Sr Automation Engineer

Twist Bioscience; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 169,000; Full time

Job summary

Twist Bioscience, onsite in South San Francisco, CA, seeks a Sr Automation Engineer to join the Automation team. You will deploy automated solutions to Twist operations, specializing in Hamilton STAR, developing, validating, and maintaining automated liquid handling methods for high‑throughput workflows and integration with Twist LIMS.

You will lead validation projects, write technical documentation, and ensure ISO 13485 quality compliance while collaborating with Operations, R&D, and Quality in

Qualifications

• 7+ years in laboratory automation.
• 5+ years operating and programming robotic liquid handlers, with Hamilton Robotics expertise.
• Proven ability to translate manual assays to automated platforms.
• Experience with sample tracking software, software requirements, and interfaces with LIMS.

Responsibilities

• Develop, validate, and maintain automated liquid handling methods for high‑throughput workflows.
• Provide hands‑on support for liquid handlers, bulk dispensers, analytical instruments, sequencers, and automation systems.
• Lead validation projects, author documentation, and maintain production systems.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to optimize processes and integrate hardware with Twist LIMS.
• Evaluate vendor software and automation offerings; build in‑house solutions when needed.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory and ISO 13485 quality standards.

Skills

Robotic liquid handling

Hamilton Robotics

LIMS interfaces

Data analysis

Regulatory compliance

Python

C#

VBScript

Education

BS or MS in Engineering or Life Sciences

Tools

LIMS

Job description

Sr Automation Engineer (Onsite in South San Francisco, CA)

Summary

We are looking for a talented laboratory automation engineer to join the Automation team. In this role, you will deploy automated solutions to the back-end of Twist operations, where synthesized DNA is converted into finalized products. With a specialization in the Hamilton STAR, you will develop, validate, and maintain automated liquid handling methods. Beyond providing hands‑on support to Twist’s diverse fleet of liquid handlers, you will also work with bulk dispensers, analytical instrumentation, integrated automation systems, and custom robotics. Reporting within the Engineering organization, you will collaborate closely with Operations, R&D, and Quality to release robust, automated workflows in a fast‑paced environment.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Develop, validate, and maintain automated liquid handling methods supporting high-throughput workflows across Twist's synthetic biology and genomics product lines
• Provide hands‑on support for liquid handlers, bulk dispensers, analytical instrumentation, sequencers, and integrated automation systems
• Lead validation projects, author technical documentation, and maintain existing production systems.
• Collaborate within cross‑functional teams to optimize existing processes, gather requirements for new processes, and integrate hardware with Twist LIMS
• Evaluate instrument manufacturers' native software and automation offerings, communicate integration needs, and build in-house solutions when needed
• Ensure work complies with regulatory and ISO 13485 quality standards

What You’ll Bring To The Team

• B.S. or M.S. in Engineering, Life Sciences, or a related field with 7+ years of relevant industry experience in laboratory automation
• 5+ years hands‑on experience operating and programming robotic liquid handlers, with demonstrated expertise in Hamilton Robotics
• Proven track record of successfully translating manual assays from bench to stand alone workstations or fully integrated platforms
• Hands‑on experience with sample tracking software, writing software requirements, and developing interfaces with LIMS
• Strong scientific computation, data analysis, and problem‑solving skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency in scripting and programming languages (e.g., Python, C#, VBScript) for custom data handling or workflow extension.
• Prior experience with Next‑Generation Sequencing (NGS) assay automation.
• Experience working within ISO 13485 or other quality management systems.

About Twist Bioscience

Twist Bioscience synthesizes genes from scratch, known as “writing” DNA. Just as children learn to both read and write, the next phase of development for the genomics revolution is the ability to write DNA.

At Twist Bioscience, we work in service of people who are changing the world for the better. In fields such as health care, agriculture, industrial chemicals and data storage, our unique silicon-based DNA Synthesis Platform provides precision at a scale that is otherwise unavailable to our customers.

Twist Bioscience Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Twist Bioscience Corporation provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic characteristics, or any other category protected by law.

The base cash compensation for this California-based role is below. In addition to base salary, this role is eligible for bonus, equity, and a generous benefits package. Final compensation amounts are determined by multiple factors, including candidate skill, experience, expertise, and location and may vary from the amount listed above. Compensation may be different in other locations.

San Francisco Bay Area Pay Range

$140,000 - $169,000 USD