Senior Lab Automation Engineer — Hybrid Robotics & HTS

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

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.