Staff Laboratory Automation Engineer

San Diego Stealth Startup; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

San Diego Stealth Startup in San Diego, CA seeks an experienced Staff Laboratory Automation Engineer to own Hamilton VENUS automation across core workflows. This hands-on, platform-expert role requires production-grade VENUS expertise from day one and a senior technical authority for automation.

You will design, script, test, optimize, and deploy VENUS methods, configure deck layouts, and integrate with peripheral devices.

Qualifications

• Degree/experience in life sciences, engineering, or computer science with senior-level expertise.
• Hands-on experience deploying production-grade Hamilton VENUS methods.
• Experience with IQ/OQ/PQ validation in regulated environments is a plus.

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.

Skills

Hamilton VENUS expertise

Lab automation

Scripting (Python, C#, Java)

Root-cause analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Tools

Hamilton VENUS

Hamilton STAR

STARlet

Vantage

LIMS integration

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Staff 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 production‑grade 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 8+ years, MA with 6+ years or PhD with 3+ year of experience in life sciences, engineering or computer science.
• Deep, production‑grade Hamilton VENUS expertise required from day one, including method scripting, deck design, liquid‑class development, pipetting optimization, and troubleshooting.
• 6+ 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.