Automation Engineer I/II (Contract)

DELFI Diagnostics•Palo Alto, CA

About The Position

DELFI Diagnostics, Inc. is developing next-generation, blood-based tests for cancer detection using advanced machine-learning methods and whole-genome sequencing data. The DELFI platform relies on fragmentomics to identify cancer-related patterns in cell-free DNA. Their first test, FirstLook Lung, is designed for individuals eligible for lung cancer screening. The company is committed to improving health outcomes globally, especially for underserved populations, by leading with science, anchoring in pragmatism, building with and for all, and prioritizing teamwork and empathy.

Requirements

B.S. or higher in engineering, biology, or similar field providing a strong foundation in lab automation, systems development, and science
High level of analytical ability to solve complex technical problems
Skilled in technical and non-technical communication
Able to master new concepts and skills quickly, with strong attention to detail
Comfortable working in both individual and cross-functional team settings
Knowledge of liquid processing equipment and procedures in high-throughput settings (Level I)
Knowledge in the development of assay automation on liquid handlers (i.e. Hamilton, Agilent, Beckman, Tecan) (Level I)
3+ years of experience in the development of assay automation on liquid handlers (Level II)
Proven track record in automating next generation sequencing techniques and procedures in high-throughput settings (Level II)
Skilled with standard molecular biology and wet lab techniques such as nucleic acid isolation, purification, and quantification (Level II)
Experience in automation-LIMS integration, designing and executing instrument testing/validation plan (Level II)

Nice To Haves

Knowledge in automating next generation sequencing techniques
Experience with Computer Programming and programming concepts
Experience working in a regulated environment (e.g., CLIA, CAP, NYS, FDA, GXP, etc.)
Experience in reagent manufacturing, ideally in a regulated environment (cGMP)
Experience programming automated liquid handlers for NGS assay, Hamilton

Responsibilities

Support, maintain, test, and troubleshoot liquid handling platforms (e.g., Hamilton, Tecan, Beckman, or equivalent) used in clinical multi-omics workflows
Perform routine and corrective maintenance on laboratory instruments including liquid handlers, centrifuges, plate sealer, plate peelers, proteomics platforms, thermal cyclers, cold storage units, and related equipment
Monitor and maintain ultra-low temperature (ULT) freezers, refrigerators, to ensure sample integrity and compliance
Coordinate instrument qualification activities (IQ/OQ/PQ) and assist with vendor service scheduling
Rapidly diagnose and resolve instrument failures to minimize impact on clinical workflow timelines
Create, execute, and maintain SOPs, maintenance logs, and equipment records in accordance with CAP, CLIA, and NYS DOH laboratory regulations
Accurately document all troubleshooting activities, corrective actions, and preventive maintenance in the laboratory's quality management system (QMS)
Support gap assessments and readiness activities as the laboratory progresses toward FDA regulation (21 CFR Part 820 / QSR)
Participate in inspections and internal audits; respond to equipment-related observations and corrective action requests
Maintain equipment inventory, calibration schedules, and service records in compliance with regulatory requirements
Collaborate cross-functionally with scientists and lab operations to identify opportunities for process improvement and automation
Support onboarding and training of laboratory staff on instrument operation and maintenance best practices
Assist with reagent and consumable management for instrumentation as needed
Contribute to other laboratory needs as assigned, including assay support, facility tasks, and special projects
Document troubleshooting efforts with root cause analysis and corrective actions under design control and quality management systems, policies and procedures.
Perform basic lab work in support of R&D activities
Own the Equipment Ticketing System, pushing instrument tickets as they progress through support and communicating to ticket owners resolutions and updates.
Update instrument status and maintenance completion in LIMS Sapio.