Associate Laboratory Automation Engineer

BioSpace; Monrovia (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 108,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully-paid medical, dental, vision

Life and disability benefits

401(k) retirement plan

Job summary

Terray Therapeutics is seeking an Associate Automation Engineer to implement and maintain automated wet-lab systems. You will troubleshoot and service sophisticated microscope hardware, optics, and software, working with cross-functional teams to ensure system readiness and reliability.

The role emphasizes hands-on problem solving in a fast-paced setting, with rapid issue resolution, meticulous documentation, and active collaboration across scientific and production groups.

Qualifications

• Experience troubleshooting and maintaining automation equipment in a production/ops environment.
• Hands-on expertise with fluorescence microscopy, especially Zeiss systems.
• Proficiency with microscope control software and scripting tools.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot and service automated microscope systems including hardware, software, optics, and environment.
• Respond to system issues quickly with detailed, documented steps and resolutions.
• Document issues, actions taken, parts used in the ticketing system.
• Create and close service tickets to maintain history of repairs.
• Communicate status, downtime, next steps, and risks to teams.
• Maintain inventory of tools, spare parts, consumables, and replacement equipment.
• Collaborate with science and production teams to design and implement automation platforms.

Skills

Fluorescence microscopy

Micromanager

ImageJ/Beanshell

ASI microscope stages

SolidWorks

3D printing

C#/ .NET

Python

Tools

Zeiss fluorescence microscopy systems

Micromanager software

Beanshell scripting

ImageJ

Job description

Company Overview:

Terray Therapeutics is a venture-backed biotechnology company led by pioneers and long-time leaders in artificial intelligence, synthetic chemistry, automation, and nanotechnology. We’re generating chemical data purpose-built to propel drug discovery into the information age — and we’re doing it on a larger scale and faster than has ever before been possible.

Our closed loop system generates precise chemical datasets at unrivaled scale that work seamlessly with AI to systematically map biochemical interactions between small molecules and causes of disease. Iterative cycles of virtual molecular design and experimentation power AI and machine learning models, which in turn guide the next cycle of design. With a chemistry engine that measures billions of interactions daily and becomes increasingly precise with every cycle, we can answer an unprecedented array of questions — deriving insights that enable us to predictably create drugs for patients in need.

Position Summary:

Terray Therapeutics is seeking a motivated, creative, and experienced Associate Automation Engineer. As an integral member of our Automation team, the candidate will be responsible for implementing and maintaining the automated systems that power our wet-lab. The position will report to the laboratory automation lead responsible for microscope support and development.

The Core Responsibilities Of This Position Are

• Troubleshoot and service automated microscope systems, including hardware, software, optics, fluidics, environmental control, and peripheral equipment
• Respond to system issues quickly while maintaining careful, detail-oriented troubleshooting practices
• Accurately document troubleshooting steps, findings, actions taken, parts used, and resolution details in the ticketing system
• Create, update, and complete service tickets in a timely manner to maintain a clear history of system issues and repairs
• Communicate status, expected downtime, next steps, and risks clearly to supported teams
• Maintain an organized inventory of tools, spare parts, consumables, and replacement equipment
• Track recurring failures and investigate trends or repeated issues
• Assist with preventive maintenance, calibration, and system readiness checks
• Follow established procedures while identifying opportunities to improve microscope reliability, troubleshooting workflows, documentation quality, and service efficiency
• Partner with our scientific and production teams to design, acquire, and implement laboratory automation platforms
• Support the development of new processes on microscope platforms
• Contribute to the de novo design of custom systems for niche applications within our processes

Experience and Qualifications: Given the company’s size, anticipated growth, and fast-paced environment, the organization requires an automation engineer who is thoughtful, high-energy, and can partner with the broader organization to further enhance our next-generation drug discovery capabilities.

Part of Terray Therapeutics’ success is nurtured by a hands-on work environment where everyone is accountable, everyone is vested in a vision of excellence, and everyone actively takes part in the success of the business. Terray Therapeutics supports a positive work environment comprised of engaged employees who feel appreciated, recognized, and free to be creative.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience troubleshooting and maintaining automation equipment in a production or operations-focused environment
• Experience with fluorescence microscopy, especially Zeiss
• Experience with Micromanager microscope control software
• Experience with ImageJ and Beanshell scripting environment within Micromanager
• Experience with ASI microscope stages and controllers
• Proficiency with design software, such as Solidworks, and fabrication tools (3D printing, CNC, laser cutting, etc.)
• Familiarity with programming languages (Beanshell, PYTHON, Java, C#, .NET)

Candidates will need the ability to work well under pressure to provide results in a short timeframe. The company is looking for a highly responsive, goal-oriented individual who will bring significant energy and drive to solve complex technical problems and help us achieve our mission to advance human health.

Compensation Details:

$85,000 to $108,000 (annually) depending on experience; participation in the Company's option plan; 3% retirement safe harbor contribution; fully-paid medical, dental, vision, life, and disability benefits.