Senior Automation Engineer, Laboratory Automation – Analytical Sciences
AstraZeneca
Summary
We are seeking an accomplished Senior Automation Engineer to join the Laboratory Automation team within Analytical Sciences. This fully on-site role is based in Santa Monica, California. Reporting to the Associate Director of Laboratory Automation, you will develop, implement, and optimize automation solutions for cell-based, immunological, and genomic assays. You will own deliverables, maintain momentum, and proactively communicate progress, risks, decisions, and resource needs. The role combines hands-on engineering with project execution and stakeholder management to improve assay robustness, workflow efficiency, and data quality for novel engineered cell therapy products.
Job description
Key Responsibilities
- Design, build, and implement automation solutions for cell-based, immunological, and genomic assays
- Program, test, and maintain Hamilton VANTAGE and other automated liquid-handling workstations
- Develop and optimize liquid-handling scripts for complex bioassay workflows
- Partner with scientists, engineers, and IT specialists to translate manual processes into robust automated workflows
- Troubleshoot, maintain, and continuously improve automated systems to ensure reliable performance
- Support the transfer of automated assay methods to Quality Control teams and external partners
- Create and maintain SOPs, user guides, and technical reports
- Train laboratory personnel on automation systems, workflows, and best practices
- Evaluate emerging automation technologies and recommend opportunities for implementation
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree in bioengineering, biotechnology, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or a related field of hands-on experience with laboratory automation systems
- Advanced expertise with Hamilton liquid-handling platforms and VENUS software
- Experience developing integrated automation workflows using scheduling software such as HighRes Cellario
- Proficiency in Python, C++, or a similar programming language
- Experience with cell culture, immunological assays, and flow cytometry
- Knowledge of GMP requirements and experience in a regulated environment
- Strong problem-solving skills, sound judgment, and attention to detail
- Excellent written, verbal, and technical communication skills
- Demonstrated ability to proactively communicate progress, risks, decisions, and resource needs
- Proven ability to prioritize competing work, maintain focus, own deliverables, and provide clear, timely progress updates
- Ability to balance hands-on engineering with project execution, stakeholder alignment, and business priorities
Preferred Qualifications
- Knowledge of cell therapy development and manufacturing processes
- Familiarity with QbD principles
- Experience applying DoE approaches to method development
- Experience with data analysis and visualization tools such as Prism, JMP, or FlowJo
- Experience with computer-aided design tools such as AutoCAD or Fusion 360
- Experience using 3D printing for laboratory automation applications
- Experience with LIMS such as Benchling or Labguru, and their integration with laboratory automation schedulers
Requirements
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree in bioengineering, biotechnology, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or a related field
- Hands-on experience with laboratory automation systems
- Advanced expertise with Hamilton liquid-handling platforms and VENUS software
- Experience developing integrated automation workflows using scheduling software such as HighRes Cellario
- Proficiency in Python, C++, or a similar programming language
- Experience with cell culture, immunological assays, and flow cytometry
- Knowledge of GMP requirements and experience in a regulated environment
- Strong problem-solving skills, sound judgment, and attention to detail
- Excellent written, verbal, and technical communication skills
- Demonstrated ability to proactively communicate progress, risks, decisions, and resource needs
- Proven ability to prioritize competing work, maintain focus, own deliverables, and provide clear, timely progress updates
- Ability to balance hands-on engineering with project execution, stakeholder alignment, and business priorities
Benefits
- 401(k) matching
- Paid time off
- Medical, Dental & Vision
- Short-term incentive bonuses
- Equity-based awards
Company overview
AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-focused pharmaceutical company dedicated to accelerating the delivery of life-changing medicines that create enduring value for patients, society, and shareholders. With a workforce of over 94,300 employees worldwide, the company operates across three core therapy areas: Oncology, BioPharmaceuticals (including Cardiovascular, Renal & Metabolism, Respiratory & Immunology), and Rare Disease. Headquartered in Cambridge, UK, AstraZeneca maintains strategic R&D centers in Cambridge, Gaithersburg (US), Boston (US), Gothenburg (Sweden), Shanghai, and Beijing. The company generated $54.1 billion in total revenue in 2024 and invested $13.6 billion in scientific research and development. AstraZeneca's bold aspiration is to be pioneers in science, lead in disease areas, and transform patient outcomes, with a goal to launch 20 new medicines and achieve $80 billion in total revenue by 2030. The company is recognized for its commitment to sustainability, health equity, and creating an inclusive work environment where diverse perspectives drive innovation.