Automation Workflow Software Engineer - Lab Sync

lab automation; San Diego (CA); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Benefits

Potential for stock options

Job summary

Lab Sync is seeking an Automation Workflow Software Engineer in San Diego, California. This role involves designing and developing automated laboratory workflows, integrating software and instruments, and troubleshooting complex systems. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in a related field, 5+ years of relevant experience, and strong programming skills in Python and C#. Join Lab Sync to revolutionize lab automation and empower scientists to tackle global challenges.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in software development, lab automation, or workflow orchestration.
• Strong programming skills in Python and experience in C#.
• Hands-on experience designing and implementing automation workflows.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement complex workflows for lab automation integrating software and robotics.
• Translate scientific protocols into automated processes.
• Diagnose and resolve complex issues across software, hardware, and automation layers.

Skills

Programming in Python

Troubleshooting skills

Experience in laboratory automation

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

FastAPI

Docker

Kubernetes

Job description

We’re growing again at Lab Sync! Looking for two people for roles like this (leveling for the role is flexible if you have more experience than the minimum 5 years). Remote friendly

We had it up on LinkedIn, but got overwhelmed with AI applications, so DM me with your information if you’re interested

Automation Workflow Software Engineer

Job Title: Software Engineer

The Company

Join Lab Sync, a cutting‑edge company pioneering the next generation of lab automation. We’re on a mission to revolutionize the way science gets done, empowering researchers to make discoveries that tackle the world’s biggest challenges.

As a fast‑growing profitable startup, we offer the opportunity to work with a dedicated and inspired team, all while experiencing rapid personal and professional growth. If you’re ready to make a difference and thrive in a dynamic, fast‑paced environment, we want you on our team.

The Role

As an Automation Workflow Software Engineer, you will be responsible for designing, developing, and implementing complex orchestration workflows that connect software, robotics, and laboratory instruments into reliable, scalable automated systems.

This role sits at the intersection of software engineering and laboratory science. You will work closely with customers, scientists, and internal engineering teams to translate experimental intent into production‑ready automated workflows—while also contributing to Lab Sync’s core platform and tooling.

You will be a hands‑on builder who understands both how labs operate and how software systems should be architected.

Key Responsibilities

Orchestration & Workflow Development

Design and implement complex, custom orchestrated laboratory workflows spanning robotics, liquid handling, scheduling, and data systems.

Configure and extend automation platforms such as Green Button Go, Cellario, Momentum, Hamilton, Tecan, Beckman, or similar systems.

Translate scientific protocols into robust, maintainable automated processes.

Software Engineering

Design, develop, and maintain software services and tooling to support workflow orchestration and instrument control.

Write clean, efficient, and well‑documented code in Python, TypeScript, and C#.

Build and integrate APIs, services, and custom drivers for laboratory instruments and systems.

Contribute to UI components, data visualization, and cloud/on‑prem services that streamline lab operations.

Integrate laboratory instruments using APIs, SDKs, and low‑level communication protocols (RS232, USB, TCP/IP).

Design end‑to‑end automation architectures, including schedulers, data flows, authentication, and deployment strategies.

Integrate with LIMS, LES, orchestration engines, and laboratory data management systems.

Troubleshooting & Delivery

Diagnose and resolve complex issues across software, hardware, and automation layers.

Optimize systems for performance, reliability, and scalability in real‑world lab environments.

Guide projects from initial scoping through deployment and handoff.

Work closely with scientists, product managers, engineers, and customers to define and refine workflow requirements.

Serve as a technical partner to customers during implementation, training, and rollout.

Relay customer feedback to internal teams to continuously improve Lab Sync’s products.

Best Practices

Participate in code reviews and follow modern software engineering practices (Git, CI/CD, testing).

Contribute to architectural discussions and technical standards.

Help define testing strategies to ensure high‑quality workflow and software delivery.

Travel

Travel up to 10–20% within the U.S. for customer deployments, collaboration, and industry events.

Coordinate occasionally with East Coast teams and customers (including some 9am EST meetings).

The Ideal Candidate

You are a hybrid technologist who is comfortable writing production software and standing in a lab debugging a robotic workflow.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Computer Science, Engineering, Biology, Chemistry, or a related field (or equivalent experience).

5+ years of experience in software development, laboratory automation, or workflow orchestration.

Strong programming skills in Python, with experience in C#.

Hands‑on experience designing and implementing complex automation workflows.

Experience integrating laboratory instruments and automation platforms.

Strong troubleshooting skills across software and hardware boundaries.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred / Bonus Experience

Familiarity with schedulers, orchestration engines, and lab data systems.

Experience with FastAPI, Vue / Nuxt 4, and full‑stack development.

Experience with authentication in cloud and on‑prem environments (e.g., Active Directory).

Database schema design and migrations (SQL / NoSQL).

Containerization and lightweight Kubernetes (e.g., k3s).

Experience working directly in customer laboratories.

Familiarity with agile development methodologies.

The Lab Sync Experience

Join a team that thrives on exploring bold ideas, encourages creativity, and takes pride in doing exceptional work.

Growth opportunities in a fast‑growing startup environment where your contributions will make a direct impact.

The opportunity to be at the forefront of revolutionizing lab automation and empowering scientists to change the world.

A competitive compensation package, including benefits and potential for stock options.

The Next Step (Apply)

If you’re excited about joining a team that’s redefining the future of lab automation, we’d love to hear from you! Apply today to start your journey with Lab Sync.