Director, Automation EngineeringLocation: San Diego, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Salary Range: $230,000 - $245,000
Position OverviewWe are seeking a Director of Automation to lead the design, development, and scaling of automated workflows for sample preparation. This role is critical to building a robust, scalable, and cost-efficient automation platform.
You will own the end-to-end automation strategy from system architecture through implementation and validation working at the intersection of engineering, assay development, and laboratory.
Key Responsibilities
Automation Strategy & Architecture
- Define and lead the automation strategy for sample preparation workflows
- Architect integrated systems leveraging liquid handling robotics and supporting instrumentation
- Drive innovative system design to achieve:
- Low cost per sample
- High sample success rates
- Operational robustness and uptime
- Design systems that scale from early-stage development to high-throughput production
Workflow Development & Validation
- Translate assay requirements into automated workflows
- Lead the implementation, optimization, and validation of automated processes
- Establish performance metrics, QC strategies, and validation protocols
- Ensure workflows meet clinical, regulatory, and operational requirements as applicable
Systems Integration
- Lead integration of automation platforms with LIMS and data systems
- Ensure seamless sample tracking, data integrity, and process traceability
- Collaborate with software and informatics teams to build scalable infrastructure
Team Leadership
- Build and lead a high-performing team of automation engineers
- Set technical direction, prioritize projects, and mentor team members
- Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner closely with assay chemistry and R&D teams to co-develop automation-ready assays
- Collaborate with operations and quality teams to ensure successful deployment
- Serve as a key bridge between wet lab science and engineering
Qualifications
Required Experience
- PhD (10+ years), MS/MA (14+ years), or BS/BA (17+ years) in Engineering, Science or Technology
- 10+ years of demonstrated experience in lab automation, robotics, or related fields
- Deep expertise with liquid handling systems (e.g., Hamilton, Tecan, Beckman, etc.)
- Proven track record of designing and deploying automated sample prep workflows
- Experience integrating automation platforms with LIMS or similar systems
- Demonstrated success in scaling laboratory processes to high throughput.
Leadership & Innovation
- Experience leading and managing small, high-impact engineering teams
- Strong history of cross-functional collaboration, especially with assay development teams
- Demonstrated ability to innovate at the system architecture level, improving throughput, reliability, and cost efficiency
Technical Skills
- Workflow design, scripting, and automation control systems
- Process validation and performance optimization
- Understanding of workflows and molecular biology techniques
- Familiarity with data integration, APIs, and lab informatics systems
Nice to Have
- Experience in clinical diagnostics or regulated environments (CLIA/CAP/FDA)
- Background in scaling to high sample throughput
- Experience with DOE (Design of Experiments) and process optimization
- Exposure to manufacturing or production-scale lab environments
Why Join Us
- Influence the foundational technologies and strategies of a company poised to shape the future of clinical genomics and healthcare.
- Work in a dynamic, collaborative environment where innovation and scientific rigor are deeply valued.
- Join a seasoned and multidisciplinary team tackling high-impact problems at the intersection of science and engineering.
- Competitive compensation and equity package, comprehensive benefits, and flexibility to support work-life integration.
