synthesis automation, including sample and batch tracking, instrument status, barcodes, labels, and data flow between manufacturing steps and digital systems.
• Configure and test MES and LIMS workflows for traceability, covering operator tasks, station activities, production records, instrument events, and batch status.
• Help design, build, configure, and improve scheduling and batching automation for assigned workflows, including run sequencing, dispatching, queue management, and hands-off workflow starts, to reduce manual batching decisions and keep processes consistent.
• Run dry runs, wet runs, process simulations, user acceptance testing, issue triage, and operational readiness testing with Manufacturing, Quality, Process Design, and Operational Technology teams.
• Write or contribute to work instructions, automation requirements, risk assessments, test protocols, traceability records, deviation records, and validation or computer software assurance deliverables for controlled rollout, quality review, and compliant upkeep.
• Identify and report workflow bottlenecks, manual handoff risks, data integrity gaps, batching inefficiencies, and automation improvements for senior engineering, quality, or management to review.
• Work with internal teams and external vendors to fix automation issues, check workflow performance, and make sure operators can use the solutions and site teams can maintain them.
• Follow company policies, procedures, safety expectations, quality requirements, data integrity practices, and engineering standards.
• Take on other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in automation engineering, electrical engineering, mechatronics, robotics, computer science or engineering, manufacturing technology, or a related technical field, plus at least 1 year of automation experience; or an associate degree or technical certificate in a related technical field plus at least 3 years of automation experience; or an equivalent mix of education and hands-on automation experience.
• Working knowledge of C and Python, including reading, troubleshooting, changing, testing, and documenting code for instrument control, workflow automation, data processing, system integration, and manufacturing support.
• Hands-on experience supporting liquid handlers, laboratory automation, workflow integration, manufacturing automation, instrument integration, or automated lab or manufacturing systems.
• Working knowledge of liquid handling workflows, plate-based processing, sample and batch tracking, barcode-driven workflows, instrument setup, basic method troubleshooting, and manufacturing data capture.
• Experience configuring, operating, supporting, or troubleshooting automated liquid handlers such as Tecan, Lynx, Hamilton, Beckman, or similar platforms.
• Experience supporting automated workflows with instruments, consumables, plates, labels, barcodes, data capture, and structured operator or system handoffs.
• Experience documenting automation setups, test results, troubleshooting outcomes, work instructions, training materials, and handoff information.
• Ability to follow controlled procedures, run tests, record technical changes, and clearly communicate issues across Manufacturing, Quality, Engineering, Operational Technology, Enterprise IT, and vendor teams.
• Strong written and verbal communication, including explaining technical information to technical and non-technical people.
• Strong attention to detail, practical troubleshooting skills, and comfort working in active manufacturing or lab environments.
• Ability to work independently while escalating risks, blockers, and technical decisions at the right time.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams.
• Preferred (desired, not required): direct experience with Lynx or Tecan liquid handlers in a biotech, diagnostics, pharma, life science, or advanced manufacturing setting.
• Preferred: experience supporting DNA synthesis, oligonucleotide manufacturing, plate-based or reagent delivery workflows, sample preparation, or high-throughput lab automation.
• Preferred: experience with Tulip MES workflows, LIMS, electronic batch records, production data capture, operator guidance systems, or station-based digital work instructions.
• Preferred: experience with scheduling software, batch scheduling logic, run sequencing, dispatching tools, production planning systems, optimization algorithms, or rules-based workflow automation.
• Preferred: exposure to AI-assisted batching, algorithmic scheduling, automated queue management, hands-off workflow starts, or decision-support tools for manufacturing or lab operations.
• Preferred: familiarity with SQL, Python scripting, REST APIs, OPC-UA, barcode and label printing systems, instrument event capture, database integrations, or manufacturing data pipelines.
• Preferred: experience supporting GMP, ISO, regulated, or quality-controlled environments, including commissioning, computer software assurance testing, change control, and data integrity practices.

Conditions

12-month contract.

Based at the Petaluma site.

Pay range is $112,211 (minimum) to $168,316 (maximum) for the California-based role. Actual base salary depends on experience, skills, and location.

Current U.S. work authorization is required. The company cannot sponsor or assume sponsorship for temporary visas, including H-1B, H-2B, OPT, O-1, or TN.

Equal opportunity: applicants are assessed on individual talent, and hiring decisions are made without regard to protected characteristics.

Benefits

• Competitive pay and a strong bonus program.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents.
• FSA and HSA pre-tax accounts for health care, childcare, and elder care.
• Deductible buffer insurance and critical illness insurance.
• 401(k) with employer matching.
• Company-paid short- and long-term disability, life insurance, and an employee assistance program.
• Flexible shifts of 8, 10, or 12 hours, with day, swing, and night options.
• Pet insurance.
• 8 weeks of parental leave for qualifying life events.
• PTO that starts immediately.
• A full week of paid time off during the holidays.
• Monthly Town Hall meeting (onsite or virtual), a Cheer recognition program, company-wide social events, and frequent catered lunches.