Senior Automation Engineer (I, II, III)
Cellares
Summary
We are seeking an Automation Engineer to drive and support the development, platforming and day-to-day operation of automated QC workflows in our Cell Q system at our South San Francisco, CA site. This role is central to translating newly developed assays into scalable, automated workflows ahead of transfer and validation on Cell Q.
Job description
Position Summary
We are seeking an Automation Engineer to drive and support the development, platforming and day-to-day operation of automated QC workflows in our Cell Q system at our South San Francisco, CA site. This role is central to translating newly developed assays into scalable, automated workflows ahead of transfer and validation on Cell Q.
The successful candidate will work hands-on to develop and program liquid handling methods, write and maintain Biosero Green Button Go (GBG) code, and test these methods to confirm functionality and performance before they move into validation. Working closely with Analytical Development, Quality Control, Software, Manufacturing and IT, the Automation Engineer will contribute to development, user training, technical documentation and controlled management of automated test methods.
Candidates should enjoy working in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment and be comfortable owning assay automation from early-stage development through hand-off for validation.
Responsibilities
- Design and develop automated liquid handling protocols to platform new assays onto the Cell Q system
- Partner with Analytical Development (AD) to translate manually developed assays into automation-compatible methods
- Write and maintain Biosero Green Button Go (GBG) code to implement and integrate automation solutions
- Design and execute validation experiments to optimize assay and workflow parameters.
- Conduct testing of newly developed automated methods to confirm functionality and performance ahead of formal validation
- Troubleshoot and iterate on liquid handler methods and GBG scripts throughout development
- Collaborate with QC, Manufacturing, IT, and Quality to support the transition of developed assays into validated production use
- Document method development, coding logic, and testing outcomes to support downstream validation and transfer
- Monitor and refine automated workflows based on development and testing feedback to improve reliability and performance
Requirements
- Bachelor's or higher degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Biotechnology, or a related field
- 2+ years of experience developing and programming liquid handling automation methods. Experience on Tecan Fluent preferred.
- Hands-on experience coding in Biosero's Green Button Go (GBG) software, or equivalent scheduling software experience
- Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or C#
- Experience working cross-functionally to platform manual assays onto automated systems
- Familiarity with flow cytometry, genomic, and cell-based assays
- Experience with laboratory analytical instruments and automated systems
- Familiarity with GMP documentation and change control practices, or ability to quickly learn regulated documentation requirements
- Strong technical writing skills and experience authoring SOPs, documentation, and training materials
- Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to troubleshoot technical issues during method development
- Strong communication skills to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams
- Attention to detail and ability to manage multiple development efforts simultaneously
- Creative, self-motivated, eager to take on a wide variety of tasks and grow with the evolving technology
- Self-awareness, integrity, authenticity, and a growth mindset
Requirements
- Bachelor's or higher degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Biotechnology, or a related field
- 2+ years of experience developing and programming liquid handling automation methods
- Experience on Tecan Fluent preferred
- Hands-on experience coding in Biosero's Green Button Go (GBG) software, or equivalent scheduling software experience
- Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or C#
- Experience working cross-functionally to platform manual assays onto automated systems
- Familiarity with flow cytometry, genomic, and cell-based assays
- Experience with laboratory analytical instruments and automated systems
- Familiarity with GMP documentation and change control practices, or ability to quickly learn regulated documentation requirements
- Strong technical writing skills and experience authoring SOPs, documentation, and training materials
- Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to troubleshoot technical issues during method development
- Strong communication skills to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams
- Attention to detail and ability to manage multiple development efforts simultaneously
- Creative, self-motivated, eager to take on a wide variety of tasks and grow with the evolving technology
- Self-awareness, integrity, authenticity, and a growth mindset
Benefits
- Medical, Dental & Vision
- 401(k) Matching
- Free EV Charging
- Onsite Lunches
- Stock Options
Company overview
Cellares is a pioneering Integrated Development and Manufacturing Organization (IDMO) that represents a new paradigm in cell therapy manufacturing. Founded in 2019 and headquartered in South San Francisco, California, the company takes an Industry 4.0 approach to mass manufacturing advanced cell therapies, which it refers to as 'living drugs of the 21st century.' Cellares has developed the innovative Cell Shuttle platform, which integrates all technologies required for the entire cell therapy manufacturing process into a flexible, high-throughput system that delivers true walk-away, end-to-end automation. The company operates commercial-scale IDMO Smart Factories, including one in Bridgewater, New Jersey, and plans to deploy Cell Shuttles globally to meet patient demand at scale. By partnering with academics, biotechs, and pharmaceutical companies, Cellares enables accelerated drug development, reduced manufacturing costs, lower process failure rates, and improved global patient access to life-saving cell therapies. The company has raised over $355 million in financing from world-class investors and employs approximately 150 professionals.