Automation Development Engineer

This range is provided by The Bowdoin Group. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

$124,000.00 / yr - $186,000.00 / yr

Additional compensation types

Annual Bonus

Our client, a diagnostics company, is seeking a highly motivated Automation Engineer to pioneer the deployment of high-throughput, hands-free automation systems.

This position is central to scaling capacity for DNA / RNA sample processing and next-generation sequencing (NGS), as well as optimizing lab workflows and integrating robotic platforms that support precision genomics.

The Automation Engineer will work closely with teams across CLIA operations, research and development, technology transfer, regulatory affairs, software development, and supply chain to deliver automation solutions that are efficient, reliable, and compliant. As a key member of the automation team, the engineer will also support instrumentation service, train lab staff, and troubleshoot systems to maintain seamless operations.

Role Responsibilities :

• Design and implement automated workflows for molecular biology processes including DNA / RNA extraction and NGS.
• Program and integrate robotic platforms (e.g., Hamilton STAR, Agilent Bravo) for liquid handling, sample transport, and inter-process connectivity.
• Build and deploy innovative lab automation tools and technologies to support scale-up and operational sustainability.
• Collaborate with software engineering to integrate automation systems into the laboratory information management system (LIMS), ensuring seamless data flow, traceability, and workflow efficiency.
• Collaborate with bioinformatics or data teams to ensure automation outputs are compatible with downstream data analysis pipelines.
• Support automated generation of QC metrics and reporting tools.
• Conduct optimization experiments to improve throughput, reliability, and reproducibility of automated workflows.
• Develop and implement policies and procedures that guide the use of automation systems within the lab.
• Establish and maintain audit trails and data integrity controls across automated workflows to ensure traceability and compliance.
• Serve as a technical expert in risk assessments and change control processes related to automation platforms.
• Lead, or develop and execute validation protocols (IQ, OQ, PQ) in compliance with CLIA, CAP, FDA, and other regulatory standards.
• Integrate automation with inventory systems to track reagent usage and support just-in-time ordering or alerts.
• Continuously assess lab operations and prioritize improvements based on impact and scalability.
• Partner with R&D, CLIA, software engineering, regulatory and supply chain, to ensure seamless integration of automation solutions.
• Represent automation engineering in company-wide initiatives and contribute to strategic planning for lab expansion and product launches.
• Provide hands-on support and real time troubleshooting for lab instrumentation and automation platforms.
• Train lab personnel on automated systems, develop SOPs and training materials, and assess staff competency to ensure consistent and compliant use of automation platforms.
• Act as a technical liaison with equipment vendors and manage service contracts and installations.
• Lead lifecycle planning for automation systems, including end of life management, evaluation and onboarding of new instruments and technologies, and coordination of hardware and software upgrades.
• Stay current with emerging technologies in lab automation, AI, vision systems, and industrial control.
• Lead initiatives to streamline and simplify workflows, reduce manual intervention, and enhance data integrity.

Qualifications & Experience :

The Range for this position is : $124,000-$155,000-$186,000. Compensation will be based on experience and qualifications.

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