Lead Lab Robotics & Automation Engineer

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Kforce has a client that is seeking a Lead Lab Robotics & Automation Engineer (Liquid Handling) in Lewisville, TX (on-site).

Why this role:
If you enjoy building automation that runs reliably at scale-and being the person teams count on when systems need to perform 24/7 - this role offers real ownership. You will serve as the technical lead for laboratory robotics and liquid-handling automation, driving new workflow development, deployment, and long-term sustainment across production and R&D environments. This is a high-impact position for someone who likes solving complex problems, improving uptime, and turning scientific workflows into robust, repeatable automated processes.

Key Tasks:
* Lead automation design and rollout: Deliver advanced robotic automation solutions and integrate them into production and R&D workflows with high reliability
* Build and optimize liquid-handler methods: Develop complex scripts/methods (primarily Hamilton/Venus) with strong error handling, recovery logic, custom liquid classes, simulations, and data checks
* Keep critical systems running: Drive troubleshooting and root-cause analysis for integrated automation systems to protect turnaround times and maximize uptime
* Use metrics to improve performance: Analyze automation performance and sample/run data to identify failure patterns, tune methods, and raise system resilience
* Mentor and guide: Provide technical leadership and coaching to engineers, scientists, and operational staff on best practices, capabilities, and troubleshooting
* Partner cross-functionally: Collaborate with R&D, bioinformatics, operations, and facilities to ensure workflows are scalable, maintainable, and production-ready
* Own validation and documentation: Lead verification, system testing, and qualification documentation for new hardware, software, and integrations

REQUIREMENTS:
* Bachelor's degree required (or equivalent practical experience where applicable)
* 7+ years developing and deploying complex automation scripts on liquid-handling platforms
* Hands-on Hamilton experience required (Tecan strongly preferred)
* Strong expertise in method development, error recovery logic, and method validation
* Experience designing, executing, and optimizing molecular assay workflows (e.g., NGS or other high-complexity molecular methods)
* Proven ability to troubleshoot integrated automation systems and resolve production-impacting issues
* Comfortable using system and instrument metrics to guide design decisions and reliability improvements
* Solid foundation in software/system testing and validation practices

Nice to have:
* Led cross-site deployments or served as technical lead for large integration programs
* Familiarity with scheduling/orchestration tools (e.g., HighRes, Biosero) and LIMS integrations
* Instrument vendor application/service engineering background
* Programming experience (Python, C++, Java, C#) and version control (Git/GitHub)
* Exposure to IVD design controls and/or CAP/CLIA environments

The attributes that succeed here:
* Independent, proactive problem solver who anticipates issues before they impact operations
* Strong communicator who can translate technical detail for both technical and non-technical stakeholders
* Organized and execution-focused-able to manage multiple priorities and drive projects to completion
* Collaborative leader who influences without needing formal authority

The pay range is the lowest to highest compensation we reasonably in good faith believe we would pay at posting for this role. We may ultimately pay more or less than this range. Employee pay is based on factors like relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, location, performance, union contract and business needs. This range may be modified in the future.

We offer comprehensive benefits including medical/dental/vision insurance, HSA, FSA, 401(k), and life, disability & ADD insurance to eligible employees. Salaried personnel receive paid time off. Hourly employees are not eligible for paid time off unless required by law. Hourly employees on a Service Contract Act project are eligible for paid sick leave.

Note: Pay is not considered compensation until it is earned, vested and determinable. The amount and availability of any compensation remains in Kforce's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified in its discretion consistent with the law.

This job is not eligible for bonuses, incentives or commissions.

Kforce is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.

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