Automation Engineer II

Baylor Genetics • Houston, TX

9h • Onsite

About The Position

The Automation Engineer II will independently gather and translate user requirements into automated workflow solutions. This role involves developing, testing, implementing, and optimizing automated laboratory assays and workflows to improve operational efficiency, throughput, quality, and reliability. The engineer will perform verification and validation activities in accordance with regulatory and quality requirements, and configure, program, troubleshoot, and maintain automated liquid handling instrument software and associated systems. Collaboration with Information Technology (IT) and laboratory teams is crucial for system integrations, data management, and Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) interfaces. The position also includes providing technical support for laboratory automation systems, performing calibration, maintenance, and repair activities on automation equipment, and participating in an on-call support rotation for production automation systems. Training laboratory personnel on automated workflows and equipment operation, generating and maintaining documentation (SOPs, work instructions, validation documentation), and tracking/managing changes to automation methods are key responsibilities. The role requires analyzing operational data to identify process improvement opportunities, supporting automation projects from concept to deployment, and collaborating with vendors and internal stakeholders. Participation in continuous improvement initiatives and contributing technical recommendations are also expected. The position requires adherence to Baylor Genetics' Code of Conduct.

Requirements

• BS in Engineering, Computer Science, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, or a related field with 2+ years of relevant experience, or MS in Engineering, Computer Science, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, or a related field with 1+ years of relevant experience
• Experience working in a biotechnology, clinical laboratory, or related environment.
• Experience operating, supporting, and developing methods for automated liquid handling systems. Preferred platforms include Tecan, Beckman, Hamilton, or equivalent laboratory automation systems.
• Ability to independently troubleshoot and resolve issues involving liquid handling equipment and general laboratory instrumentation.
• Strong programming skills in Visual Basic, Python, SQL, or equivalent programming languages.
• Good laboratory and organizational skills; the ability to work independently and efficiently is essential.
• Strong creative thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to collect, analyze, and interpret data to support verification, validation, calibration, and troubleshooting activities.
• Strong Microsoft Excel data manipulation and analysis skills.
• Ability to develop algorithms, scripts, and software solutions to support automation and data analysis needs.
• Mechanical aptitude and understanding of laboratory automation systems; strong spatial reasoning skills.
• Understanding of basic statistical concepts, including accuracy, precision, variability, and trend analysis.
• SQL and database knowledge.

Nice To Haves

• Experience integrating automation platforms with LIMS, databases, or other laboratory software systems.
• Experience supporting production laboratory operations in a regulated environment.
• Knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience participating in automation project implementation, system commissioning and deployment.

Responsibilities

• Independently gather and translate user requirements into automated workflow solutions.
• Develop, test, implement, and optimize automated laboratory assays and workflows to improve operational efficiency, throughput, quality, and reliability.
• Perform verification and validation activities in accordance with regulatory and quality requirements.
• Configure, program, troubleshoot, and maintain automated liquid handling instrument software and associated systems.
• Collaborate with Information Technology (IT) and laboratory teams to support system integrations, data management, and Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) interfaces.
• Provide technical support for laboratory automation systems, including troubleshooting hardware, software, workflow, and integration issues.
• Perform calibration, maintenance, and repair activities on laboratory automation equipment and supporting instrumentation.
• Participate in on-call support rotation for production automation systems.
• Train laboratory personnel on automated workflows, equipment operation, and best practices.
• Generate, maintain, and revise SOPs, work instructions, validation documentation, and other automation-related records.
• Track, document, and manage changes to automation methods, software configurations, and workflows.
• Analyze operational data and identify opportunities for process improvement and increased system reliability.
• Support automation projects from concept through deployment and operational handoff.
• Collaborate with vendors and internal stakeholders to evaluate, implement, and support automation solutions.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and contribute technical recommendations.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.
• Adhere to the Code of Conduct as outlined in Baylor Genetics' Compliance Program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level