Automation Engineer

The role

The Automation Engineer focuses on deployment, optimization, and support of automated systems and software tools. This includes workcells, liquid handlers, and analytical instruments.

What you will do

• Deploy liquid handling robotics for capacity expansion.
• Perform defined continuous improvement projects.
• Contribute to Stabilize, Standardize, and Optimize projects.
• Handle complex troubleshooting, repairs, and maintenance.
• Provide 2nd-tier support to the Service Engineering team.
• Assist with performance qualification (PQ) and verification activities.
• Draft SOPs and work instructions.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Production, R&D, Quality, and vendors.
• Provide primary floor support in workcell laboratories and secondary floor support in other labs.
• Adhere to lab safety protocols and regulatory requirements.

Required qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Life Sciences, or related field.
• 2–5 years of experience in laboratory automation engineering.
• Hands-on experience in lab automation troubleshooting and development.
• Understanding of diagnostic laboratory workflows, instrumentation, and software.
• Proficiency in lab automation controlling software and scheduling software.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow protocols meticulously.
• Strong knowledge of GDP and regulatory requirements.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills for managing multiple projects.
• Ability to travel between local Austin sites (within ~1 mile).

Nice to have

• Background in NGS and/or clinical laboratories (e.g., extraction, library preparation, or sequencing workflows).
• Hands-on experience programming and operating liquid handlers—especially Tecan, Hamilton, Biomek, and/or Cellario.
• Experience contributing to capacity-expansion deployments of liquid handlers in a production environment.
• Familiarity with workcell controlling / scheduling software (e.g., Cellario, GBG).
• Familiarity with sequencing / long-read platforms and related lab equipment.
• Experience supporting verification, validation, and PQ activities for automated methods.
• Experience working with LIMS systems.
• Working knowledge of 21 CFR Part 11, FDA, and CLIA requirements.
• Comfort working under change control (CCR) and documented equivalency studies.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life and disability plans for eligible employees and their dependents.
• Free testing for Natera employees and their immediate families.
• Fertility care benefits.
• Pregnancy and baby bonding leave.
• 401k benefits.
• Commuter benefits.
• Employee referral program.

About the company

Natera is a global leader in cell-free DNA (cfDNA) testing, dedicated to oncology, women’s health, and organ health. The team consists of statisticians, geneticists, doctors, laboratory scientists, business professionals, and software engineers.