Laboratory Automation Engineer

The Automation Engineer is responsible for the development, deployment, optimization, and support of automated systems and software tools (including robotic workcells, liquid handlers, and analytical instruments) in both production and R&D environments. This role focuses on the development of individual workflows and requires a strong foundation in technical troubleshooting. The successful candidate will collaborate with cross-functional teams to understand requirements and drive engineering projects of medium to high complexity with professional guidance.

Primary Responsibilities:

Working under the guidance of their manager and senior members of the organization:

• Develop new automation to enable production workflows for new assays or enhancements to existing workflows.

• Design system requirements and implement automation scripts and user interfaces. Develop helper applications (e.g., in C#, Python) for data handling and integration with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).

• Develop systems for diverse environments, including long-term stable production workflows and short-term R&D testing environments.

• Create User and Functional Requirements documentation for new workflows.

• Develop, perform, and document test protocols and method qualifications for new workflows on automated systems.

• Take ownership of assigned projects and provide timely status reports to project leadership and management.

•  Execute defined development and continuous improvement projects to enhance system performance.

• Handle complex troubleshooting where the source of the issue is unknown, collaborating with cross-functional teams (e.g., Development, Engineering, Operations, and Data Science) to resolve issues.

• Provide high-level support to the service and engineering teams.

• Continuously learn and expand the knowledge base regarding automated equipment, controlling software, and scheduling tools.

• Adhere to Good Documentation Practices (GDP), lab safety protocols, and all relevant regulatory requirements.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering, a related scientific field, or equivalent experience.

•  2+ years of experience in laboratory automation engineering.

• Proficiency in automation and systems development/integration within the life sciences industry, specifically with robotics and liquid handling platforms.

• Experience in software programming and data handling (including database work) is highly preferred.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments.

• Proven ability to manage multiple simultaneous projects with strong attention to detail and organizational skills.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Proficiency in using controlling and scheduling software for laboratory automation.

• Skills in programming languages such as C# or Python for data handling and system integration.

• Excellent problem-solving skills, particularly in diagnosing complex issues within integrated hardware/software systems.

• Understanding of Good Documentation Practices (GDP) and safety/regulatory standards in a laboratory setting.

• Ability to work effectively within a team-oriented environment and communicate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

• Flexibility to support rapidly changing requirements in a dynamic R&D environment while maintaining the stability required for production.

Natera™ is a global leader in cell-free DNA (cfDNA) testing, dedicated to oncology, women’s health, and organ health. Our aim is to make personalized genetic testing and diagnostics part of the standard of care to protect health and enable earlier and more targeted interventions that lead to longer, healthier lives.

The Natera team consists of highly dedicated statisticians, geneticists, doctors, laboratory scientists, business professionals, software engineers and many other professionals from world-class institutions, who care deeply for our work and each other. When you join Natera, you’ll work hard and grow quickly. Working alongside the elite of the industry, you’ll be stretched and challenged, and take pride in being part of a company that is changing the landscape of genetic disease management.