Automation Engineer I/II - Discovery Oncology
Eli Lilly and Company
Summary
We're looking for an Automation Engineer I/II to help build, operate, and maintain the automated systems that power our laboratory workflows. You'll work alongside a senior Lab Automation Engineer, Automation Scientist, and bench scientists to keep systems running reliably and to support the rollout of new automated workflows — with the senior Lab Automation Engineer serving as your primary technical mentor as you grow into a more senior automation role. This role reports to the AVP-Automation, Discovery Oncology and will be on-site in NYC.
Job description
Summary
We're looking for an Automation Engineer I/II to help build, operate, and maintain the automated systems that power our laboratory workflows. You'll work alongside a senior Lab Automation Engineer, Automation Scientist, and bench scientists to keep systems running reliably and to support the rollout of new automated workflows — with the senior Lab Automation Engineer serving as your primary technical mentor as you grow into a more senior automation role. This role reports to the AVP-Automation, Discovery Oncology and will be on-site in NYC.
Responsibilities
- Operate and maintain lab automation equipment (liquid handlers, plate readers, robotic workcells, etc) to support daily experimental throughput
- Assist in troubleshooting instrument and integration-level errors; escalate complex root-cause issues to the team
- Support installation, calibration, and preventive maintenance of automated workcells and liquid handlers
- Write and modify basic automation scripts/protocols (e.g., in Python, C#, Fluent Control, or Cellario) under guidance
- Document SOPs, error logs, and maintenance records to support reproducibility and audit-readiness
- Partner with lab scientists and automation scientists to understand workflow requirements and translate them into automation-friendly steps
- Monitor system performance and flag opportunities for reliability or throughput improvements
- Provide day-to-day technical support to bench scientists using automated systems
- Take on increasing ownership of small technical projects under the Sr Advisor Lab Automation Engineer's mentorship, as a growth path toward more senior automation engineering work
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Physics, or related technical field (or equivalent experience)
- 1–2 years of experience with laboratory automation, robotics, or a related hands-on technical role (internships count)
- Qualified applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Vaccine Company will not provide support for or sponsor work authorization or visas for this role, including but not limited to F-1 CPT, F-1 OPT, F-1 STEM OPT, J-1, H-1B, TN, O-1, E-3, H-1B1, or L-1.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with liquid handling platforms (e.g., Hamilton, Agilent, Tecan, Beckman Coulter/Labcyte)
- Basic scripting ability (Python, VBA, C# or similar)
- Strong attention to detail and good documentation habits
- Comfortable working hands-on in a wet lab environment; some roles require standing/lifting up to 25 lbs
- Good communicator, eager to learn from senior team members
- Experience using AI to write code or create simple UIs
- Experience executing scientific experiments in the lab
- Familiarity with lab scheduling software (Cellario, Momentum, GBG, etc)
- Coursework or experience with CAD (SolidWorks, Inventor)
- Familiarity with PLCs, safety circuits, or basic controls
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Physics, or related technical field (or equivalent experience)
- 1–2 years of experience with laboratory automation, robotics, or a related hands-on technical role (internships count)
- Must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis
- No visa sponsorship available
- Experience with liquid handling platforms (e.g., Hamilton, Agilent, Tecan, Beckman Coulter/Labcyte)
- Basic scripting ability (Python, VBA, C# or similar)
- Strong attention to detail and good documentation habits
- Comfortable working hands-on in a wet lab environment
- Good communicator, eager to learn from senior team members
- Experience using AI to write code or create simple UIs
- Experience executing scientific experiments in the lab
- Familiarity with lab scheduling software (Cellario, Momentum, GBG, etc)
- Coursework or experience with CAD (SolidWorks, Inventor)
- Familiarity with PLCs, safety circuits, or basic controls
Benefits
- 401(k) Matching
- Pension
- Vacation Benefits
- Medical Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Prescription Drug Benefits
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Life Insurance
- Death Benefits
- Employee Assistance Program
- Fitness Benefits
- Employee Clubs and Activities
- Company Bonus
Company overview
Eli Lilly and Company, commonly known as Lilly, is a leading American multinational pharmaceutical corporation headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. Founded in 1876 by Colonel Eli Lilly, the company has grown into one of the world's most valuable pharmaceutical enterprises, with operations in approximately 125 countries. Lilly specializes in developing and manufacturing innovative medicines across multiple therapeutic areas, including diabetes, oncology, neuroscience, immunology, and cardiometabolic diseases. The company is renowned for its groundbreaking work in insulin production, having been the first to mass-produce insulin and later developing the first commercially available insulin product in the U.S. Lilly's current portfolio includes blockbuster medications such as Mounjaro and Zepbound (tirzepatide) for diabetes and obesity, Trulicity (dulaglutide) for type 2 diabetes, Verzenio (abemaciclib) for breast cancer, and Taltz (ixekizumab) for autoimmune conditions. With approximately 47,000 employees worldwide, Lilly maintains a strong commitment to research and development, investing heavily in scientific innovation to address some of the world's most significant health challenges. The company operates with a mission to make life better for people around the world through the discovery and delivery of innovative medicines.