SLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening) · 8 hours ago
Senior Automation Engineer II
Union City, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level
$164K/yr - $185K/yr
7+ years expSLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening) is seeking a Senior Automation Engineer II to join their growing Process Engineering team. This role involves leading and managing projects to design and implement automation systems in a high-complexity clinical laboratory environment.
AssociationBiotechnologyCommunitiesGovernmentInformation Technology
Responsibilities
Lead Automation Programs: Drive the roadmap for laboratory automation projects from concept to deployment, managing timelines, scope, resource allocation, and risk assessments
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Act as the primary liaison between Clinical Ops, R&D, and Informatics/LIMS teams to translate biological requirements into technical specifications
Process Optimization: Analyze existing workflows to identify bottlenecks; design and implement robust process improvements to increase throughput and reduce error rates
Platform Engineering: Design, script, and validate complex protocols on major liquid handling platforms (Hamilton STAR, Beckman Biomek i-Series, Agilent Bravo)
LIMS & Data Integration: Lead integration efforts between liquid handlers and LIMS; utilize APIs/drivers to ensure seamless bi-directional data transfer and sample tracking
Validation & Compliance: Author and execute comprehensive validation packages (IQ/OQ/PQ), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and user guides in compliance with CLIA/CAP/FDA regulations
Troubleshooting & Support: Serve as the final escalation point for complex hardware/software failures; provide advanced training and technical mentorship to junior engineers and lab operators
Qualification
Required
BS or MS in Engineering (Biomedical, Mechanical, Systems), Biology, or a related field
7+ years of hands-on experience in laboratory automation, with at least 2 years in a technical leadership or project management capacity
Deep expertise scripting on at least two major platforms (e.g., Hamilton Venus, Beckman Biomek, Agilent VWorks, or Tecan Evoware)
Proven experience integrating third-party devices (readers, peelers, sealers) and interfacing with LIMS/LIS systems
Proficiency in at least one software language used for data parsing or system integration (Python, C#)
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent projects using PM tools (e.g., Jira, Smartsheet) without direct supervision
Strong understanding of molecular biology workflows, specifically NGS library preparation (fragmentation, adapter ligation, enrichment)
Preferred
Training certificates from major vendors (e.g., Hamilton Venus, Beckman Biomek)
Experience with SQL database querying or cloud infrastructure (AWS/Azure) as it relates to lab data
Project Management Professional (PMP) or Agile/Scrum certification
Previous experience bringing automated assays live in a regulated clinical diagnostic environment (CLIA, CAP, ISO 13485)
Previous success in a high-growth, fast-paced start-up environment where wearing multiple hats was required
Benefits
Working alongside brilliant, kind, passionate and dedicated colleagues, in an empowering environment, toward a global vision, striving for a future in which transformative molecular diagnostics can help millions of patients
Open, transparent culture that includes weekly Town Hall meetings
The ability to indirectly or directly change the lives of hundreds of thousands patients
Multiple medical benefit options; employee premiums paid 100% of select plans, dependents covered up to 80%
Extremely generous Family Bonding Leave for new parents (16 weeks, paid at 100%)
Supplemental fertility benefits coverage
Retirement savings program including a 4% Company match
Increase paid time off with increased tenure
Latest and greatest hardware (laptop, lab equipment, facilities)
Daily on-site lunches provided from top eateries
A variety of perks on campus (state of the art gym, restaurant)
Free on-site EV charging (compatible with all EVs, including Tesla)
A (1) base pay range (actual amount offered is based experience and salary/equity options split that the candidate chooses) (2) generous equity options offering, on top of (3) industry leading company benefits (free healthcare options, 401k match, very generous fully paid parental leave etc.)
Company
SLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening)
SLAS, headquartered in Oak Brook, IL, is a tax exempt organization under section 501 (c) (3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code.
11-50 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageLeadership Team
Vicki Loise
CEO
Amy Wilkinson
Director, Global Events and Corporate Partnerships
Recent News
2025-10-23
News-Medical.Net
2025-10-03
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