Staff Automation Engineer

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Staff Automation Engineer within the Signatera Research Use Only Group contributes to the development and implementation of automation systems and workflows to support the processing of samples in a research use only laboratory environment. This individual collaborates with a team of scientists on projects to conceptualize, design, develop, and implement solutions designed to optimize the performance and increase the efficiencies of the laboratory processes.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Identify automated hardware and software solutions based on issues faced by the Operations and R&D teams 
• Act as a technical leader within the organization – teaching skills to others within the organization 
• Program liquid handling robots 
• Build rapport with end-users, and coordinate with cross-functional teams 
• Lead project work to develop and integrate the automation systems and related software tools, preparing the documentation for equipment validation and operating procedures to ensure successful implementation in the labs
• Prepare User Requirement and Testing Procedure, Standard Operating Procedures, and related documentation
• Oversee the functional and validation testing, IQ/OQ/PQ  
• Additional responsibilities include user training, troubleshooting, optimizing the workflows, and on-going support for the end-users
• Act as a leader within the Signatera RUO team to train junior staff on liquid handler maintenance

QUALIFICATIONS:

• BS degree in Biomedical engineering, closely related scientific field, or equivalent; MS degree preferred
• A minimum of 10 years of laboratory automation engineering experience required
• Technical proficiency and experience in automation and systems development and integration for the life science industry; especially with robotics and liquid handling systems. Experience with at least 2 systems, such as Hamilton, Tecan and Biomek required.  
• Experience in computer programing is preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Strong project management skills, organizational skills, and written and verbal communication skills are required.  
• Flexibility and self-initiative are required to support several simultaneous automation projects.  
• Biotech, pharmaceutical, Lab automation providers, or clinical-laboratory experience is highly desirable.

OUR OPPORTUNITY

Natera™ is a global leader in cell-free DNA (cfDNA) testing, dedicated to oncology, women’s health, and organ health. Our aim is to make personalized genetic testing and diagnostics part of the standard of care to protect health and enable earlier and more targeted interventions that lead to longer, healthier lives.

The Natera team consists of highly dedicated statisticians, geneticists, doctors, laboratory scientists, business professionals, software engineers and many other professionals from world-class institutions, who care deeply for our work and each other. When you join Natera, you’ll work hard and grow quickly. Working alongside the elite of the industry, you’ll be stretched and challenged, and take pride in being part of a company that is changing the landscape of genetic disease management.

WHAT WE OFFER

Competitive Benefits - Employee benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life and disability plans for eligible employees and their dependents. Additionally, Natera employees and their immediate families receive free testing in addition to fertility care benefits. Other benefits include pregnancy and baby bonding leave, 401k benefits, commuter benefits and much more. We also offer a generous employee referral program!

For more information, visit www.natera.com.

Natera is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to ensuring a diverse and inclusive workplace environment, and welcome people of different backgrounds, experiences, abilities and perspectives. Inclusive collaboration benefits our employees, our community and our patients, and is critical to our mission of changing the management of disease worldwide.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply, and will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, age, veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with applicable laws.

If you are based in California, we encourage you to read this important information for California residents. 

Link: https://www.natera.com/notice-of-data-collection-california-residents/

Please be advised that Natera will reach out to candidates with a @natera.com email domain ONLY. Email communications from all other domain names are not from Natera or its employees and are fraudulent. Natera does not request interviews via text messages and does not ask for personal information until a candidate has engaged with the company and has spoken to a recruiter and the hiring team. Natera takes cyber crimes seriously, and will collaborate with law enforcement authorities to prosecute any related cyber crimes.

For more information:
- BBB announcement on job scams 
- FBI Cyber Crime resource page