Staff Engineer, Advanced Automation & Systems Integration

About the Role

Thermo Fisher Scientific's Genetic Sciences Division is developing automated, connected and AI-enabled workflows for the next generation of genetic-analysis platforms. We are seeking a Staff Engineer in Advanced Automation & Systems Integration to develop and demonstrate new laboratory automation capabilities. This individual will integrate GSD instruments and consumables with robots, liquid handlers, workflow software and data systems, turning advanced concepts into reusable platform capabilities.

What You'll Do

• Develop automation concepts integrating instruments, consumables, assays, robotics, software and data.
• Translate customer needs and emerging scientific workflows into requirements and system concepts.
• Build prototypes and proof-of-concept systems that address the most important technical uncertainties.
• Lead trade studies involving throughput, flexibility, walk-away time, usability, reliability and cost.
• Integrate GSD instruments and consumables with robots, liquid handlers, conveyors and other laboratory equipment.
• Define physical, mechanical, electrical, communications, software and safety interfaces.
• Develop instrument-control APIs, device drivers, protocols and workflow abstractions.
• Create solutions for scheduling, synchronization, sample handling, traceability and error recovery.
• Troubleshoot issues spanning robotics, instruments, firmware, software, networks and scientific workflows.
• Build and execute automated workflows representing biopharma and genomic applications.
• Develop test strategies covering normal operation, edge cases, recovery and extended unattended use.
• Demonstrate working systems to customers, partners and internal stakeholders.
• Apply AI to experimental planning, scheduling, anomaly detection, recovery and workflow optimization.
• Develop technical relationships with robotics, liquid-handling, automation-software and integration companies.
• Partner with Advanced Technology, System Architecture and product teams to mature successful concepts.
• Mentor engineers in automation architecture and cross-disciplinary integration.

What You Bring

• Bachelor's or advanced degree in systems, electrical, mechanical, mechatronics, robotics, software or biomedical engineering, or a related discipline.
• Substantial experience integrating instruments with robotics, liquid handlers or laboratory automation.
• Demonstrated success building, testing and demonstrating automated scientific workflows.
• Experience working with automation vendors, technology partners and external customers.
• Experience developing concepts from feasibility through verification or product transition.
• Experience providing technical leadership across multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong knowledge of robotics, laboratory automation, liquid handling and instrument integration.
• Experience with mechanical and electrical interfaces, device-control APIs, communications and workflow orchestration.
• Proficiency with Python, C++, C#, Java or comparable languages.
• Experience with automated testing, simulation, system diagnostics and root-cause analysis.
• Understanding of genomic workflows used in biopharma, including sample preparation and nucleic-acid analysis.
• Practical understanding of AI/ML applications in automation, experimentation and intelligent control.

Leadership and Behaviors

• Hands-on innovator who turns ambiguous workflow needs into working systems.
• Understands customer science as well as automation technology.
• Thinks in reusable platforms rather than one-off demonstrations.
• Builds strong relationships with customers, partners and internal teams.
• Tests assumptions quickly and communicates risks early.
• Influences without direct authority and mentors other engineers.
• Balances experimentation and speed with reliability and product viability.