Automation Engineer

This is a 12-month contract position.
The Automation Engineer designs, configures, tests, implements, and sustains automation solutions for formulation, DNA synthesis, manufacturing workflows, and production data systems at the Petaluma site. The role partners with Manufacturing, Quality, Operational Technology, Enterprise Information Technology, and external vendors to deliver reliable, maintainable, and compliant automation solutions. This position combines hands-on equipment and workflow support with software development, MES/LIMS integration, scheduling and batching automation, production data capture, and practical deployment of automation technologies that improve productivity, data integrity, operational efficiency, and manufacturing scalability.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to capably perform each of the following essential duties:
Develop, configure, test, troubleshoot, and verify assigned automated liquid handling workflows on Dynamic Devices, Tecan, and other production equipment, including methods, deck layouts, consumables, plates, scripts, workflow verification, and integration with related manufacturing processes
Develop, modify, test, troubleshoot, and document automation and scheduling software scripts for assigned workflows using C#, Python, instrument specific programming languages, and other approved technologies
Support DNA synthesis automation and workflow integration activities involving sample tracking, batch tracking, instrument status, barcode identifiers, labels, and data flow between manufacturing processes and digital systems
Configure and test MES and LIMS workflows that support traceability including operator tasks, station activities, production records, instrument events, and batch status visibility
Contribute to the design, implementation, configuration, and improvement of scheduling and batching automation solutions for assigned workflows, including run sequencing, dispatching, queue management, and hands-off workflow initiation, to reduce manual batching decisions and improve process consistency
Execute dry runs, wet runs, process simulations, user acceptance testing, issue triage, and operational readiness testing in collaboration with Manufacturing, Quality, Process Design, and Operational Technology teams
Author or contribute to work instructions, automation requirements, risk assessments, test protocols, traceability documentation, deviation records, and validation or computer software assurance deliverables in support of controlled implementation, quality review, and compliant system sustainment.
Identify and communicate workflow bottlenecks, manual handoff risks, data integrity gaps, batching inefficiencies, and automation improvement opportunities for evaluation by senior engineering, quality, or management stakeholders
Partner with internal stakeholders and external vendors to resolve automation issues, verify workflow performance, and ensure solutions are usable by operators and sustainable by site teams
Adhere to company policies, procedures, safety expectations, quality requirements, data integrity practices, and engineering standards
Perform other duties as assigned
Essential Knowledge and Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in automation engineering, electrical engineering, mechatronics, robotics, computer science/engineering, manufacturing technology, or a related technical discipline with at least 1 year of automation experience; or associate degree or technical certificate in a related technical discipline with at least 3 years of automation experience; or an equivalent combination of relevant education and hands-on automation experience
Working knowledge of software development and scripting using C# and Python, including the ability to read, troubleshoot, modify, test, and document code used for instrument control, workflow automation, data processing, system integration, and manufacturing support
Hands-on experience supporting liquid handlers, laboratory automation, workflow integration, manufacturing automation, instrument integration, or automated laboratory or manufacturing systems
Working knowledge of liquid handling workflows, plate-based processing, sample tracking, batch tracking, barcode-driven workflows, instrument setup, basic method troubleshooting, and manufacturing data capture requirements
Experience configuring, operating, supporting, or troubleshooting automated liquid handling systems such as Tecan, Lynx, Hamilton, Beckman, or comparable platforms
Experience supporting automated workflows that include instruments, consumables, plates, labels, barcode identifiers, data capture, and structured operator or system handoffs
Experience documenting automation configurations, test results, troubleshooting outcomes, work instructions, training materials, and operational handoff information
Ability to follow controlled procedures, execute testing, document technical changes, and communicate issues clearly across Manufacturing, Quality, Engineering, Operational Technology, Enterprise Information Technology, and vendor teams
Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate technical information to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
Strong attention to detail, practical troubleshooting skills, and comfort working in active manufacturing or laboratory environments
Ability to work independently on assigned tasks while escalating risks, blockers, and technical decisions appropriately
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams
Desired Knowledge and Qualifications:
Direct experience with Lynx and/or Tecan liquid handlers in a biotechnology, diagnostics, pharmaceutical, life science, or advanced manufacturing environment
Experience supporting DNA synthesis, oligonucleotide manufacturing, plate-based workflows, reagent delivery workflows, sample preparation, or high-throughput laboratory automation
Experience with Tulip Manufacturing Execution System workflows, Laboratory Information Management Systems, electronic batch records, production data capture, operator guidance systems, or station-based digital work instructions
Experience with scheduling software, batch scheduling logic, run sequencing, dispatching tools, production planning systems, optimization algorithms, or rules-based workflow automation
Exposure to artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted batching, algorithmic scheduling, automated queue management, hands-off workflow initiation, or decision-support tools for manufacturing or laboratory operations
Familiarity with structured query language (SQL), Python, scripting, representational state transfer (REST) application programming interfaces (APIs), OPC Unified Architecture (OPC-UA), barcode systems, label printing systems, instrument event capture, database integrations, or manufacturing data pipelines
Experience supporting Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), International Organization for Standardization (ISO), regulated, or quality-controlled environments, including commissioning, computer software assurance testing, change control support, and data integrity practices

Employment type
Full-time

Work arrangement
No