Sr Automation Engineer

Description: Onsite in San Diego, CA The Senior Automation Engineer will support the development and deployment of liquid handling equipment and processes for the organization's consumables manufacturing environment. The role requires deep expertise in programming liquid handlers, strong analytical problem solving, and effective cross-functional communication. The engineer will evaluate and implement new technologies through proof-of-concept, feasibility, controls, and validation activities in a regulated GMP setting to improve reliability and performance. The position will influence project decisions and provide training, documentation, and ongoing technical support.Due to client requirements, applicants must be willing and able to work on a w2 basis. For our w2 consultants, we offer a great benefits package that includes Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits, 401k with company matching, and life insurance. Rate: $60.00 to $66.50/hr. w2Responsibilities: Own implementation of liquid handling automation systems in regulated lab and manufacturing settings. Develop complex automation scripts and recovery methods for new assays and workflows, including error handling, custom liquid classes, water or simulation runs, and data analysis. Apply problem-solving skills to resolve technical challenges and remove roadblocks during system deployment. Validate automated applications to ensure accuracy, precision, and repeatability. Drive process development and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance system performance and customer experience. Provide ongoing technical support and troubleshooting for protocols and instrumentation. Develop and maintain comprehensive documentation including training materials and internal process guides. Maintain professional relationships with customers and colleagues as a trusted technical advisor. Deliver basic and advanced software and hardware training to internal customers. Influence project and program level decisions at interfaces to other disciplines. Stay current with industry developments, emerging technologies, and regulatory expectations to guide long-term automation strategy. Experience Requirements: Expertise in programming and operating liquid handling systems such as Hamilton, Tecan, Beckman, Agilent, or Lynx and integration with peripheral devices including plate readers, sealers, shakers, and scanners. Deep knowledge of automated systems programming including method development, error recovery logic, liquid class optimization, method validation and testing via simulation or trace files, and integration with LIMS or MES. Basic proficiency with object-oriented programming languages, emphasizing C# and Python. Strong troubleshooting skills for integrated automation systems with a record of resolving critical production issues. Understanding of Software Development Life Cycle and validation procedures. Ability to plan activities within allocated project scope and prioritize assignments for supporting team members to maintain schedule. Experience managing vendors and engineering contractors for component delivery at a technical level. Strong oral and written communication skills to explain complex technical concepts to cross-functional audiences. Ability to operate independently, set priorities, and drive projects to completion with minimal oversight. Education Requirements: Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 5 years of related experience in Lifesciences, Chemistry, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Robotics Engineering, or Systems Engineering. Master's degree with a minimum of 3 years of related experience, or PhD with no experience, or equivalent work experience.

Created: 2026-04-02