Senior Automation Engineer - Laboratory Robotics

Placements24; Randburg; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement planning

Training programs

Hybrid work model

Conferences support

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Automation Engineer in Randburg, Gauteng, to lead design, implementation, and support of automated lab systems. You will work with robotic platforms and software for high‑throughput screening and assay development, balancing hands‑on lab work with remote design and troubleshooting.

The role requires 5+ years in automated laboratory environments (pharma/biotech preferred), proficiency in Python, C++, VBA, and experience with integration of lab instruments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant engineering or computing field.
• Minimum 5 years designing and supporting automated lab systems, pharma/biotech preferred.
• Experience with robotic liquid handling platforms (Tecan, Hamilton, Beckman Coulter).
• Proficient in Python, C++, VBA; familiar with automation control software.
• Strong lab workflow, data management, and system integration knowledge.
• Excellent problem solving, communication, and multidisciplinary collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, program, and validate automated lab workflows and robots.
• Integrate instruments (liquids handlers, readers, centrifuges) into platforms.
• Develop software to control robots and manage experimental data.
• Troubleshoot hardware and software automation issues.
• Optimize processes to boost throughput, efficiency, and reliability.
• Collaborate with scientists to translate needs into solutions.
• Create SOPs for operation and maintenance of systems.
• Train staff on robotic equipment usage and upkeep.
• Stay current with lab automation and software trends.
• Ensure safety and regulatory compliance of systems.

Skills

Automation design

Robotic lab automation

Python

C++

VBA

System integration

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Eng, Electrical Eng, CS or related

Tools

Tecan

Hamilton

Beckman Coulter

Automation software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading innovator in pharmaceutical research and development, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Automation Engineer with a focus on laboratory robotics to join their dynamic team in Randburg, Gauteng . This role is critical in designing, implementing, and maintaining automated systems that enhance the efficiency, throughput, and reproducibility of laboratory processes, particularly in high-throughput screening and assay development. You will work with state-of-the-art robotic platforms, integrated software solutions, and cutting-edge laboratory equipment. This hybrid role balances hands-on engineering in the lab with remote system design, programming, and troubleshooting, offering a flexible and productive work environment. The ideal candidate possesses a strong engineering background and a passion for advancing scientific research through automation.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, program, and validate automated laboratory workflows and robotic systems.
• Integrate various laboratory instruments (e.g., liquid handlers, plate readers, centrifuges) into cohesive automated platforms.
• Develop and maintain software for controlling robotic systems and managing experimental data.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues with automation hardware and software.
• Optimize existing automated processes to improve efficiency, throughput, and reliability.
• Collaborate with scientists and researchers to understand their needs and translate them into automated solutions.
• Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the operation and maintenance of automated systems.
• Train laboratory personnel on the proper use and maintenance of robotic equipment.
• Stay current with advancements in laboratory automation, robotics, and relevant software technologies.
• Ensure systems meet safety standards and regulatory requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in designing, implementing, and supporting automated laboratory systems, preferably in a pharmaceutical or biotech setting.
• Proven experience with robotic liquid handling platforms (e.g., Tecan, Hamilton, Beckman Coulter).
• Proficiency in programming languages relevant to automation (e.g., Python, C++, VBA) and experience with automation control software.
• Strong understanding of laboratory workflows, assay principles, and data management.
• Experience with system integration, instrumentation, and data analysis.Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, effective in a hybrid team setting.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize tasks effectively.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health and wellness benefits, retirement planning assistance, and performance incentives.
• The hybrid work model provides valuable flexibility, blending essential in-person collaboration with remote work efficiency.
• We are committed to career development, offering extensive training programs, opportunities for professional certifications, and support for attending industry conferences.
• Join our innovative team in Randburg, Gauteng , and contribute to cutting-edge research by enhancing laboratory efficiency and accelerating scientific discovery.