Staff Automation Engineer
Guardant Health
Summary
As a Staff Lab Automation Engineer, you will participate in the design, build, and deployment of integrated laboratory work cells for NGS sample and reagent processing. You will architect multi-instrument systems, including liquid handlers, robotic arms and peripherals from concept through validation. You will engineer solutions that meet assay performance requirements while improving reliability, throughput, and cost, and you will mentor engineers and partner with assay, operations, quality, and regulatory teams.
Job description
Position Summary
As a Staff Lab Automation Engineer, you will participate in the design, build, and deployment of integrated laboratory work cells for NGS sample and reagent processing. You will architect multi-instrument systems, including liquid handlers, robotic arms and peripherals from concept through validation. You will engineer solutions that meet assay performance requirements while improving reliability, throughput, and cost, and you will mentor engineers and partner with assay, operations, quality, and regulatory teams.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Work Cell Design, Integration and Automation Programming
- Program, test, troubleshoot, and optimize workcells end to end, from requirements through validation and deployment.
- Integrate and program liquid handlers (e.g., Hamilton STAR, Agilent Bravo, Lynx), robotic arms using Guidance Development Environment (e.g., Brooks PreciseFlex), and peripherals into work cells.
- Model throughput to find bottlenecks and guide layout; own technical risk and FMEAs.
- Evaluate new automation technologies and vendors.
- Engineer solutions that meet assay performance requirements for precision, timing, temperature, and contamination control.
- Lead validation strategy (IQ/OQ/PQ) and set team documentation standards in a regulated environment.
- Transfer validated work cells into production, including SOPs and training.
Collaboration and Communication
- Partner with assay scientists to translate assay requirements into automated workflows.
- Set technical direction; coordinate engineers and external integrators.
- Mentor engineers up to Senior level.
- Lead design reviews and report milestones and risks to leadership.
Qualifications
- BS in engineering or science with 8+ years of related experience, MS with 6+ years, or PhD with 3+ years.
- Track record delivering integrated, multi-instrument work cells from concept through deployment.
- Hands-on experience with liquid handlers (e.g., Hamilton STAR, Agilent Bravo, Lynx), and robotic arms (e.g., Brooks PreciseFlex).
- Experience developing interfaces between lab automation and Laboratory Information Management (LIMS) databases.
- Proficiency in C#, VB.NET, or Python; familiarity with XML and JSON.
- Experience with validation and documentation in regulated environments (IVD, LDT, etc.).
- Experience with NGS assays and throughput modeling or simulation preferred.
- Excellent problem-solving and debugging skills.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team with diverse scientific, engineering, operational, and regulatory disciplines.
- Strong communication, problem-solving, and cross-functional leadership skills.
AI & Digital Fluency
Demonstrate curiosity, sound judgment, and the ability to critically evaluate and responsibly leverage AI-enabled tools in accordance with company policies, ethical standards, and regulatory requirements to improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and quality of work.
Requirements
- BS in engineering or science with 8+ years of related experience, MS with 6+ years, or PhD with 3+ years
- Track record delivering integrated, multi-instrument work cells from concept through deployment
- Hands-on experience with liquid handlers (e.g., Hamilton STAR, Agilent Bravo, Lynx) and robotic arms (e.g., Brooks PreciseFlex)
- Experience developing interfaces between lab automation and LIMS databases
- Proficiency in C#, VB.NET, or Python
- Familiarity with XML and JSON
- Experience with validation and documentation in regulated environments (IVD, LDT, etc.)
- Excellent problem-solving and debugging skills
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in diverse teams
- Strong communication, problem-solving, and cross-functional leadership skills
Benefits
- Hybrid work model
- Medical, Dental & Vision
- 401(k) Matching
- Bonus
- Equity
Company overview
Guardant Health, Inc. is a leading precision oncology company headquartered in Palo Alto, California, focused on transforming cancer care through advanced blood and tissue testing technologies. Founded in 2012 by Helmy Eltoukhy and AmirAli Talasaz, who serve as co-CEOs, the company specializes in liquid biopsy tests that detect cancer from circulating tumor DNA in blood samples. Guardant Health's flagship product, Guardant360, was the first comprehensive liquid biopsy test approved by the FDA for tumor mutation profiling and companion diagnostics in non-small cell lung cancer. The company has expanded its portfolio to include Guardant Reveal for residual disease monitoring, Guardant360 TissueNext tissue testing, and Shield, the first FDA-approved blood test for colorectal cancer screening. Guardant Health operates globally with approximately 1,999 employees and generates revenue from precision oncology testing services for clinical and biopharmaceutical customers, as well as development services and technology licensing. The company's innovative approach enables earlier cancer detection, treatment selection, and monitoring, helping to improve patient outcomes across all stages of cancer care.