Automation Engineer I/II - Discovery Oncology

Eli Lilly and Company • Us, NY

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Lilly is seeking an Automation Engineer I/II to build, operate, and maintain automated systems that support laboratory workflows in Discovery Oncology. The role works alongside a senior Lab Automation Engineer, an Automation Scientist, and bench scientists to keep systems running reliably and help roll out new automated workflows. The senior Lab Automation Engineer serves as the primary technical mentor as the employee develops toward more senior automation work.

The position reports to the AVP-Automation, Discovery Oncology and is based on-site in New York, NY. The appointed candidate will work full-time on-site.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Physics, or a related technical field, or equivalent experience.
• 1–2 years of experience with laboratory automation, robotics, or a related hands-on technical role; internships count.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis; the company will not support or sponsor work authorization or visas for this role.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with liquid-handling platforms such as Hamilton, Agilent, Tecan, or Beckman Coulter/Labcyte.
• Basic scripting ability in Python, VBA, C#, or similar.
• Strong attention to detail and good documentation habits.
• Comfort working hands-on in a wet lab environment; some roles require standing and lifting up to 25 lbs.
• Good communication skills and eagerness to learn from senior team members.
• Experience using AI to write code or create simple user interfaces.
• Experience executing scientific experiments in a laboratory.
• Familiarity with laboratory scheduling software such as Cellario, Momentum, or GBG.
• Coursework or experience with CAD, such as SolidWorks or Inventor.
• Familiarity with PLCs, safety circuits, or basic controls.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain laboratory automation equipment, including liquid handlers, plate readers, and robotic workcells, to support daily experimental throughput.
• Troubleshoot instrument and integration-level errors and escalate complex root-cause issues to the team.
• Support installation, calibration, and preventive maintenance of automated workcells and liquid handlers.
• Write and modify basic automation scripts and protocols under guidance.
• Document SOPs, error logs, and maintenance records to support reproducibility and audit readiness.
• Work with laboratory and automation scientists to understand workflow requirements and translate them into automation-friendly steps.
• Monitor system performance and flag opportunities to improve reliability or throughput.
• Provide day-to-day technical support to bench scientists using automated systems.
• Take on increasing ownership of small technical projects under the mentorship of the Sr Advisor Lab Automation Engineer.

Benefits

• Company bonus, depending in part on company and individual performance.
• Eligibility to participate in a company-sponsored 401(k).
• Pension.
• Vacation benefits.
• Eligibility for medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug benefits.
• Flexible benefits, including healthcare and/or dependent day care flexible spending accounts.
• Life insurance and death benefits.
• Certain time-off and leave-of-absence benefits.
• Well-being benefits, including an employee assistance program, fitness benefits, and employee clubs and activities.

What This Job Offers

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