Senior Laboratory Automation Engineer

The role

The Senior Automation Engineer will design, develop, and build systems that integrate software, automation, and biology into a clinical genomics assay platform. They will work with scientists to design hardware and integrate software systems.

What you will do

• Design, develop, and build systems that integrate software, automation, and biology into a robust and scalable clinical genomics assay platform.
• Work with scientists at the assay prototype stage to ensure that chemistry and laboratory hardware are optimally designed.
• Work closely with internal software development teams to ensure the seamless integration of LIMS with automation software.
• Interface with external vendors to design custom hardware solutions and integrate external software.
• Lay the foundation and architecture for fully-automated laboratory systems at Natera.
• Write documentation and SOPs.
• Train engineers on the development, maintenance, troubleshooting of hardware and software systems.

Required qualifications

• BA/BS or MS in engineering or similar field.
• 5 or more years of full-time experience in automation and systems development for the life science industry.
• Demonstrated track record of shipping complex automation projects in production.
• Ability to integrate a variety of instruments, such as liquid handlers, plate readers, and plate-handling robotics.
• Software development experience, or minimally familiar with software development practices.
• Excellent communication, organizational, record-keeping, planning, attention to detail and time management skills.
• Comfortable working with a variety of internal teams, and managing relationships with external contractors.
• Experience in programming and operating liquid handlers- Hamilton, Beckman, Tecan, etc.
• Strong project management skills, organizational skills, and written and verbal communication skills.

Nice to have

• History of development and/or verification and validation for a molecular screening or diagnostic product
• Experience working with LIMS systems

Benefits

• Comprehensive health benefits (medical, dental, vision)
• 401(k) with company match
• Generous paid time off and company holidays
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life and disability plans
• Free testing for 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, software engineers and other professionals.