Senior Laboratory Automation Engineer

San Diego Stealth Startup; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 131,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

San Diego Stealth Startup seeks a Senior Laboratory Automation Engineer to own Hamilton VENUS automation across core workflows in a fast-paced launch environment.

You will design, script, test, and deploy VENUS methods, configure deck layouts, and integrate with peripheral devices, serving as a senior technical authority in lab automation.

Qualifications

• BS in life sciences, engineering, or CS with 5+ years
• Deep Hamilton VENUS expertise from day one
• 3+ years automating with Hamilton platforms
• Strong molecular biology workflow knowledge
• Experience integrating automation with peripheral devices
• Familiar with CLIA/CAP, GxP validation and change control
• Strong troubleshooting and independent decision making
• Ability to drive complex automation in fast-paced environment

Responsibilities

• Design, script, test, and deploy VENUS methods for library prep and sample processing.
• Configure deck layouts, labware, liquid classes, and tip strategies.
• Translate protocols into reliable automated workflows.
• Build and maintain deck configurations, labware libraries, and standards.
• Integrate Hamilton with thermal cyclers, plate sealers, barcode readers, robotic arms.
• Serve as senior escalation point for failures and perform root-cause analysis.
• Collaborate on IQ/OQ/PQ, method validation, change control, and releases.
• Maintain method documentation and validation records.
• Ensure data integration with LIMS and software systems.
• Establish automation development standards and review methods.
• Mentor engineers and partners on VENUS capabilities.
• Work cross-functionally to support readiness and future automation.

Skills

Hamilton VENUS

Method scripting

Troubleshooting

Automation design

Education

BS in life sciences

MS in engineering

PhD

Tools

Hamilton STAR

STARlet

Vantage

Job description

Hiring Range Salary: $131,000 - $140,000+ Equity & Bonus

Position Overview:

We are seeking an experienced Senior Laboratory Automation Engineer to own the design, scripting, deployment, and ongoing support of Hamilton VENUS liquid-handling automation across core laboratory workflows.

This is a hands‑on, platform‑expert role supporting an accelerated laboratory launch. The successful candidate will bring Hamilton VENUS expertise from day one and serve as a senior technical authority for laboratory automation.

Responsibilities:

• Design, script, test, optimize, and deploy Hamilton VENUS methods supporting library preparation, extraction, and sample‑processing workflows.
• Configure deck layouts, labware definitions, liquid classes, pipetting parameters, tip strategies, and exception/error‑handling logic.
• Translate molecular biology protocols into reliable, reproducible, and scalable automated workflows.
• Build and maintain standardized deck configurations, reusable method components, labware libraries, and liquid‑class standards.
• Integrate Hamilton platforms with peripheral instrumentation, including thermal cyclers, plate sealers/peelers, barcode readers, robotic arms, and other laboratory devices.
• Serve as the senior escalation point for method failures, instrument faults, and liquid‑handling performance issues; perform root‑cause analysis and implement corrective solutions.
• Partner with R&D, Lab Operations, and Quality on IQ/OQ/PQ, method validation, change control, and production releases.
• Maintain method documentation, version histories, validation records, and technical specifications.
• Partner with LIMS and Software Engineering to ensure sample manifests, run logs, plate maps, and sample‑level data integrate reliably with laboratory systems.
• Establish automation development, scripting, testing, and documentation standards and review methods prior to production deployment.
• Mentor engineers and laboratory partners on Hamilton VENUS capabilities, troubleshooting, and automation best practices.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with scientists, engineers, Quality, and Lab Operations to support laboratory readiness, workflow improvements, and future automation initiatives.

Qualifications:

• BS with 5+ years, MA with 3+ years or PhD with experience in life sciences, engineering or computer science.
• Deep Hamilton VENUS expertise required from day one, including method scripting, deck design, liquid‑class development, pipetting optimization, and troubleshooting.
• 3+ years of hands‑on experience developing, deploying, and supporting laboratory automation using Hamilton STAR, STARlet, Vantage, or similar platforms.
• Strong understanding of molecular biology and laboratory workflows, including library preparation, extraction, and sample processing.
• Experience integrating liquid handlers with third‑party laboratory instrumentation and peripheral devices.
• Familiarity with validation, documentation, and change‑control requirements within CLIA/CAP, GxP, or similarly regulated environments.
• Strong troubleshooting, root‑cause‑analysis, and independent technical decision‑making capabilities.
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast‑paced environment and independently drive complex automation issues through resolution.

Additional Qualifications:

• Experience with additional automation platforms such as Agilent Bravo or Tecan Fluent.
• Programming or scripting experience with Python, C#, Java, or similar languages.
• Experience integrating laboratory automation with LIMS/LIS and laboratory informatics systems.
• Experience supporting complex, high‑throughput laboratory automation environments.

We are an equal opportunity employer. We thrive on diversity and collaboration.