Automation Engineer, Lab Automation

Boehringer Ingelheim; Ridgefield (CT); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Boehringer Ingelheim is seeking an Automation Engineer, Lab Automation to lead and deliver innovative, compliant automation solutions in a global context. You will collaborate with stakeholders, define technical concepts, and drive continuous improvement across complex lab systems.

The role emphasizes design, testing, and optimization of automation platforms (e.g., Hamilton, Tecan) with strong emphasis on data interfaces, APIs, and lifecycle management.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree (e.g., MBA, MSc) or equivalent in engineering with 3+ years of experience.
• Bachelor’s degree with 5+ years of experience; strong theoretical knowledge and tools.
• Proficiency in Python and modern programming/scripting.
• Experience with system integration, APIs, and data interfaces in lab environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead automation projects from specification to implementation for lab systems.
• Develop and improve technical standards, guidelines, and blueprints within scope.
• Coordinate with internal/external partners across international interfaces.
• Design, install, and test GMP-compliant lab automation solutions.
• Develop maintenance strategies and lifecycle concepts for automation assets.

Skills

Python

APIs

Data interfaces

Analytical thinking

Education

Master's degree in Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

Hamilton

Tecan

Cellario

Job description

The Automation Engineer, Lab Automation will drive innovation and provide technical leadership in laboratory automation to deliver reliable, innovative, compliant, and efficient solutions. This role will collaborate with business stakeholders and the global lab automation community to ensure solutions meet business requirements and align with global standards.

• Project manager for lab automation projects (complex to highly complex automation systems).
• Responsible for the specification and implementation of innovative solutions, as well as further development and optimization of existing systems, within existing lab automation standards and blueprints.
• Development and continuous improvement of technical standards, guidelines, and blueprints within a defined scope of responsibility.
• Responsibility for a designated functional area in collaboration with internal and/or external partners.
• Development of technical concepts and detailed engineering plans within a defined scope / sub-project
• Coordination and communication across heterogeneous and international interfaces.
• Handling complex tasks and complex problem solving across all phases of the development process and across multiple disciplines.
• Responsible for planning, design, installation and testing of technical systems (e.g., manufacturing systems, lab equipment, automation systems) in compliance with GMP and safety requirements.
• Creation of lifecycle concepts, including maintenance strategies and execution of technical requirement analysis.
• Provision of technical consulting services.
• Ensure quality-, time-, and efficiency-compliant establishment, maintenance, and continuous improvement of all technical prerequisites for smooth and cost-effective operation in designated sub-areas.
• Development of maintenance and servicing strategies for specific areas.
• Lead specialist responsibility for at least one domain in a complex and challenging area of responsibility.
• Specialist with a contributing and supporting role in ensuring smooth operations and fault-free processes.
• High demands on decision-making with respect to frequency, potential impact (EHS and economic), and degree of autonomy.
• Processes complex, operationally defined tasks based on in-depth domain expertise and analysis.
• Develops advanced technical designs and contributes to the further development of global standards and blueprints.
• Monitors and integrates the latest developments and trends within the respective field under consideration of global standards.
• Tasks involve a strong analytical component and require cross-process thinking; the focus is on independently ensuring the integrity of the process chain within complex, operationally defined tasks.
• Identifies the need for actions and changes within the area of expertise.
• Works with difficult to highly complex systems (dedicated/single-purpose systems).
• The majority of responsibilities focus on extensive, function-specific operational tasks, as well as continuous development and optimization.
• Development of innovative solutions.
• Strongly domain-focused scope of work with clearly defined boundaries due to a high degree of autonomy.
• Primarily responsible for operational decision-making within the assigned field of expertise.

Requirements

• Master’s degree (e.g., MBA, MSc) or equivalent diploma in engineering with minimum three (3) years’s experience required.

OR

• Bachelor's degree with minimum five (5) years of experience required.
• Very strong theoretical knowledge of principles, methods, and tools is required.
• In-depth knowledge within the relevant area of expertise.
• Demonstrates awareness of communication challenges, confidently interacts across diverse interfaces, and conducts negotiations effectively.

Proficiency in modern programming/scripting languages, including:

• Python (strongly preferred)

Experience with system integration, APIs, and data interfaces in laboratory environments.

Strong experience with laboratory automation orchestration, preferably Cellario or equivalent platforms

Experience in developing, maintaining, and optimizing scripts across major liquid handling platforms, including but not limited to:

• Hamilton
• Tecan
• Other vendor-specific scripting environments as applicable

Translating experimental protocols into robust, reusable automation methods.

Ensuring method standardization, error handling, and data traceability across platforms.

Eligibility Requirements

• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without restriction.
• Must be willing to take a drug test and post-offer physical (if required).
• Must be 18 years of age or older.

As an employee of Boehringer Ingelheim, you will actively contribute to the discovery, development, and delivery of our products to our patients and customers. Our global presence provides an opportunity for all employees to collaborate internationally, offering visibility and the opportunity to directly contribute to the company's success. We realize that our strength and competitive advantage lie with our people. We support our employees in several ways to foster a healthy working environment, meaningful work, mobility, networking, and work-life balance. Our competitive compensation and benefit programs reflect Boehringer Ingelheim's high regard for our employees.