Automation Engineer at Natera
- Pay: $106,700–$133,400 a year.
- In Austin, TX.
Position Summary The Automation Engineer is an intermediate role focused on deployment, optimization, and support of automated systems and software tools, including workcells, liquid handlers, and analytical instruments. This engineer has more independence than an Associate and is expected to have a solid foundation in sustaining engineering (troubleshooting and development). This individual should have a solid understanding of most complex automated liquid handling systems used in the lab, and can drive engineering projects of medium complexity independently and of high complexity with some guidance. They document work completely, follow SOPs, and contribute to Production Engineering documentation and team knowledge. Work is organized across Production Automation Engineering's project portfolio categories—Stabilize, Standardize, and Optimize—and commonly includes liquid-handler capacity expansion, platform upgrades, assay/workflow verification, instrument troubleshooting, and go-live support for production systems. Roles and Responsibilities Complexity & Problem Solving Operate as a semi-autonomous individual contributor within Production Engineering. Deploy liquid handling robotics for capacity expansion. Use SOPs or work instructions when available and assist with drafting documentation for new deployments. Perform defined continuous improvement projects; take ownership of assigned work and report to the project leader and/or manager. Contribute to Stabilize / Standardize / Optimize projects from intake through execution, including providing status updates and supporting schedule and % complete tracking. Handle complex troubleshooting, repairs, and maintenance. Provide 2nd-tier support to the Service Engineering team. Solve non-routine problems with some guidance. Perform assignments following SOPs. Support technical work independently on medium-complexity scope projects and with guidance on high-complexity scope. Assist with performance qualification (PQ) and verification activities for new or updated automated methods. Draft SOPs and work instructions. Contribute to the Production Engineering documentation library. Continuously learn and build technical knowledge across platforms and assays. Demonstrate proficiency in the use of some controlling, scheduling, and supporting software. Be well versed in some complex laboratory instruments and the assays run on these systems. Develop solutions of medium complexity; understand when to reach out for guidance. Learn to analyze and interpret test data for troubleshooting and development. Document activities completely and with appropriate detail. Adhere to Good Documentation Practices (GDP) and change-control practices as applicable. Adhere to lab safety protocols and regulatory requirements. Collaboration, Interaction & Projects Collaborate cross-functionally on medium-scale projects with Production, R&D, Quality, and vendors as assigned. Provide primary floor support in workcell laboratories and secondary floor support in other labs. Actively participate in sprint meetings and provide updates. Actively contribute in group meetings. Raise issues that could lead to continuous improvement projects. Lead initiatives, with guidance, to improve Production Engineering efficiency or ease of execution. Share progress through Production Automation Engineering project intake / PMO tracking as requested. Management & Supervision No direct management responsibilities. Qualifications Education & Experience Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Life Sciences, or related field. 2–5 years of experience in laboratory automation engineering, with hands-on experience in lab automation troubleshooting and development. Required Knowledge & Skills Understanding of diagnostic laboratory workflows, instrumentation, and software. Proficiency in lab automation controlling software and scheduling software; learning applicable supporting software tools (e.g., Python). …