Senior Automation Engineer

White-Recruitment; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 109,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Paid vacation, holidays and sick leave

401(k) and long-term incentives

Remote flexibility

Job summary

Global Pharmaceutical Company is seeking a Senior Automation Engineer to design and deploy automated laboratory systems supporting drug development. This hands-on role blends robotics, hardware integration, programming and data analysis to automate experimental workflows.

You will lead projects from requirements through installation, integrate instruments and sensors, and develop end-to-end data workflows. Collaboration with chemistry, engineering and analytics teams is essential to improve

Qualifications

• Proven automation experience in R&D labs or manufacturing environments.
• Hands-on robotics and hardware integration with troubleshooting ability.
• Experience deploying automation equipment in lab or production settings.
• Strong programming experience across languages and automation platforms.

Responsibilities

• Lead automation projects from requirements through installation and delivery.
• Integrate robotics, analytical instruments, sensors and equipment.
• Develop end-to-end workflows connecting equipment with data collection and reporting systems.
• Collaborate with chemistry, engineering and analytics teams to solve technical challenges.
• Apply process modelling and data analysis to improve efficiency and understanding.
• Identify opportunities to enhance safety and reduce manual interventions.
• Train colleagues and communicate technical solutions across teams.

Skills

Hardware integration

Troubleshooting

Programming (Python/C#/C/C++)

Automation systems

Data handling and reporting

Project coordination

Education

BS in Engineering/Related field

MS in Engineering/Related field

PhD in Engineering/Chemistry/Robotics

Tools

Ignition

Industrial robotics

Sensors and actuators

Instrument integration

Job description

Senior Automation Engineer (513217) Chicago, Illinois

Salary: USD109000 - USD210000 per annum

Senior Automation Engineer | Laboratory Automation| Chicago,IL
$109,500–$208,500 base + benefits and long-term incentives

We’re working with a global pharmaceutical company seeking a Senior Automation Engineer to develop and deploy automated laboratory systems supporting drug development.

This hands-on role combines robotics, hardware integration, programming and data analysis. You’ll work closely with scientists and engineers to automate experimental workflows, improve data quality and develop increasingly autonomous laboratory solutions.

The Role

Lead automation projects from initial requirements and system design through to installation, commissioning and delivery.

Integrate custom-built and off-the-shelf robotics, analytical instruments, sensors and laboratory equipment.

Develop end-to-end workflows connecting experimental equipment with data collection, reporting and storage systems.

Partner with chemistry, engineering and analytical teams to understand technical challenges and deliver practical solutions.

Apply process modelling, experimental design and data analysis to improve research efficiency and process understanding.

Identify opportunities to improve existing systems, enhance safety and reduce manual intervention.

Train colleagues and communicate technical solutions to teams across different disciplines.

What We’re Looking For

A degree in engineering, chemistry, robotics or a related scientific discipline.

Relevant industrial experience: 12+ years with a BS, 10+ with an MS or 4+ with a PhD.

Proven experience delivering automation equipment and processes in R&D laboratories or manufacturing environments.

Strong hardware integration and troubleshooting skills, including bringing new systems into operation.

Programming experience using languages such as Python, C#, C++, C or Visual Basic, alongside automation platforms such as Ignition.

Experience handling experimental data and integrating instruments with reporting or data management systems.

Strong project coordination, communication and stakeholder management skills.

Experience in chemical process development, process modelling or AI/ML applications would be advantageous.

Package

Medical, dental and vision insurance.

Paid vacation, holidays and sick leave.

401(k) and eligibility for long-term incentives.

Primarily site-based, with remote flexibility where the role allows.