insitro · 1 day ago
Head of Service, Automation Engineering
South San Francisco, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Lead/Staff, Director/Executive
$165K/yr - $189K/yr
5+ years expInsitro is a drug discovery and development company utilizing machine learning and data at scale to decode biology for transformative medicines. They are seeking a Head of Service, Automation Engineering to build and lead their automation support function, ensuring lab automation systems run reliably and are well-maintained. The role involves leading a team of service engineers, defining support processes, and collaborating with internal teams and vendors.
BiotechnologyHealth CareLife ScienceMachine LearningPharmaceuticalTherapeutics
Responsibilities
Build & Lead a high-performing service team that supports automated lab equipment across R&D
Define and implement service systems and processes: preventative maintenance schedules, SOPs, SLAs, troubleshooting guides, and support workflows
Ensure reliability by tracking equipment status, working with service team and automation teams to carry out preventative maintenance and IOQ, triaging issues, and overseeing repairs, and vendor coordination
Implement processes and tracking tools, including instrument status dashboards, performance and equipment tagging for visibility and documentation access
Be the face of automation support, engaging with users and stakeholders to improve uptime, usability, and user experience. As Head of Service, Automation Engineering, you will be the primary point of contact for automation support. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to enhance system reliability, streamline user interactions, and deliver an exceptional user experience through proactive engagement and strategic improvements
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's or Masters in Engineering or related field
5+ years in service or automation engineering; 2+ years in management or leadership roles
Extensive experience and knowledge of lab automation equipment (e.g., liquid handlers, robotic arms, plate readers, plate washers etc) and large integrated automated systems
Proven experience setting up service processes and tools (SOPs, SLAs, support systems)
Experience driving clear communications and collaborating with cross-functional partners in a matrixed organization
Experience with cell based and biochemical screening workflows
Expertise in Root Cause Analysis (RCA), Corrective Action and Preventive Action (CAPA) and troubleshooting methodologies
Experience implementing and maintaining a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS)
General interest of machine learning and AI
Benefits
401(k) plan with employer matching for contributions
Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage as well as mental health and well-being support
Open, flexible vacation policy
Paid parental leave of at least 16 weeks to support parents who give birth, and 10 weeks for a new parent (inclusive of birth, adoption, fostering, etc)
Quarterly budget for books and online courses for self-development
Support to attend professional conferences that are meaningful to your career growth and role's responsibilities
New hire stipend for home office setup
Monthly cell phone & internet stipend
Access to free onsite baristas and daily lunch for employees who are either onsite or hybrid
Access to a free commuter bus and ferry network that provides transport to and from our South San Francisco HQ from locations all around the Bay Area
Company
insitro
Insitro is a drug discovery and development startup that utilizes machine learning and biology to transform drug discovery.
201-500 employees
H1B Sponsorship
insitro has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (12)
2024 (12)
2023 (12)
2022 (7)
2021 (4)
2020 (8)
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageTotal Funding
$643MKey Investors
CPP InvestmentsAndreessen Horowitz
2021-03-15Series C· $400M
2020-05-26Series B· $143M
2018-05-02Series A· $100M
Leadership Team
Daphne Koller
Founder and CEO
D
Divya Kanichar
Director
Recent News
2026-01-06
Company data provided by crunchbase