Automation Engineer (I, II, III)

QuantumCell; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Exposure to AI-driven lab automation

Hands-on ownership of instruments

Job summary

QuantumCell is advancing automated workcells for neuroscience drug discovery. The Automation Engineer will develop liquid handling methods, optimize deck layouts, and translate manual protocols into scalable automated workflows. You will work with biologists to ensure data quality and reliability across high-throughput runs.

This hands-on role offers growth toward wider ownership as the platform scales, with opportunities to collaborate across Sauk Labs and AI-driven scheduling initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field; 2-4 years in biotech automation.
• Hands-on experience programming/liquid handlers (Tecan, Hamilton, Beckman).
• Familiarity with automation control software (FluentControl, VENUS, Biomek) or workcell schedulers.

Responsibilities

• Build and refine liquid handling methods for cell culture and proteomics workflows.
• Define liquid classes, parameters, deck layouts for accurate liquid handling.
• Collaborate with biologists to translate manual protocols to automated methods; iterate on results.
• Troubleshoot hardware/software issues; ensure reliability and data quality.

Skills

Liquid handling

Automation troubleshooting

Python scripting

Data QC

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field

Tools

Tecan Fluent/EVO

Hamilton STAR/VANTAGE

Beckman Biomek

FluentControl/VENUS/Biomek Software

Job description

QuantumCell is an early-stage life sciences company building automated laboratory platforms for neuroscience drug discovery. Our work spans iPSC-derived neuron production, downstream proteomics, and the automation systems that connect them. We are building toward a long-term vision of autonomous lab operations, where AI-driven scheduling and closed-loop systems run our experimental workflows end to end.

Role Summary

The Automation Engineer will sit within the Automation & Lab Informatics organization and work directly with the Senior Automation Engineer to develop, scale, and support QuantumCell's automated workcells, spanning liquid handler development and optimization, workcell scale-up and support, troubleshooting, and calibration and quality control of equipment and automated workflows. This is a hands‑on, lab-based role: you will make sure our platforms generate high-throughput, high-quality data that scientists and AI models can trust, with a clear path to grow scope and ownership as the platform scales. The role will be leveled as Automation Engineer I, II, or III based on experience and demonstrated independence.

What You Will Do

Build and refine the liquid handling methods at the core of our cell culture and proteomics workflows.

• Develop, test, and document liquid handler methods (e.g., Tecan Fluent, Hamilton) for cell culture, plating, media exchange, and sample prep workflows.
• Define and optimize liquid classes, pipetting parameters, tip handling, and deck layouts to ensure accuracy, precision, and consistent liquid handling performance.
• Partner with biologists to translate manual bench protocols into automated methods, and iterate based on assay results.
• Characterize and reduce sources of variability such as edge effects, carryover, dead volume, and labware inconsistency.

Focus Area 2: Workcell Scale-Up & Support

Help take workcells from first build to reliable, high-throughput daily operation.

• Support installation, commissioning, and testing of new and upgraded automation workcells and integration equipment.
• Scale validated methods to support higher throughput, longer unattended runs, and multiple workcells while maintaining consistent data quality.
• Provide day-to-day operational support for automated runs, including run setup, monitoring, and handoff to scientists.
• Maintain method versions, deck layouts, and labware definitions under change control.

Focus Area 3: Troubleshooting & Reliability

Be the first line of response when automated systems fail, and fix root causes, not just symptoms.

• Diagnose and resolve hardware, software, scheduling, and integration errors across instruments and workcells.
• Perform root cause analysis on failed or aborted runs and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Track instrument uptime, error rates, and recurring failure modes, and recommend reliability improvements.
• Coordinate with vendor field service for repairs and escalations, and maintain spare parts and consumables.

Focus Area 4: Calibration & Quality Control

Ensure every instrument and automated workflow produces data we can trust.

• Own the calibration and preventive maintenance schedule for automation equipment, including liquid handlers, pipetting channels, plate readers, and incubators.
• Run routine liquid handling performance verification (e.g., gravimetric and photometric/dye-based accuracy and precision checks) and act on out-of-spec results.
• Define and track workflow QC metrics, such as CV targets, control plates, and acceptance criteria, for each automated process in a structured, machine-readable format.
• Keep complete records of calibration, maintenance, deviations, and method changes, and contribute to SOPs and training materials.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in engineering (mechanical, biomedical, chemical, electrical), robotics, bioengineering, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• 2-4 years of hands-on laboratory automation experience in a biotech, pharma, or academic lab setting.
• Hands-on experience programming and running liquid handlers (e.g., Tecan Fluent/EVO, Hamilton STAR/VANTAGE, Beckman Biomek), including liquid class and method development.
• Working knowledge of automation control software such as FluentControl, VENUS, Biomek Software, or a workcell scheduler (e.g., Green Button Go, Momentum, VWorks).
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot instrument hardware and software issues methodically and document findings.
• Experience with liquid handling performance verification, calibration, or instrument QC.
• Comfort working with cell-based assays and sterile techniques around automated systems.
• Clear written and verbal communication, and the ability to work closely with scientists.

Preferred

• Experience in a cell biology, iPSC, or mass spectrometry/proteomics automation environment.
• Experience integrating or supporting multi-instrument workcells with robotic arms, incubators, and plate readers.
• Scripting in Python or similar for data analysis, instrument control, or QC reporting.
• Familiarity with SiLA 2 or other lab device communication standards.
• Exposure to ELN/LIMS systems (e.g., Benchling) and structured data capture from instruments.
• Experience in a startup or fast-paced, early-stage lab environment.

What QuantumCell Offers

• Hands-on ownership of the instruments and workflows that generate QuantumCell's core scientific data.
• Exposure to cutting-edge AI-driven lab automation.