Sr. Automation Engineer

job summary:

The Sr. Automation Engineer - Liquid Handling serves a vital role within MTT to support the development of liquid handling equipment and processes. This position requires deep expertise in programming liquid handlers, strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and the ability to communicate effectively across all organizational levels. The engineer will evaluate and deploy new liquid handling technology and processes through proof-of-concept testing, feasibility evaluation, systems engineering controls, verification, characterization, and validation of solutions in a regulated GMP environment.

location: San Diego, California

job type: Contract

salary: $54 - 64 per hour

work hours: 8am to 5pm

education: Bachelors



responsibilities:

• Own the end-to-end implementation of liquid handling automation systems in regulated laboratory and manufacturing settings.
• Develop complex automation scripts and recovery methods for new assays and workflows, including robust error handling, custom liquid classes, water/simulation runs, and data analysis.
• Apply rigorous problem-solving skills to navigate technical challenges and overcome roadblocks during system deployment.
• Validate automated applications to ensure accuracy, precision, and repeatability for all automated workflows.
• Drive process development and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance system performance and the end-customer experience.
• Provide ongoing technical support and troubleshooting for automated protocols and instrumentation.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive documentation, including technical training materials and internal process guides.
• Maintain professional relationships with internal stakeholders and colleagues, serving as a trusted technical advisor.
• Deliver basic and advanced software and hardware training to internal customers and operators.
• Influence project and program-level decisions at critical interfaces with other technical disciplines.
• Stay current with industry developments, emerging technologies, and regulatory expectations to guide long-term automation strategy.

qualifications:

- Bachelor's Degree in Life Sciences, Chemistry, Computer Science, or an Engineering discipline (Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical, Mechatronics, Robotics, or Systems) with a minimum of 5 years of related experience.

- Expert proficiency in liquid handling systems (e.g., Hamilton, Tecan, Beckman, Agilent, Lynx) and integration with peripheral devices (plate readers, sealers, shakers, scanners, etc.).

- Deep knowledge of automated systems programming, including method development, error recovery logic, liquid class optimization, and method validation via simulation/trace files.

- Experience integrating automation platforms with LIMS or MES environments.

- Basic proficiency with object-oriented programming languages, with an emphasis on C# and Python.

- Strong troubleshooting skills for integrated automation systems with a proven track record of resolving critical production issues.

- Solid understanding of the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) and formal validation procedures in a regulated environment.

- Ability to plan project scopes with minimal guidance, prioritizing daily activities for supporting team members while maintaining the master schedule.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Race, Color, Religion, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, National Origin, Age, Genetic Information, Disability, Protected Veteran Status, or any other legally protected group status.

At Randstad Digital, we welcome people of all abilities and want to ensure that our hiring and interview process meets the needs of all applicants. If you require a reasonable accommodation to make your application or interview experience a great one, please contact

Pay offered to a successful candidate will be based on several factors including the candidate's education, work experience, work location, specific job duties, certifications, etc. In addition, Randstad Digital offers a comprehensive benefits package, including: medical, prescription, dental, vision, AD&D, and life insurance offerings, short-term disability, and a 401K plan (all benefits are based on eligibility).

This posting is open for thirty (30) days.


Qualified applicants in San Francisco with criminal histories will be considered for employment in accordance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.



Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.



We will consider for employment all qualified Applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.