Natera · 1 day ago
Senior Automation Engineer
San Carlos, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Mid, Senior Level
$130K/yr - $162K/yr
4+ years expNatera is a global leader in cell-free DNA (cfDNA) testing, dedicated to oncology, women’s health, and organ health. The Senior Automation Engineer designs, develops, and implements complex laboratory automation and integrated systems to support robust, reliable NGS assays, while collaborating with cross-functional teams.
BiotechnologyGeneticsHealth DiagnosticsMedicalWomen's
Responsibilities
Develop new automation for enablement of production workflows for either new assays, or new workflows in existing assays. Development Includes:
Conceptualization and design of system requirements
Identification of proper instrumentation
Creation and implementation of automation scripts and user interfaces, along with development of helper applications (in C#, Python, etc...) for the handling of data on the automated platforms
Integration to LIMS platforms
Develops systems in 2 very different types of environments:
Production Development where the goal is long term stability of assay and results
R&D teams where the goal is short term testing and alteration for workflow development
Expected to take on complex projects and workflows and independently develop robust, reliable solutions that fulfill the requirements of BioDev and Operations teams
Takes ownership of assigned projects and generates timely status communications to project leader and/or manager
Handles complex troubleshooting, especially in situations where the source of the issue is unknown and investigation requires work with multiple teams - including BioDev, Eng, OPS, and BioStats
Expected to continuously learn and build up knowledge base around automated equipment and software
Write documentation and SOPs, and train engineers on the development, maintenance, troubleshooting of hardware and software systems
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Engineering, closely related scientific field or equivalent
4+ years of experience in laboratory automation engineering
Technical proficiency and experience in automation and systems development and integration in the life sciences industry; especially with robotics and liquid handling systems
Experience in programming and operating liquid handlers (Beckman, Tecan, Hamilton, etc.)
Strong attention to detail and organizational skills required
Excellent problem solving skills
Strong written and verbal communication skills are required
Flexibility to support several simultaneous projects
Developing leadership skills
Preferred
Background in NGS laboratories is a plus, as is background in clinical laboratories
Experience in software programming and data handling (including database work) is a plus
Benefits
Comprehensive health benefits (medical, dental, vision)
401(k) with company match
Generous paid time off and company holidays
Additional wellness and work-life benefits
Life and disability plans for eligible employees and their dependents
Free testing in addition to fertility care benefits
Pregnancy and baby bonding leave
Commuter benefits
Generous employee referral program
Company
Natera
Natera specializes in cell-free DNA testing to provide a more targeted interventions to oncology, women's health, and organ health.
5001-10000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Natera 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 (90)
2024 (72)
2023 (37)
2022 (71)
2021 (64)
2020 (40)
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
$1.16BKey Investors
Sofinnova InvestmentsLightspeed Venture PartnersSequoia Capital
2023-09-07Post Ipo Equity· $250M
2022-11-15Post Ipo Equity· $400.05M
2022-03-16Post Ipo Equity· $5M
Leadership Team
Steve Chapman
CEO
Jonathan Sheena
Co-Founder, Board Member
Recent News
2026-01-06
Company data provided by crunchbase