Sr. Automation Engineer
San Diego, CA
Schedule: Standard Working Hours
Duration: 9-Month Contract (potential to extend/convert)
Pay Range: $60-64.75/hr (W2)
Our client is a leading global life sciences company. The Sr. Automation Engineer - Liquid Handling serves an important role within the Manufacturing Technology & Transfer (MTT) team, supporting the development of liquid handling equipment and processes. This position requires deep expertise in programming liquid handlers, strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and the ability to communicate effectively across all organizational levels. The role will evaluate and deploy new liquid handling technology and processes through proof-of-concept testing, feasibility evaluation, systems engineering controls, verification, characterization, and validation of solutions in a regulated GMP environment.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities
- Own implementation of liquid handling automation systems in regulated lab and manufacturing settings
- Develop complex automation scripts and recovery methods for new assays/workflows, including error handling, custom liquid classes, water/simulation runs, and data analysis
- Apply problem-solving skills to work through technical challenges and overcome roadblocks in system deployment
- Validate automated applications to ensure accuracy, precision, and repeatability for automated workflows
- Drive process development and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance system performance and end customer experience
- Provide ongoing technical support and troubleshooting for protocols and instrumentation
- Develop and maintain comprehensive documentation including training materials and internal process guides
- Maintain professional relationships with customers and colleagues, serving as a trusted technical advisor
- Deliver basic and advanced software and hardware training to internal customers
- Influence project and program level decisions at critical interfaces to other disciplines
- Stay current with industry developments, emerging technologies, and regulatory expectations to guide long-term automation strategy
Education and Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences, Chemistry, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Robotics Engineering, or Systems Engineering with a minimum of 5 years of related experience; OR
- Master's degree with a minimum of 3 years of related experience; OR
- PhD without experience; OR equivalent work experience
Knowledge and Skills
- Expertise in liquid handling systems including Hamilton, Tecan, Beckman, Agilent, Lynx, and others, with integration of associated peripheral devices such as plate readers, sealers, shakers, and scanners
- Deep knowledge of automated systems programming including method development, error recovery logic, liquid class optimization, method validation and testing via simulation/trace files, and integration with LIMS/MES
- Basic proficiency with object-oriented programming languages with emphasis on C# and Python
- Strong troubleshooting skills for integrated automation systems with a track record of resolving critical production issues
- Solid understanding of Software Development Life Cycle and validation procedures
- Ability to plan project activities, set priorities, and provide guidance to supporting team members while maintaining project schedules
- Ability to manage vendors and engineering contractors on a technical level for component delivery
- Strong oral and written communication skills with ability to explain complex technical concepts to a cross-functional audience
- Operates independently, sets priorities, and drives projects to completion with minimal oversight.