Sr Automation Engineer (Onsite in South San Francisco, CA)SummaryWe are looking for a talented laboratory automation engineer to join the Automation team. In this role, you will deploy automated solutions to the back-end of Twist operations, where synthesized DNA is converted into finalized products. With a specialization in the Hamilton STAR, you will develop, validate, and maintain automated liquid handling methods. Beyond providing hands-on support to Twist's diverse fleet of liquid handlers, you will also work with bulk dispensers, analytical instrumentation, integrated automation systems, and custom robotics. Reporting within the Engineering organization, you will collaborate closely with Operations, R&D, and Quality to release robust, automated workflows in a fast-paced environment.
What You'll Be Doing- Develop, validate, and maintain automated liquid handling methods supporting high-throughput workflows across Twist's synthetic biology and genomics product lines
- Provide hands-on support for liquid handlers, bulk dispensers, analytical instrumentation, sequencers, and integrated automation systems
- Lead validation projects, author technical documentation, and maintain existing production systems.
- Collaborate within cross-functional teams to optimize existing processes, gather requirements for new processes, and integrate hardware with Twist LIMS
- Evaluate instrument manufacturers' native software and automation offerings, communicate integration needs, and build in-house solutions when needed
- Ensure work complies with regulatory and ISO 13485 quality standards
What You'll Bring to the Team- B.S. or M.S. in Engineering, Life Sciences, or a related field with 7+ years of relevant industry experience in laboratory automation
- 5+ years hands-on experience operating and programming robotic liquid handlers, with demonstrated expertise in Hamilton Robotics
- Proven track record of successfully translating manual assays from bench to stand alone workstations or fully integrated platforms
- Hands-on experience with sample tracking software, writing software requirements, and developing interfaces with LIMS
- Strong scientific computation, data analysis, and problem-solving skills
Preferred Qualifications- Proficiency in scripting and programming languages (e.g., Python, C#, VBScript) for custom data handling or workflow extension.
- Prior experience with Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) assay automation.
- Experience working within ISO 13485 or other quality management systems.
The base cash compensation for this California-based role is below. In addition to base salary, this role is eligible for bonus, equity, and a generous benefits package. Final compensation amounts are determined by multiple factors, including candidate skill, experience, expertise, and location and may vary from the amount listed above. Compensation may be different in other locations.
San Francisco Bay Area Pay Range
$140,000-$169,000 USD
