Senior Automation Engineer

Position Summary:

The Senior Automation Engineer is responsible for design, development, and implementation of automated workflows across laboratory production pipelines, including nucleic acid extraction, next-generation sequencing (NGS), and molecular assays. This role directly programs, tests, and troubleshoots automated systems while partnering closely with laboratory stakeholders and IT to deliver scalable, compliant, and efficient automation solutions. The position also provides technical mentorship, drives standardization of automation practices, and contributes to the long-term technology strategy for laboratory operations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop, validate, and optimize automated workflows to improve laboratory throughput, efficiency, and reliability. Apply strong knowledge of NGS chemistry to ensure high-quality automated performance.
• Gather and translate scientific and operational user requirements into automation solutions; provide recommendations on best practices and technology strategies.
• Collaborate with IT to integrate automation systems with LIMS.
• Provide advanced troubleshooting, maintenance, calibration, and support for liquid handling platforms (e.g., Tecan, Beckman, Revvity) and other lab instruments.
• Mentor colleagues on programming best practices, workflow design, and coding standards.
• Author and maintain SOPs, user guides, and training documentation.
• Deliver training to laboratory staff on automated instruments and workflows.
• Ensure compliance with verification/validation standards and regulatory requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement, including evaluation of new platforms, algorithms, and methodologies.
• Serve as a 2nd level on-call resource during live runs to address hardware/software issues as needed.

Qualifications / Experience:

• Education & Experience:
  • BS + 7 years, MS + 5 years, or PhD + 3 years of relevant experience.
  • Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, or related field.
• Experience in biotechnology or clinical laboratory environments.
• Expertise in operating and developing methods for automated liquid handling systems (Tecan, Beckman, PerkinElmer preferred).
• Hands-on experience with NGS workflows. Strong understanding of NGS chemistry and assay steps.
• Strong programming skills: Visual Basic, Python, SQL.
• Proficient in troubleshooting liquid handling and general lab equipment.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with verification, calibration, and quantitative measurement analysis.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills for data manipulation; SQL and database knowledge desirable.
• Familiarity with Six Sigma or process improvement methodologies.

Competencies:

• Analytical: Designs workflows, synthesizes complex information, and research data.
• Problem Solving: Identifies and resolves issues efficiently; develops alternative solutions.
• Technical Skills: Pursues knowledge, builds expertise, and shares insights.
• Interpersonal Skills: Maintains confidentiality, listens actively, and manages conflicts constructively.
• Communication: Clear written and oral communication; effective presentation of data.
• Teamwork & Leadership: Builds team morale, mentors others, and contributes to shared goals.
• Ethics & Professionalism: Acts with integrity, respects others, and follows through on commitments.
• Adaptability & Dependability: Manages changing priorities, meets deadlines, and handles unexpected challenges.
• Innovation: Generates creative solutions, suggests improvements, and implements innovative approaches.

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

• Frequently required to sit, use hand and finger dexterity, talk, hear, and utilize visual acuity.
• Occasionally exposed to bloodborne or airborne pathogens and infectious materials.

EEO Statement:
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from candidates regardless of race, religion,
color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

Note to Recruiters:

We value building direct relationships with our candidates and prefer to manage our hiring process internally. While we occasionally partner with select recruitment agencies for specialized roles, we do not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or agencies without a written agreement executed by the authorized signatory for Baylor Genetics ("Agreement"). Any resumes submitted to Baylor Genetics in the absence of an Agreement executed by Baylor Genetics' authorized signatory, will be considered the property of Baylor Genetics, and Baylor Genetics will not be obligated to pay any associated recruitment fees.