Position Summary:
The Automation Engineer will lead the implementation, validation, integration, and ongoing optimization of laboratory automation solutions supporting regulated research and development environments. This role is responsible for designing and deploying robotic workflows, liquid handling systems, laboratory instrumentation integrations, and data management solutions that enable scalable, efficient, and compliant laboratory operations.
Working closely with scientists, laboratory operations teams, IT partners, and automation stakeholders, the Automation Engineer will drive automation initiatives from discovery and system assessment through deployment, validation, performance optimization, and long-term lifecycle support. The role will play a key part in advancing laboratory digitalization, increasing throughput, improving data integrity, and enhancing operational reliability.
Key Responsibilities:
Laboratory Automation & Robotics
- Assess existing automation environments, including robotics platforms, liquid handling systems, and laboratory workflows.
- Design, develop, configure, and deploy automated laboratory workflows.
- Program and optimize robotic and liquid handling systems to meet scientific and operational requirements.
- Implement automation strategies that improve process efficiency, reproducibility, and scalability.
- Develop and execute automation roadmaps aligned with business priorities.
System Integration
- Integrate robotic platforms with laboratory instruments, software applications, scheduling systems, and LIMS environments.
- Design and implement data flow architectures that support seamless interoperability across laboratory systems.
- Ensure automation outputs are appropriately integrated with downstream analytics and reporting platforms.
- Partner with IT and laboratory stakeholders to enable secure, reliable system connectivity.
Validation & Compliance
- Execute validation and qualification activities, including IQ/OQ/PQ protocols and documentation.
- Develop and maintain validation lifecycle documentation.
- Support regulatory compliance requirements and audit readiness initiatives.
- Ensure automated systems meet quality, validation, and data integrity standards.
- Participate in inspection readiness and compliance reviews.
Performance Optimization & Reliability Engineering
- Perform system troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and performance tuning.
- Monitor automation performance and establish KPIs to ensure sustained operational excellence.
- Identify workflow bottlenecks and implement solutions that improve throughput and reduce downtime.
- Develop preventative maintenance strategies and reliability programs.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives utilizing Lean, RCA, and CAPA methodologies.
Documentation & Knowledge Management
- Author SOPs, technical specifications, validation documentation, and engineering records.
- Develop training materials and support knowledge transfer activities.
- Maintain comprehensive automation system documentation throughout the lifecycle of deployed solutions.
- Provide technical mentorship and training to laboratory and operational staff.