Staff Laboratory Automation Engineer

San Diego Stealth Startup; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

San Diego Stealth Startup is seeking a Staff Laboratory Automation Engineer to own Hamilton VENUS automation across core workflows in a fast-paced lab environment.

You will script, deploy, and support production-grade VENUS methods, mentor others, and collaborate with R&D, QA, and Lab Ops to ensure reliable, scalable automation from day one.

Qualifications

• BS/BA in life sciences, engineering, or CS.
• 8+ years in life sciences automation; Hamilton VENUS expertise required.
• 6+ years deploying and supporting Hamilton or similar platforms.
• Familiarity with CLIA/CAP/GxP regulatory environments.

Responsibilities

• Design, script, test, optimize, and deploy VENUS methods for library prep, extraction, and sample processing.
• Configure deck layouts, labware, liquid classes, and gas/tip strategies.
• Translate protocols into reliable automated workflows with production-grade quality.
• Build standardized decks, reusable components, and laboratory data libraries.
• Integrate Hamilton with peripheral devices and data systems (LIMS/LIS).
• Serve as escalation point for method failures and instrument faults; perform root-cause analysis.
• Collaborate with R&D, Lab Ops, and Quality on IQ/OQ/PQ, validation, and releases.
• Document methods, version histories, and validation records.

Skills

Hamilton VENUS automation

Python scripting

Troubleshooting

Root cause analysis

Lab automation design

Education

BS/BA in life sciences, engineering, or CS

MS or PhD (preferred)

Tools

Hamilton STAR/Vantage

LIMS/LIS integration

C#/Java

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.