Lab Automation Engineer - Contract, Protein Workflows

Xairatherapeutics; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 88,166 - 101,942; Full time

Job summary

Xaira Therapeutics in South San Francisco, CA is seeking a Lab Automation Engineer Contractor to program, operate, and maintain liquid handling platforms and integrated workcells supporting protein production, analytical, and NGS workflows.

This hands-on role ensures automated systems run reliably, translates protocols into automated methods, troubleshoots equipment, performs routine maintenance, and coordinates service with manufacturers—empowering scientists and operators across the biotech

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in engineering, biotech, or related field.
• 1+ year experience with automated liquid handling systems in biotech/pharma/life sciences.
• Experience programming or troubleshooting automated liquid handlers.
• Basic programming or scripting in Python, C#, or similar for lab automation.
• Experience maintaining laboratory instruments and coordinating with manufacturers.
• Knowledge of molecular biology techniques (PCR, gel, plate-reader, HPLC).
• Strong troubleshooting across hardware, software, labware, reagents, and procedures.
• Ability to document issues and maintenance clearly and consistently.
• Attention to detail, organization, and safe/lab-compliant operations.
• Effective communication across scientific, engineering, operational, and vendor teams.

Responsibilities

• Program, modify, test, and operate liquid handling methods including preparing labware, reagents, and monitoring runs.
• Maintain automation systems with preventive maintenance, calibration checks, and light repairs; coordinate with manufacturers.
• Operate integrated automation systems and maintain SOPs, troubleshooting guides, and maintenance records; support data transfer to LIMS/ELN and training of staff.

Skills

Lab automation

Troubleshooting

Documentation

Cross-functional collaboration

Python scripting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

Hamilton liquid handlers

Cellario

Green Button Go

Momentum

Job description

Xaira Therapeutics in South San Francisco, CA is seeking a Lab Automation Engineer Contractor to program, operate, and maintain liquid handling platforms and integrated workcells supporting protein production, analytical, and NGS workflows.

This hands-on role ensures automated systems run reliably, translates protocols into automated methods, troubleshoots equipment, performs routine maintenance, and coordinates service with manufacturers—empowering scientists and operators across the biotech