Lab Automation Engineer — Deploy, Optimize & Support

Natera; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 107,000 - 133,000; Full time

Job summary

Natera is hiring an Automation Engineer in Austin, TX to deploy and optimize automated systems including liquid handlers and workcells. You will troubleshoot, document, and support production deployment while collaborating with Production, R&D, Quality, and vendors.

The role requires 2–5 years in lab automation, a Bachelor’s degree, and familiarity with GMP/GDP and regulatory requirements. Travel to local labs (~1 mile) may be needed; the position is on-site in Austin.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Life Sciences, or related field.
• 2–5 years of experience in laboratory automation engineering with hands-on troubleshooting and development.
• Understanding of diagnostic laboratory workflows, instrumentation, and software.
• Proficiency in lab automation controlling software and scheduling software; learning Python.

Responsibilities

• Operate as a semi-autonomous contributor within Production Engineering.
• Deploy liquid handling robotics for capacity expansion and draft deployment docs.
• Lead defined continuous improvement projects and report progress.
• Support PQ and verification activities for automated methods.
• Draft SOPs and contribute to documentation library.
• Collaborate cross-functionally on medium-scale projects with multiple teams.

Skills

Lab automation software

Scheduling software

Python

GDP & regulatory

Detail-oriented

Multi-project management

Strong communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Life Sciences, or related field

Tools

Tecan

Hamilton

Biomek

Cellario

GBG

LIMS

Job description

Natera is hiring an Automation Engineer in Austin, TX to deploy and optimize automated systems including liquid handlers and workcells. You will troubleshoot, document, and support production deployment while collaborating with Production, R&D, Quality, and vendors.

The role requires 2–5 years in lab automation, a Bachelor’s degree, and familiarity with GMP/GDP and regulatory requirements. Travel to local labs (~1 mile) may be needed; the position is on-site in Austin.