Principal Automation Software Engineer

Biopharma Careers; Framingham (MA); On-site; USD 122,000 - 177,000; Full time

Job summary

Sanofi is seeking a Principal Automation Software Engineer in Framingham, MA to design and deploy software that automates laboratory instruments and data workflows. You will collaborate with scientists, engineers, and vendors to optimize processes and improve data quality in a fast-paced bioscience setting.

Role emphasizes full‑stack development, instrument control, APIs, and system integration with LIMS/ELN.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field with 5+ years of experience or advanced degree with fewer years.
• Experience developing and deploying full‑stack software for lab automation.
• Proficiency in Python, C++, C#, Java, or JavaScript and API integration.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, test, and deploy software applications for laboratory automation systems.
• Program and integrate laboratory instruments, liquid handlers, robotic workcells, and peripheral devices.
• Develop instrument control software, APIs, drivers, and workflow orchestration solutions.
• Create automated data collection, processing, and reporting tools.
• Collaborate with scientists to translate requirements into automation solutions.
• Troubleshoot hardware, software, and communication issues in automated equipment.
• Integrate automation platforms with LIMS, ELN, databases, and enterprise systems.
• Maintain documentation and software validation records.

Skills

Python

C++

C#

Java

JavaScript

REST APIs

Cloud-based applications

Container orchestration

Lab workflows knowledge

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science/Engineering/Bioengineering

Master’s Degree in related field

PhD in related field

Tools

Hamilton

Dynamic Devices

HighRes Biosolutions

Retisoft

SQL

NoSQL

Git

LIMS

ELN

Job description

Principal Automation Software Engineer

Location: Framingham, MA

About the job

The Bioanalytics Automation Lab is looking for an automation software engineer to join our team. The individual in this role will be responsible for developing, maintaining, and deploying software solutions that automate laboratory instruments, robotics, sample handling systems, and associated data workflows. Works closely with scientists, engineers, and vendors to integrate instrumentation, optimize processes, and improve laboratory efficiency and data quality.

Are you ready to shape the future of medicine? Your skills could be critical in helping our teams accelerate progress. Join our Bioanalytics Automation Lab as a Principal Automation Software Engineer and you’ll apply modern robotics and software development to expedite the drug development process at Sanofi.

Join the engine of Sanofi’s mission, where deep immunoscience meets bold, AI-powered research. In R&D, you’ll drive breakthroughs that could turn the impossible into possible for millions.

About Sanofi

We’re an R&D‑driven, AI‑powered biopharma company committed to improving people’s lives and delivering compelling growth. Our deep understanding of the immune system – and innovative pipeline – enables us to invent medicines and vaccines that treat and protect millions of people around the world. Together, we chase the miracles of science to improve people’s lives.

Main Responsibilities

• Design, develop, test, and deploy software applications for laboratory automation systems.
• Program and integrate laboratory instruments, liquid handlers, robotic workcells, and peripheral devices.
• Develop instrument control software, APIs, drivers, and workflow orchestration solutions.
• Create automated data collection, processing, and reporting tools.
• Collaborate with scientists and laboratory personnel to understand requirements and translate them into automation solutions.
• Troubleshoot hardware, software, and communication issues involving automated equipment.
• Integrate laboratory automation platforms with LIMS, ELN, databases, and enterprise systems.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, user guides, and software validation records.

About you

Education

• A Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Information Systems, Electrical Engineering, Bioengineering, or a related field with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience.
• OR Master’s Degree in the previous fields mentioned with a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience.
• OR PhD in the previous fields mentioned with a minimum of 2 years of post‑degree industry experience.
• Candidates from other technical disciplines with demonstrated software development experience in the pharmaceutical or life sciences industry will also be considered.

Experience

• Demonstrated experience developing and deploying full‑stack software solution for lab automation platforms in a professional environment, with proficiency in one or more programming languages Python, C++, C#, Java, or JavaScript.
• Hands‑on experience with hardware and instrument integration, along with a solid background working with APIs, databases, and network communications.
• Candidates should possess knowledge of laboratory workflows within pharmaceutical, biotechnology, diagnostics, or life sciences environments.
• Hands‑on experience with REST APIs, cloud‑based applications, container orchestration platforms.
• Familiarity with laboratory informatics systems (e.g., LIMS, ELN, SDMS or similar platforms).

Preferred

• Experience with laboratory automation platforms such as Hamilton, Dynamic Devices, HighRes Biosolutions, Retisoft, or comparable integrators is highly desirable.
• Experience with SQL and NoSQL databases, Git‑based version control.
• Experience working within GxP or other regulated environments will be considered a strong asset.
• Experience or interest in programming robotic automation technologies.

Soft Skills

Strong problem‑solving and troubleshooting skills are essential, as are excellent communication and collaboration abilities, given the cross‑functional nature of the role.

Why Choose Us?

• Make your work count by supporting a company that brings life‑changing treatments to millions, and is committed to doing right by patients, communities, and the planet.
• Drive progress from within by helping simplify, scale, and modernize how a global biopharma business delivers smarter, faster, and more sustainably.
• Support teams across science, medicine, and operations by building better systems, shaping bold strategies, and enabling innovation at speed.
• Make an impact across borders and functions, collaborating with leaders to turn complex challenges into real‑world solutions.
• Advance your career through stretch roles, cross‑functional moves, and development opportunities designed to match your ambition.
• Thrive in inclusive, high‑performing teams where every role matters and every voice helps shape what’s next.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Sanofi US Services and its U.S. affiliates are Equal Opportunity employers committed to a culturally inclusive workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; creed; religion; national origin; age; ancestry; nationality; marital, domestic partnership or civil union status; sex, gender, gender identity or expression; affectional or sexual orientation; disability; veteran or military status or liability for military status; domestic violence victim status; atypical cellular or blood trait; genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing) or any other characteristic protected by law.

Sanofi Inc. and its U.S. affiliates are Equal Opportunity employers committed to a culturally inclusive workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; creed; religion; national origin; age; ancestry; nationality; marital, domestic partnership or civil union status; sex, gender, gender identity or expression; affectional or sexual orientation; disability; veteran or military status or liability for military status; domestic violence victim status; atypical cellular or blood trait; genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing) or any other characteristic protected by law.

Better is out there. Better medications, better outcomes, better science. But progress doesn’t happen without people – people from different backgrounds, in different locations, doing different roles, all united by one thing: a desire to make miracles happen. So, let’s be those people.

Salary and Benefits

The salary range for this position is:

$122.250,00 - $176.583,33

All compensation will be determined commensurate with demonstrated experience. Employees may be eligible to participate in Company employee benefit programs, and additional benefits information can be found here.