Automation Engineer

LGC; Petaluma (CA); On-site; USD 112,000 - 168,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

401(k) with company match

Flexible work options

Parental leave

Job summary

LGC Biosearch Technologies in Petaluma, CA is seeking an Automation Engineer on a 12-month contract to design, implement, and sustain automation for formulation, DNA synthesis, and manufacturing workflows. You will partner with Manufacturing, Quality, OT, IT, and vendors to build reliable, scalable automation solutions.

The role blends hands-on equipment with software development, MES/LIMS integration, data capture, and scheduling.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in automation, electrical, mechatronics, robotics, CS/engineering or related with 1 year automation experience.
• Proficient in C# and Python for instrument control and data processing.
• Experience with liquid handling systems (Tecan, Lynx, Hamilton, Beckman) desired.
• Experience documenting automation configurations and test results.
• Strong communication and attention to detail in a GMP/ISO environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and verify automated liquid handling workflows on Dynamic Devices and production equipment.
• Write, test, and document automation scripts in C#, Python, and instrument languages.
• Support DNA synthesis automation and data flow between manufacturing and digital systems.
• Configure MES/LIMS workflows for traceability and batch status visibility.
• Design and improve scheduling and batching automation to reduce manual decisions.
• Conduct dry/wet runs, simulations, testing, and readiness reviews with cross‑functional teams.
• Create work instructions, risk assessments, validation deliverables, and change control support.
• Identify bottlenecks and communicate improvements to senior stakeholders.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external vendors to resolve issues.
• Adhere to policies, safety, quality requirements, and engineering standards.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

C# programming

Python scripting

Automation troubleshooting

Documentation writing

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in automation/mechatronics/related field

Associate degree with automation experience

Tools

Tecan

Lynx

Hamilton

Beckman

Tulip MES

Job description

With manufacturing sites across the US, UK, Germany and Denmark, LGC Biosearch Technologies has plans to continue growing. We deliver mission critical genomics to our diverse customer base in molecular diagnostics, pharma/biotech and agrigenomics. Our integrated portfolio of products, services and expertise supports our purpose of Science for a Safer World and we have embodied our mission by working with customers to enable research into life-altering treatment for disease and illness worldwide. We are currently seeking candidates who are up for the challenge of operating in a high-growth, purpose-driven organisation.

Job Description

This is a 12-month contract position.

The Automation Engineer designs, configures, tests, implements, and sustains automation solutions for formulation, DNA synthesis, manufacturing workflows, and production data systems at the Petaluma site. The role partners with Manufacturing, Quality, Operational Technology, Enterprise Information Technology, and external vendors to deliver reliable, maintainable, and compliant automation solutions. This position combines hands‑on equipment and workflow support with software development, MES/LIMS integration, scheduling and batching automation, production data capture, and practical deployment of automation technologies that improve productivity, data integrity, operational efficiency, and manufacturing scalability.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to capably perform each of the following essential duties:

• Develop, configure, test, troubleshoot, and verify assigned automated liquid handling workflows on Dynamic Devices, Tecan, and other production equipment, including methods, deck layouts, consumables, plates, scripts, workflow verification, and integration with related manufacturing processes
• Develop, modify, test, troubleshoot, and document automation and scheduling software scripts for assigned workflows using C#, Python, instrument specific programming languages, and other approved technologies
• Support DNA synthesis automation and workflow integration activities involving sample tracking, batch tracking, instrument status, barcode identifiers, labels, and data flow between manufacturing processes and digital systems
• Configure and test MES and LIMS workflows that support traceability including operator tasks, station activities, production records, instrument events, and batch status visibility
• Contribute to the design, implementation, configuration, and improvement of scheduling and batching automation solutions for assigned workflows, including run sequencing, dispatching, queue management, and hands‑off workflow initiation, to reduce manual batching decisions and improve process consistency
• Execute dry runs, wet runs, process simulations, user acceptance testing, issue triage, and operational readiness testing in collaboration with Manufacturing, Quality, Process Design, and Operational Technology teams
• Author or contribute to work instructions, automation requirements, risk assessments, test protocols, traceability documentation, deviation records, and validation or computer software assurance deliverables in support of controlled implementation, quality review, and compliant system sustainment.
• Identify and communicate workflow bottlenecks, manual handoff risks, data integrity gaps, batching inefficiencies, and automation improvement opportunities for evaluation by senior engineering, quality, or management stakeholders
• Partner with internal stakeholders and external vendors to resolve automation issues, verify workflow performance, and ensure solutions are usable by operators and sustainable by site teams
• Adhere to company policies, procedures, safety expectations, quality requirements, data integrity practices, and engineering standards
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Essential Knowledge and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in automation engineering, electrical engineering, mechatronics, robotics, computer science/engineering, manufacturing technology, or a related technical discipline with at least 1 year of automation experience; or associate degree or technical certificate in a related technical discipline with at least 3 years of automation experience; or an equivalent combination of relevant education and hands‑on automation experience
• Working knowledge of software development and scripting using C# and Python, including the ability to read, troubleshoot, modify, test, and document code used for instrument control, workflow automation, data processing, system integration, and manufacturing support
• Hands‑on experience supporting liquid handlers, laboratory automation, workflow integration, manufacturing automation, instrument integration, or automated laboratory or manufacturing systems
• Working knowledge of liquid handling workflows, plate‑based processing, sample tracking, batch tracking, barcode‑driven workflows, instrument setup, basic method troubleshooting, and manufacturing data capture requirements
• Experience configuring, operating, supporting, or troubleshooting automated liquid handling systems such as Tecan, Lynx, Hamilton, Beckman, or comparable platforms
• Experience supporting automated workflows that include instruments, consumables, plates, labels, barcode identifiers, data capture, and structured operator or system handoffs
• Experience documenting automation configurations, test results, troubleshooting outcomes, work instructions, training materials, and operational handoff information
• Ability to follow controlled procedures, execute testing, document technical changes, and communicate issues clearly across Manufacturing, Quality, Engineering, Operational Technology, Enterprise Information Technology, and vendor teams
• Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate technical information to both technical and non‑technical stakeholders
• Strong attention to detail, practical troubleshooting skills, and comfort working in active manufacturing or laboratory environments
• Ability to work independently on assigned tasks while escalating risks, blockers, and technical decisions appropriately
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams

