The Position:
Veracyte is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Automation Engineer to join our growing Automation and Process Engineering team. This is a dynamic and impactful role where you will have leadership responsibilities the development, optimization, and validation of automated liquid handling workflows—particularly using Hamilton platforms—for the implementation of molecular Laboratory Developed Tests (LDTs) in a regulated clinical laboratory environment.
You will collaborate cross-functionally with R&D, Clinical Operations, Software, and IT teams to design and deploy innovative automation solutions that improve throughput, reproducibility, and efficiency. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of molecular diagnostics through cutting-edge automation and process innovation.
This is a 6-month TEMPORARY role located in our San Diego office.
Responsibilities
- Design, program, and validate automated workflows for molecular assays using liquid handling platforms (eg. Hamilton) and other automated laboratory instruments using worklist-based techniques.
- Adapt manual molecular protocols (e.g., RNA/DNA extraction, NGS library prep) into robust, high-throughput automated methods.
- Collaborate with Product Development, Clinical Operations, and Software teams to integrate automation with LIMS, bioinformatics pipelines, and data management systems.
- Lead portions or entire cross-functional projects from concept through implementation, ensuring timelines and deliverables are met.
- Collaborate with Equipment Engineering and Operations and QA on equipment qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ), calibration, and preventive maintenance procedures.
- Contribute to the development of custom 3D printed parts, software scripts, workcells, and novel automation technologies.
- Document workflows, SOPs, ERDs, and process maps in accordance with quality and regulatory standards.
Who You Are:
You’ve worked with both manual and automated assays and are excited about programming automated systems. You might also have prior experience with automating NGS assays or RNA/DNA/Protein extraction from sample types like FFPE, blood, or cultured cells—that’s a big plus.
You have experience in laboratory automation and preferably have worked in a high-throughput, CLIA-regulated lab. You’re good at spotting potential issues before they become problems, and you’re the kind of person who enjoys figuring out how to fix things when they don’t go as planned.
You manage your time well, stay organized, and aren’t afraid to try new approaches or take calculated risks. You enjoy working with others, sharing ideas, and solving tough problems as a team. Most of all, you’re excited about using your skills, and learning new ones, to help push the boundaries of what’s possible in molecular diagnostics.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences, Engineering, or related field.
- Minimum 5-7 years of industry experience in laboratory automation development, with experience programming Hamilton Robotics platforms (preferred).
- At least a background understanding molecular biology techniques such as PCR, RNA/DNA extraction, microarray, and NGS.
- Proven experience in programming, and troubleshooting automated scripts and systems, preferably in a regulated laboratory environment
- Familiarity with common regulatory frameworks (eg. CLIA, CAP, GxP) and comfort in adhering to and documenting compliance to those frameworks.
- Excellent organizational, communication, and documentation skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams.
- Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with scripting languages (e.g., Python, C#) and database integration.
- Familiarity with Agile/Scrum methodologies and tools like Jira and Confluence.
- Experience with CAD design and 3D printing.
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