Automation Support Engineer

Natera; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 83,000 - 104,000; Full time

Job summary

Natera is a global leader in cfDNA testing focused on oncology, women's health, and organ health. The Automation Support Engineer will design, implement, and support automated systems and workflows in R&D and clinical labs, collaborating with scientists and engineers to optimize liquid handlers and other lab automation.

Responsibilities include troubleshooting, qualification, SOP documentation, and cross-functional coordination, with travel between Austin sites to support multiple labs as

Qualifications

• 2+ years of laboratory automation engineering experience.
• Automation/systems development experience in life sciences; robotics and liquid handling.
• Programming experience or basic understanding of method writing.
• Experience with automated storage systems (Hamilton Verso, SPT Labtech) preferred.
• Willing to travel between Austin sites and support multiple labs.

Responsibilities

• Support liquid handling robots including troubleshooting and qualification procedures.
• Build knowledge on hardware and software of lab automation systems (Tecan Fluent, Hamilton STAR/Vantage/Verso, Beckman I7).
• Build rapport with end-users and coordinate with cross-functional teams.
• Prepare documentation for equipment qualification and operating procedures (IQ/OQ/PQ) and SOPs.
• Oversee functional and validation testing (IQ/OQ/PQ) of automated equipment.
• Provide user training and ongoing support for end-users.
• Travel betweenAustin sites (1 mile apart) to support multiple labs.

Skills

Lab automation

Troubleshooting

Documentation

Project management

Cross-functional communication

Education

B.S. in Biomedical Engineering or related field

M.S. degree preferred

Tools

Tecan Fluent

Hamilton STAR/Vantage/Verso

Beckman I7

Job description

The Automation Support Engineer within the R&D Automation Department will contribute to the implementation and on-going support of automated systems and workflows to support the processing of samples in R&D and clinical diagnostics laboratory environments. This individual will collaborate with a team of scientists and engineers on prioritization of supporting a fleet of liquid handlers and various automated systems. There will also be project opportunities to conceptualize, design, develop, implement and support solutions which are designed to optimize the performance of equipment and increase the efficiencies of the laboratory processes.

Primary Responsibilities

• Support liquid handling robots including troubleshooting and qualification procedures
• Build knowledge on hardware and software on multiple types of laboratory automated liquid handlers, such as Tecan Fluent, Hamilton STAR/Vantage/Verso, and Beckman I7, among others
• Build rapport with end-users, and coordinate with cross-functional teams
• Prepare documentation for equipment qualification and operating procedures to ensure successful implementation in the labs
• Prepare User Requirement and Testing Procedure, Standard Operating Procedures, and related documentations
• Oversee functional and validation testing (IQ/OQ/PQ) of automated laboratory equipment
• Additional responsibilities include user training, troubleshooting, and on-going support for the end-users
• Must be able to travel between sites in Austin (1 mile distance) to support multiple labs

Qualifications

• BS degree in Biomedical engineering, closely related scientific field, or equivalent; MS degree preferred
• 2+ years of laboratory automation engineering experience required
• Technical proficiency and experience in automation and systems development and integration for the life science industry; especially with robotics and liquid handling systems
• Experience in computer programing or basic understanding of method writing is required
• Exposure to automated storage systems (Hamilton Verso, SPT Labtech, etc.) is preferred
• Must have a flexible schedule and be able to accommodate later hours when needed

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Strong project management skills, organizational skills, and written and verbal communication skills are required
• Flexibility and self-initiative required to support several simultaneous automation projects
• Biotech, pharmaceutical, Lab automation providers, or clinical-laboratory experience is highly desirable

The pay range is listed and actual compensation packages are based on a wide array of factors unique to each candidate, including but not limited to skill set, years & depth of experience, certifications and specific office location. This may differ in other locations due to cost of labor considerations.

Austin, TX

$83,200—$104,000 USD

OUR OPPORTUNITY

Natera™ is a global leader in cell-free DNA (cfDNA) testing, dedicated to oncology, women’s health, and organ health. Our aim is to make personalized genetic testing and diagnostics part of the standard of care to protect health and enable earlier and more targeted interventions that lead to longer, healthier lives.

The Natera team consists of highly dedicated statisticians, geneticists, doctors, laboratory scientists, business professionals, software engineers and many other professionals from world-class institutions, who care deeply for our work and each other. When you join Natera, you’ll work hard and grow quickly. Working alongside the elite of the industry, you’ll be stretched and challenged, and take pride in being part of a company that is changing the landscape of genetic disease management.

What We Offer

Competitive Benefits - Employee benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life and disability plans for eligible employees and their dependents. Additionally, Natera employees and their immediate families receive free testing in addition to fertility care benefits. Other benefits include pregnancy and baby bonding leave, 401k benefits, commuter benefits and much more. We also offer a generous employee referral program!

Natera is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to ensuring a diverse and inclusive workplace environment, and welcome people of different backgrounds, experiences, abilities and perspectives. Inclusive collaboration benefits our employees, our community and our patients, and is critical to our mission of changing the management of disease worldwide.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply, and will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, age, veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with applicable laws.