About this role
This is a 12-month contract position.
The Automation Engineer designs, configures, tests, implements, and sustains automation solutions for formulation, DNA synthesis, manufacturing workflows, and production data systems at the Petaluma site. The role partners with Manufacturing, Quality, Operational Technology, Enterprise Information Technology, and external vendors to deliver reliable, maintainable, and compliant automation solutions. This position combines hands-on equipment and workflow support with software development, MES/LIMS integration, scheduling and batching automation, production data capture, and practical deployment of automation technologies that improve productivity, data integrity, operational efficiency, and manufacturing scalability.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to capably perform each of the following essential duties:
Develop, configure, test, troubleshoot, and verify assigned automated liquid handling workflows on Dynamic Devices, Tecan, and other production equipment, including methods, deck layouts, consumables, plates, scripts, workflow verification, and integration with related manufacturing processesDevelop, modify, test, troubleshoot, and document automation and scheduling software scripts for assigned workflows using C#, Python, instrument specific programming languages, and other approved technologiesSupport DNA synthesis automation and workflow integration activities involving sample tracking, batch tracking, instrument status, barcode identifiers, labels, and data flow between manufacturing processes and digital systemsConfigure and test MES and LIMS workflows that support traceability including operator tasks, station activities, production records, instrument events, and batch status visibilityContribute to the design, implementation, configuration, and improvement of scheduling and batching automation solutions for assigned workflows, including run sequencing, dispatching, queue management, and hands-off workflow initiation, to reduce manual batching decisions and improve process consistencyExecute dry runs, wet runs, process simulations, user acceptance testing, issue triage, and operational readiness testing in collaboration with Manufacturing, Quality, Process Design, and Operational Technology teamsAuthor or contribute to work instructions, automation requirements, risk assessments, test protocols, traceability documentation, deviation records, and validation or computer software assurance deliverables in support of controlled implementation, quality review, and compliant system sustainment.Identify and communicate workflow bottlenecks, manual handoff risks, data integrity gaps, batching inefficiencies, and automation improvement opportunities for evaluation by senior engineering, quality, or management stakeholdersPartner with internal stakeholders and external vendors to resolve automation issues, verify workflow performance, and ensure solutions are usable by operators and sustainable by site teamsAdhere to company policies, procedures, safety expectations, quality requirements, data integrity practices, and engineering standardsPerform other duties as assigned Essential Knowledge and Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in automation engineering, electrical engineering, mechatronics, robotics, computer science/engineering, manufacturing technology, or a related technical discipline with at least 1 year of automation experience; or associate degree or technical certificate in a related technical discipline with at least 3 years of automation experience; or an equivalent combination of relevant education and hands-on automation experienceWorking knowledge of software development and scripting using C# and Python, including the ability to read, troubleshoot, modify, test, and document code used for instrument control, workflow automation, data processing, system integration, and manufacturing supportHands-on experience supporting liquid handlers, laboratory automation, workflow integration, manufacturing automation, instrument integration, or automated laboratory or manufacturing systemsWorking knowledge of liquid handling workflows, plate-based processing, sample tracking, batch tracking, barcode-driven workflows, instrument setup, basic method troubleshooting, and manufacturing data capture requirementsExperience configuring, operating, supporting, or troubleshooting automated liquid handling systems such as Tecan, Lynx, Hamilton, Beckman, or comparable platformsExperience supporting automated workflows that include instruments, consumables, plates, labels, barcode identifiers, data capture, and structured operator or system handoffsExperience documenting automation configurations, test results, troubleshooting outcomes, work instructions, training materials, and operational handoff informationAbility to follow controlled procedures, execute testing, document technical changes, and communicate issues clearly across Manufacturing, Quality, Engineering, Operational Technology, Enterprise Information Technology, and vendor teamsDemonstrated written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate technical information to both technical and non-technical stakeholdersStrong attention to detail, practical troubleshooting skills, and comfort working in active manufacturing or laboratory environmentsAbility to work independently on assigned tasks while escalating risks, blockers, and technical decisions appropriatelyWorking knowledge of Microsoft Office applications including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and TeamsDesired Knowledge and Qualifications:
Direct experience with Lynx and/or Tecan liquid handlers in a biotechnology, diagnostics, pharmaceutical, life science, or advanced manufacturing environmentExperience supporting DNA synthesis, oligonucleotide manufacturing, plate-based workflows, reagent delivery workflows, sample preparation, or high-throughput laboratory automationExperience with Tulip Manufacturing Execution System workflows, Laboratory Information Management Systems, electronic batch records, production data capture, operator guidance systems, or station-based digital work instructionsExperience with scheduling software, batch scheduling logic, run sequencing, dispatching tools, production planning systems, optimization algorithms, or rules-based workflow automationExposure to artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted batching, algorithmic scheduling, automated queue management, hands-off workflow initiation, or decision-support tools for manufacturing or laboratory operationsFamiliarity with structured query language (SQL), Python, scripting, representational state transfer (REST) application programming interfaces (APIs), OPC Unified Architecture (OPC-UA), barcode systems, label printing systems, instrument event capture, database integrations, or manufacturing data pipelinesExperience supporting Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), International Organization for Standardization (ISO), regulated, or quality-controlled environments, including commissioning, computer software assurance testing, change control support, and data integrity practices What we offer (US based-employees):
Competitive compensation with strong bonus programComprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits for employees and dependentsFSA/HSA Pre-tax savings plans for health care, childcare, and elder careDeductible Buffer Insurance and Critical Illness Insurance401(k) retirement plan with matching employer contributionCompany-paid short- and long- term disability, life insurance, and employee assistance programFlexible work options- 8, 10 and 12 hour shifts available with option of day, swing and night shifts.Pet Insurance for our furry friends8 weeks of Parental Leave for qualifying life eventsPTO that begins immediatelyFull week paid off during the holidaysTown Hall monthly meeting onsite/virtual, Cheer program where employees are recognized for outstanding work, Companywide social events, frequent catered lunches and much more!The typical pay range for this role is: Salary Range: $112,211 (Minimum) - $168,316 (Maximum)
This range represents the low and high end of the anticipated salary range for the California -based position. The actual base salary will depend on several factors such as: experience, skills, and location.
This position requires current U.S. work authorization. We are unable to sponsor or assume sponsorship for temporary visas (including H‑1B, H‑2B, OPT, O‑1, TN)
ABOUT LGC:
LGC is a leading, global life science tools company, providing mission-critical components and solutions into high-growth application areas across the human healthcare and applied market segments. Its high-quality product portfolio is comprised of mission-critical tools for genomic analysis and for quality assurance applications, which are typically embedded and recurring within our customers’ products and workflows and are valued for their performance, quality, and range.
OUR VALUES
PASSIONCURIOSITY INTEGRITYBRILLIANCERESPECTEQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
LGC strongly believes that every job applicant and employee should be valued for their individual talents regardless of age, disability, race, color, ethnic or national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, religion, or belief. Short listing, interviewing and selection will always be carried out without regard to gender, sexual orientation, marital status, color, race, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or belief, age, or trade union membership.
For more information about LGC, please visit our website www.lgcgroup.com
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Science for a Safer World
LGC Group is a global life science‑based organisation delivering measurement science, standards, and assurance solutions across healthcare, pharma, and food sectors.