Desired Knowledge and Qualifications:

• Direct experience with Lynx and/or Tecan liquid handlers in a biotechnology, diagnostics, pharmaceutical, life science, or advanced manufacturing environment
• Experience supporting DNA synthesis, oligonucleotide manufacturing, plate‑based workflows, reagent delivery workflows, sample preparation, or high‑throughput laboratory automation
• Experience with Tulip Manufacturing Execution System workflows, Laboratory Information Management Systems, electronic batch records, production data capture, operator guidance systems, or station‑based digital work instructions
• Experience with scheduling software, batch scheduling logic, run sequencing, dispatching tools, production planning systems, optimization algorithms, or rules‑based workflow automation
• Exposure to artificial intelligence (AI)‑assisted batching, algorithmic scheduling, automated queue management, hands‑off workflow initiation, or decision‑support tools for manufacturing or laboratory operations
• Familiarity with structured query language (SQL), Python, scripting, representational state transfer (REST) application programming interfaces (APIs), OPC Unified Architecture (OPC‑UA), barcode systems, label printing systems, instrument event capture, database integrations, or manufacturing data pipelines
• Experience supporting Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), International Organization for Standardization (ISO), regulated, or quality‑controlled environments, including commissioning, computer software assurance testing, change control support, and data integrity practices

Additional Information

What we offer (US based-employees):

• Competitive compensation with strong bonus program
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits for employees and dependents
• FSA/HSA Pre‑tax savings plans for health care, childcare, and elder care
• Deductible Buffer Insurance and Critical Illness Insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with matching employer contribution
• Company‑paid short‑and long‑term disability, life insurance, and employee assistance program
• Flexible work options- 8, 10 and 12 hour shifts available with option of day, swing and night shifts.
• Pet Insurance for our furry friends
• 8 weeks of Parental Leave for qualifying life events
• PTO that begins immediately
• Full week paid off during the holidays
• Town Hall monthly meeting onsite/virtual, Cheer program where employees are recognized for outstanding work, Companywide social events, frequent catered lunches and much more!

The typical pay range for this role is: Salary Range: $112,211 (Minimum) - $168,316 (Maximum)

This range represents the low and high end of the anticipated salary range for the California -based position. The actual base salary will depend on several factors such as: experience, skills, and location.

This position requires current U.S. work authorization. We are unable to sponsor or assume sponsorship for temporary visas (including H‑1B, H‑2B, OPT, O‑1, TN)

ABOUT LGC:

LGC is a leading, global life science tools company, providing mission‑critical components and solutions into high‑growth application areas across the human healthcare and applied market segments. Its high‑quality product portfolio is comprised of mission‑critical tools for genomic analysis and for quality assurance applications, which are typically embedded and recurring within our customers’ products and workflows and are valued for their performance, quality, and range.

OUR VALUES

• PASSION
• CURIOSITY
• INTEGRITY
• BRILLIANCE
• RESPECT

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

LGC strongly believes that every job applicant and employee should be valued for their individual talents regardless of age, disability, race, color, ethnic or national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, religion, or belief. Short listing, interviewing and selection will always be carried out without regard to gender, sexual orientation, marital status, color, race, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or belief, age, or trade union membership.

For more information about LGC, please visit our website www.lgcgroup.com

#scienceforasaferworld

Science for a Safer World

LGC Group is a global life science‑based organisation delivering measurement science, standards, and assurance solutions across healthcare, pharma, and food sectors.