Senior Lab Automation Architect – Multi-Instrument Work Cells

Guardant Health, Inc.; Palo Alto (CA); Hybrid; USD 161,000 - 221,000; Full time

Job summary

Guardant Health, Inc. is seeking a Staff Lab Automation Engineer to design, build, and deploy integrated laboratory work cells for NGS sample and reagent processing in Palo Alto, CA.

You will architect multi-instrument systems, including liquid handlers and robotic arms, to meet assay performance while improving reliability, throughput, and cost. You will mentor engineers and collaborate with assay, operations, quality, and regulatory teams.

Qualifications

• BS in engineering or science with 8+ years of related experience, MS with 6+ years, or PhD with 3+ years.
• Track record delivering integrated, multi-instrument work cells from concept through deployment.
• Hands-on experience with liquid handlers (e.g., Hamilton STAR, Agilent Bravo, Lynx), and robotic arms (e.g., Brooks PreciseFlex).
• Experience developing interfaces between lab automation and Laboratory Information Management (LIMS) databases.
• Proficiency in C#, VB.NET, or Python; familiarity with XML and JSON.
• Experience with validation and documentation in regulated environments (IVD, LDT, etc.).
• Experience with NGS assays and throughput modeling or simulation preferred.
• Excellent problem-solving and debugging skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team with diverse scientific, engineering, operational, and regulatory disciplines.
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and cross-functional leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Program, test, troubleshoot, and optimize workcells end to end, from requirements through validation and deployment.
• Integrate and program liquid handlers (e.g., Hamilton STAR, Agilent Bravo, Lynx), robotic arms using Guidance Development Environment (e.g., Brooks PreciseFlex), and peripherals into work cells.
• Model throughput to find bottlenecks and guide layout; own technical risk and FMEAs.
• Evaluate new automation technologies and vendors.
• Engineer solutions that meet assay performance requirements for precision, timing, temperature, and contamination control.
• Lead validation strategy (IQ/OQ/PQ) and set team documentation standards in a regulated environment.
• Transfer validated work cells into production, including SOPs and training.
• Partner with assay scientists to translate assay requirements into automated workflows.
• Set technical direction; coordinate engineers and external integrators. Mentor engineers up to Senior level.
• Lead design reviews and report milestones and risks to leadership.

Skills

C#

Python

VB.NET

XML

JSON

LIMS interfaces

Automation programming

Robotics

Problem solving

Education

BS in engineering or science

MS in engineering or science

PhD in engineering or science

Tools

Hamilton STAR

Agilent Bravo

Lynx

Brooks PreciseFlex

Job description

Guardant Health, Inc. is seeking a Staff Lab Automation Engineer to design, build, and deploy integrated laboratory work cells for NGS sample and reagent processing in Palo Alto, CA.

You will architect multi-instrument systems, including liquid handlers and robotic arms, to meet assay performance while improving reliability, throughput, and cost. You will mentor engineers and collaborate with assay, operations, quality, and regulatory teams.