Automation Engineer II

Baylor Genetics; Houston, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Baylor Genetics in Houston is seeking an Automation Engineer to design, implement, and optimize automated laboratory workflows and systems. You will gather requirements, develop, test, and scale automated assays, maintain LIMS interfaces, and train staff while ensuring quality and compliance.

This role requires strong programming skills, experience with liquid handling platforms (Tecan/Beckman/Hamilton), and ability to work cross-functionally with IT and lab teams.

Qualifications

• BS in Engineering, Computer Science, Biotechnology, Biochemistry or related with 2+ years of experience or MS with 1+ year of experience.
• Experience in biotechnology/clinical laboratory environments.
• Experience operating automated liquid handling systems (Tecan/Beckman/Hamilton preferred).
• Strong programming skills in VB, Python, SQL; ability to troubleshoot lab automation.

Responsibilities

• Independently translate user requirements into automated workflow solutions.
• Develop, test, implement, and optimize automated laboratory assays and workflows.
• Perform verification and validation in line with regulatory and quality requirements.
• Configure, program, troubleshoot, and maintain automated liquid handling software.
• Collaborate with IT and lab teams to support LIMS interfaces and data management.
• Provide technical support for automation systems and perform calibration and maintenance.

Skills

Visual Basic

Python

SQL

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, CS, Biotechnology, Biochemistry or related

Master's degree in Engineering, CS, Biotechnology, Biochemistry or related

Tools

Tecan

Beckman

Hamilton

Job description

Headquarters
Baylor Genetics
Houston, TX 77021, USA

Description

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Independently gather and translate user requirements into automated workflow solutions.
• Develop, test, implement, and optimize automated laboratory assays and workflows to improve operational efficiency, throughput, quality, and reliability.
• Perform verification and validation activities in accordance with regulatory and quality requirements.
• Configure, program, troubleshoot, and maintain automated liquid handling instrument software and associated systems.
• Collaborate with Information Technology (IT) and laboratory teams to support system integrations, data management, and Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) interfaces.
• Provide technical support for laboratory automation systems, including troubleshooting hardware, software, workflow, and integration issues.
• Perform calibration, maintenance, and repair activities on laboratory automation equipment and supporting instrumentation.
• Participate in on-call support rotation for production automation systems.
• Train laboratory personnel on automated workflows, equipment operation, and best practices.
• Generate, maintain, and revise SOPs, work instructions, validation documentation, and other automation-related records.
• Track, document, and manage changes to automation methods, software configurations, and workflows.
• Analyze operational data and identify opportunities for process improvement and increased system reliability.
• Support automation projects from concept through deployment and operational handoff.
• Collaborate with vendors and internal stakeholders to evaluate, implement, and support automation solutions.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and contribute technical recommendations.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.
• Adhere to the Code of Conduct as outlined in Baylor Genetics' Compliance Program.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• BS in Engineering, Computer Science, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, or a related field with 2+ years of relevant experience, or
• MS in Engineering, Computer Science, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, or a related field with 1+ years of relevant experience
• Experience working in a biotechnology, clinical laboratory, or related environment.
• Experience operating, supporting, and developing methods for automated liquid handling systems. Preferred platforms include Tecan, Beckman, Hamilton, or equivalent laboratory automation systems.
• Ability to independently troubleshoot and resolve issues involving liquid handling equipment and general laboratory instrumentation.
• Strong programming skills in Visual Basic, Python, SQL, or equivalent programming languages.
• Good laboratory and organizational skills; the ability to work independently and efficiently is essential.
• Strong creative thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to collect, analyze, and interpret data to support verification, validation, calibration, and troubleshooting activities.
• Strong Microsoft Excel data manipulation and analysis skills.
• Ability to develop algorithms, scripts, and software solutions to support automation and data analysis needs.
• Mechanical aptitude and understanding of laboratory automation systems; strong spatial reasoning skills.
• Understanding of basic statistical concepts, including accuracy, precision, variability, and trend analysis.
• SQL and database knowledge.

Preferred

• Experience integrating automation platforms with LIMS, databases, or other laboratory software systems.
• Experience supporting production laboratory operations in a regulated environment.
• Knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience participating in automation project implementation, system commissioning and deployment.

COMPETENCIES

• Analytical--Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data; Designs workflows and procedures.
• Problem Solving--Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
• Technical Skills--Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; Pursues training and development opportunities; Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; Shares expertise with others.
• Interpersonal Skills---Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.
• Oral Communication--Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.
• Written Communication--Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.
• Teamwork--Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed.
• Leadership--Exhibits confidence in self and others; Inspires and motivates others to perform well; Effectively influences actions and opinions of others; Accepts feedback from others; Gives appropriate recognition to others.
• Ethics--Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.
• Professionalism--Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.
• Adaptability--Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
• Dependability--Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.
• Innovation--Displays original thinking and creativity; Meets challenges with resourcefulness; Generates suggestions for improving work; Develops innovative approaches and ideas; Presents ideas and information in a manner that gets others' attention.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Frequently required to sit
• Frequently required to utilize hand and finger dexterity
• Frequently required to talk or hear
• Frequently required utilize visual acuity to operate equipment, read technical information, and/or use keyboard
• Occasionally exposure to bloodborne and airborne pathogens or infectious materials

EEO STATEMENT

Baylor Genetics is proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We welcome and encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, childbirth, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. If you need an accommodation during the application process, please contact our Human Resources team.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.