Senior Automation Engineer

job summary:

The Senior Automation Engineer is responsible for driving the design, deployment, and optimization of laboratory and production automation architectures. This critical role supports new project initiatives and centers heavily on expanding automated liquid handling capabilities and engineering robust software integrations across enterprise tracking platforms.

This position is a full-time, fully onsite assignment with strong potential for contract extension or long-term growth based on operational performance and project roadmaps. The ideal candidate brings a deep technical background in laboratory automation, a collaborative approach to working with cross-functional engineering partners, and a reliable execution style suitable for high-complexity deployment environments.

location: San Diego, California

job type: Contract

salary: $55 - 64 per hour

work hours: 8am to 5pm

education: Bachelors



responsibilities:

Lead the configuration, programming, and maintenance of automated liquid handling platforms to support business-critical laboratory or production workflows.

Develop, validate, and optimize robust automation protocols to ensure operational efficiency, consistency, and repeatability.

Provide expert-level troubleshooting and technical support for automation hardware and software interfaces, minimizing platform downtime.

Architect, implement, and maintain complex software connections and data pipelines integrating automated laboratory hardware with enterprise systems, specifically LIMS and MES platforms.

Partner closely with IT, Data Engineering, and operations stakeholders to verify seamless data flow, data integrity, and process compliance across connected networks.

Author and manage detailed technical specifications, verification protocols, and operational documentation for integrated automated systems.

qualifications:

- Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Engineering, Biotechnology, Computer Science, or a closely related technical field.

- Minimum of 5 to 10 years of progressive, hands-on experience specializing in laboratory or industrial automation engineering.

- Demonstrated mastery of automated liquid handling technology platforms and their underlying control software.

- Robust, proven experience integrating third-party equipment and automated instruments into LIMS and/or MES environments.

- Strong analytical approach to software debugging, hardware-to-software validation, and systematic data verification.

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.