Laboratory Automation & Robotics Engineer - Pharmaceuticals

Position Summary:
The Automation Engineer will lead the implementation, validation, integration, and ongoing optimization of laboratory automation solutions supporting regulated research and development environments. This role is responsible for designing and deploying robotic workflows, liquid handling systems, laboratory instrumentation integrations, and data management solutions that enable scalable, efficient, and compliant laboratory operations.
Working closely with scientists, laboratory operations teams, IT partners, and automation stakeholders, the Automation Engineer will drive automation initiatives from discovery and system assessment through deployment, validation, performance optimization, and long-term lifecycle support. The role will play a key part in advancing laboratory digitalization, increasing throughput, improving data integrity, and enhancing operational reliability.
Key Responsibilities:
Laboratory Automation & Robotics
Assess existing automation environments, including robotics platforms, liquid handling systems, and laboratory workflows.
Design, develop, configure, and deploy automated laboratory workflows.
Program and optimize robotic and liquid handling systems to meet scientific and operational requirements.
Implement automation strategies that improve process efficiency, reproducibility, and scalability.
Develop and execute automation roadmaps aligned with business priorities.
System Integration
Integrate robotic platforms with laboratory instruments, software applications, scheduling systems, and LIMS environments.
Design and implement data flow architectures that support seamless interoperability across laboratory systems.
Ensure automation outputs are appropriately integrated with downstream analytics and reporting platforms.
Partner with IT and laboratory stakeholders to enable secure, reliable system connectivity.
Validation & Compliance
Execute validation and qualification activities, including IQ/OQ/PQ protocols and documentation.
Develop and maintain validation lifecycle documentation.
Support regulatory compliance requirements and audit readiness initiatives.
Ensure automated systems meet quality, validation, and data integrity standards.
Participate in inspection readiness and compliance reviews.
Performance Optimization & Reliability Engineering
Perform system troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and performance tuning.
Monitor automation performance and establish KPIs to ensure sustained operational excellence.
Identify workflow bottlenecks and implement solutions that improve throughput and reduce downtime.
Develop preventative maintenance strategies and reliability programs.
Lead continuous improvement initiatives utilizing Lean, RCA, and CAPA methodologies.
Documentation & Knowledge Management
Author SOPs, technical specifications, validation documentation, and engineering records.
Develop training materials and support knowledge transfer activities.
Maintain comprehensive automation system documentation throughout the lifecycle of deployed solutions.
Provide technical mentorship and training to laboratory and operational staff.
Basic Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Automation, Robotics, Computer Science, Biotechnology, Life Sciences, or related technical discipline.
Demonstrated experience supporting laboratory automation, robotics, or automated instrumentation platforms.
Experience supporting pharmaceutical, biotechnology, life sciences, or regulated laboratory environments.
Experience programming, configuring, and troubleshooting robotic and liquid handling systems.
Knowledge of laboratory systems integration and data management workflows.
Experience executing validation activities in regulated environments, including IQ/OQ/PQ.
Strong technical problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
Ability to work effectively across scientific, engineering, quality, and IT organizations.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications:
Familiarity with LIMS, laboratory scheduling systems, data capture platforms, and analytics tools.
Knowledge of data integrity, laboratory compliance, and quality system requirements.
Experience implementing continuous improvement, Lean Six Sigma, RCA, or CAPA methodologies.
Experience with cross-platform laboratory automation integration.
Exposure to audit readiness and regulatory inspection support activities.

Employment type
Full-time

Work arrangement
No