Senior Automation Engineer, High-Throughput Screening

Novartis Group Companies; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 93,800 - 174,000; Full time

Job summary

Novartis Group of Companies in Cambridge, MA, seeks a Senior Automation Engineer I to design, develop, implement and maintain automated laboratory robotics for high-throughput screening, on-site.

The role collaborates with scientists to translate bench assays into fully automated workflows, manages project timelines, and ensures reliable operation of screening systems. Requires a B.S. in engineering and 3+ years in automation.

Qualifications

• Requires a B.S. in mechanical, electrical, or bioengineering.
• At least 3 years designing, servicing, and implementing automated systems.
• Experience deploying automated workflows in life sciences or clinical labs.
• Strong communication and documentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead setup, operation, and maintenance of high-throughput screening systems.
• Collaborate with scientists to translate bench assays into automated workflows.
• Manage project timelines and ensure reliable system operation.
• Develop SOPs, maintenance manuals, and train users.

Skills

Automation

High-throughput

Troubleshooting

Project management

Education

B.S. in mechanical, electrical, or bioengineering

Tools

SolidWorks CAD

Biosero Orchestrator

Green Button Go

Cellario RoboCell

LIMS integration

Job description

Job Description Summary

Responsible for designing, developing, implementing, and maintaining laboratory robotics that support exploratory biology in an automated fashion.

The work is hands‑on and requires expertise in project management, troubleshooting electrical and mechanical components, developing protocols, liquid handling, and operating system validation/verification. The team focuses on designing, building, maintaining, and improving large and small automated systems for high‑throughput screening and automated cell culture.

Job Description

Internal Job Title: Senior Automation Engineer I

Position Location: Cambridge, MA (onsite)

The role requires a broad range of engineering disciplines and involves collaborating with scientists to translate bench assays into fully automated workflows, managing project timelines, and ensuring reliable operation of high‑throughput screening systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as a primary support engineer for laboratory automation and instrumentation within DSc in Cambridge, MA, overseeing the setup, operation, and maintenance of state‑of‑the‑art high‑throughput screening systems.
• Collaborate with scientists to adapt biological assays from bench to fully automated assays using high‑throughput screening systems; knowledge of Biosero Orchestrator and Green Button Go scheduling software is highly desirable.
• Serve as project manager for small and large‑scale automation projects, managing, planning, developing, and executing projects from startup to completion.
• Work effectively with multidisciplinary groups to implement solutions that enhance throughput, delivery, cost efficiencies, and health, safety, and environmental considerations.
• Establish, monitor, and maintain a stable and productive automation environment through QC and preventative maintenance.
• Assist in developing SOPs, maintenance manuals, start‑up procedures, and train new users of equipment.
• Demonstrate self‑motivation, multitasking ability, and effective time‑management skills.
• Work independently and as part of a team.

Essential Requirements

• B.S. in mechanical, electrical, or bioengineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• 3+ years of experience servicing and implementing automated systems.
• Experience designing, building, and deploying automated laboratory workflows in life sciences or clinical laboratories.
• Strong organizational, written, and verbal communication skills for interacting with scientific staff, customers, key stakeholders, and vendors.
• Proficiency with MS Office and CAD (preferably SolidWorks).
• Strong troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills.

Desirable Requirements

• Familiarity with Biosero Orchestrator/Green Button Go robotic platforms, HighRes BioSolutions (Staubli/Denso/Precise)/Cellario robotic platforms, CellTrio RoboCell, Beckman Echo, GNF Director robotic platforms, and a wide range of laboratory benchtop equipment.
• Basic understanding of C# or an equivalent programming language.
• Interest in evaluating, integrating, and optimizing AI models and orchestration frameworks.
• Familiarity with data analysis platforms such as Genedata Screener, Spotfire, and AI agents.
• Experience collaborating with engineers and scientists to develop new automated platforms.
• Ability to create innovative solutions to support complex biological assays at scale.
• Experience integrating automated systems into LIMS and other scientific data systems, either in‑house or commercially available, to support reliable data capture, transfer, traceability, and downstream analysis.

Salary Range

$93,800.00 – $174,200.00 per year

EEO Statement

The Novartis Group of Companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.

Accessibility and Reasonable Accommodations

The Novartis Group of Companies are committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you need accommodations for any part of the application process or to perform essential functions of this position, please e‑mail [e-mail] or call [phone]. Include the job requisition number in your message.