Automation Engineer
NeoGenomics Laboratories
Summary
The Automation Engineer role plays a critical role in helping to support the clinical laboratory’s general operations. This role’s primary responsibility is to maintain, troubleshoot, and deploy automation. The Automation Engineer works closely with laboratory operations, scientific staff, quality management, and a variety of other departments to support automated workflows, troubleshoot instrumentation issues, assist with new programming and deployment, and contribute to automation and technology improvement initiatives. This role promotes adherence to safety protocols, monitors equipment performance, and ensures compliance with regulatory requirements, maintaining a high level of operational reliability and efficiency within the laboratory.
Job description
Core Responsibilities
- Support troubleshooting and resolution of issues associated with deployed automated workflows and laboratory automation systems in a molecular testing environment
- Assist in the development, testing, validation, and deployment of new automated workflows by translating manual laboratory processes into reliable, scalable, and reproducible automated solutions
- Collaborate with the molecular operations team, biomedical engineering team, and external vendors to ensure timely resolution of software and equipment issues to minimize operational downtime
- Train operators on the proper utilization and maintenance of automated instrumentation, ensuring smooth and efficient functionality throughout the laboratory
- Support the implementation, qualification (IQOQPQ), and integration of new software and equipment and advanced technologies into existing workflows
- Assist with the creation, execution, and maintenance of qualification, validation, and technical documentation related to automated instrumentation and methods
- Evaluate new automation technologies, instruments, and software solutions, and provide recommendations regarding their potential application and value within laboratory operations (not exclusive to molecular)
- Develop proficiency in new software platforms, automation systems, and laboratory technologies to support evolving operational needs
- Identify opportunities for continuous improvement and contribute innovative ideas that enhance efficiency, quality, throughput, and laboratory performance
- Maintain clear and effective written and verbal communication with stakeholders across laboratory, engineering, quality, and support functions
- Ensure compliance with internal and external regulations (e.g., CLIA, CAP, FDA, ISO)
- Drive continuous improvement and recommend corrective actions where needed
Experience, Education and Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, biological sciences, or related technical field or equivalent work experience required
- 2 + years in laboratory, diagnostics, or manufacturing engineering preferred
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
- Proficiency in programming languages for laboratory-based automation (ex. Hamilton Venus, Python)
- Demonstrate familiarity with molecular laboratory software, equipment, and systems, particularly Hamilton Liquid Handlers
- Basic understanding of molecular workflows such as NGS, PCR/qPCR, and nucleic acid extraction
- Demonstrate excellent organizational skills and work independently in a fast-paced environment
- Work in a biohazard environment and follow all safety protocols
- Support evenings, weekends, holidays, and on-call shifts as needed
- Apply strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
- Understand CAP/CLIA and FDA (GCP or GLP as appropriate) requirements
- Computer proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel and have a familiarity of working with LIMS
- Ability to sit and/or stand for long periods of time
- Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, biological sciences, or related technical field or equivalent work experience required
- 2+ years in laboratory, diagnostics, or manufacturing engineering preferred
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
- Proficiency in programming languages for laboratory-based automation (ex. Hamilton Venus, Python)
- Demonstrate familiarity with molecular laboratory software, equipment, and systems, particularly Hamilton Liquid Handlers
- Basic understanding of molecular workflows such as NGS, PCR/qPCR, and nucleic acid extraction
- Demonstrate excellent organizational skills and work independently in a fast-paced environment
- Work in a biohazard environment and follow all safety protocols
- Support evenings, weekends, holidays, and on-call shifts as needed
- Understand CAP/CLIA and FDA (GCP or GLP as appropriate) requirements
- Computer proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel and have a familiarity of working with LIMS
- Ability to sit and/or stand for long periods of time
- Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds
Benefits
- Health insurance
- 401(k) Matching
- Employee Stock Purchase Program
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Leadership Development
- Paid Time Off
- Wellness Courses
- Employee Resource Groups
Company overview
NeoGenomics Laboratories, Inc. is a premier cancer diagnostics company specializing in comprehensive cancer genetics testing and oncology data solutions. Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Fort Myers, Florida, the company operates as a publicly traded entity on Nasdaq under the ticker NEO. NeoGenomics provides one of the most extensive oncology-focused testing menus worldwide, serving oncologists, pathologists, hospital systems, academic centers, and pharmaceutical firms with innovative diagnostic and predictive testing services. The company's testing portfolio includes cytogenetics, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, anatomic pathology, and molecular genetics, with a particular emphasis on next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies. With approximately 2,200 employees across 13 locations in the United States and Europe, NeoGenomics processes over 1.7 million cancer-related tests annually, including more than 100,000 NGS tests, serving about 4,400 medical sites and providing answers to more than 500,000 patients each year. The company maintains CAP-accredited and CLIA-certified laboratories throughout its network and has established a significant presence in cancer research through its Pharma Services Division, which supports pharmaceutical clients in clinical trials and drug development.