Senior Automation Engineer

The Senior Automation Engineer in the Automation Group designs, develops, and implements complex laboratory automation and integrated systems to support robust, reliable NGS assays. This role involves independent ownership of automated solutions, from standalone instruments to fully integrated platforms, as well as close collaboration with cross-functional teams of scientists, engineers, and software developers. The engineer provides high-level support for the systems and processes they create, including both instrument performance and assay results. While capable of working independently, this role is typically part of a larger development effort and requires strong teamwork, leadership by example, and contributions beyond day-to-day responsibilities.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Develop new automation for enablement of production workflows for either new assays, or new workflows in existing assays. Development Includes:

  • Conceptualization and design of system requirements

  • Identification of proper instrumentation

  • Creation and implementation of automation scripts and user interfaces, along with development of helper applications (in C#, Python, etc...) for the handling of data on the automated platforms

  • Integration to LIMS platforms

• Develops systems in 2 very different types of environments:

  • Production Development where the goal is long term stability of assay and results

  • R&D teams where the goal is short term testing and alteration for workflow development

• Expected to take on complex projects and workflows and independently develop robust, reliable solutions that fulfill the requirements of BioDev and Operations teams

• Takes ownership of assigned projects and generates timely status communications to project leader and/or manager

• Handles complex troubleshooting, especially in situations where the source of the issue is unknown and investigation requires work with multiple teams - including BioDev, Eng, OPS, and BioStats

• Expected to continuously learn and build up knowledge base around automated equipment and software

• Write documentation and SOPs, and train engineers on the development, maintenance, troubleshooting of hardware and software systems

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering, closely related scientific field or equivalent

• 4+ years of experience in laboratory automation engineering

• Technical proficiency and experience in automation and systems development and integration in the life sciences industry; especially with robotics and liquid handling systems

• Experience in programming and operating liquid handlers (Beckman, Tecan, Hamilton, etc.)

• Background in NGS laboratories is a plus, as is background in clinical laboratories

• Experience in software programming and data handling (including database work) is a plus

• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills required

• Excellent problem solving skills

• Strong written and verbal communication skills are required

• Flexibility to support several simultaneous projects

• Developing leadership skills

OUR OPPORTUNITY

Natera™ is a global leader in cell-free DNA (cfDNA) testing, dedicated to oncology, women’s health, and organ health. Our aim is to make personalized genetic testing and diagnostics part of the standard of care to protect health and enable earlier and more targeted interventions that lead to longer, healthier lives.

The Natera team consists of highly dedicated statisticians, geneticists, doctors, laboratory scientists, business professionals, software engineers and many other professionals from world-class institutions, who care deeply for our work and each other. When you join Natera, you’ll work hard and grow quickly. Working alongside the elite of the industry, you’ll be stretched and challenged, and take pride in being part of a company that is changing the landscape of genetic disease management.

WHAT WE OFFER

Competitive Benefits - Employee benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life and disability plans for eligible employees and their dependents. Additionally, Natera employees and their immediate families receive free testing in addition to fertility care benefits. Other benefits include pregnancy and baby bonding leave, 401k benefits, commuter benefits and much more. We also offer a generous employee referral program!

For more information, visit www.natera.com.

Natera is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to ensuring a diverse and inclusive workplace environment, and welcome people of different backgrounds, experiences, abilities and perspectives. Inclusive collaboration benefits our employees, our community and our patients, and is critical to our mission of changing the management of disease worldwide.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply, and will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, age, veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with applicable laws.

If you are based in California, we encourage you to read this important information for California residents. 

Link: https://www.natera.com/notice-of-data-collection-california-residents/

Please be advised that Natera will reach out to candidates with a @natera.com email domain ONLY. Email communications from all other domain names are not from Natera or its employees and are fraudulent. Natera does not request interviews via text messages and does not ask for personal information until a candidate has engaged with the company and has spoken to a recruiter and the hiring team. Natera takes cyber crimes seriously, and will collaborate with law enforcement authorities to prosecute any related cyber crimes.

For more information:
- BBB announcement on job scams 
- FBI Cyber Crime resource page