Automation Engineer I/II - Discovery Oncology

Lilly • New York, NY

6d • $72,000 - $189,200 • 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 position works alongside a senior Lab Automation Engineer, an Automation Scientist, and bench scientists to keep systems reliable and support the rollout of new automated workflows. The senior Lab Automation Engineer serves as the primary technical mentor, with the role offering a growth path toward more senior automation engineering work. The position reports to the AVP-Automation, Discovery Oncology and is based on-site in New York, NY.

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.
• Authorization to work in the United States on a full-time basis. The employer 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 a similar language.
• 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 UIs.
• Experience executing scientific experiments in the lab.
• Familiarity with lab 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.
• Assist with troubleshooting instrument and integration-level errors, escalating 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, using tools such as Python, C#, Fluent Control, or Cellario.
• Document SOPs, error logs, and maintenance records to support reproducibility and audit-readiness.
• Partner with lab scientists 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 increasing ownership of small technical projects under the Sr Advisor Lab Automation Engineer's mentorship.

Benefits

• Eligibility to participate in a company-sponsored 401(k).
• Pension.
• Vacation benefits.
• Eligibility for medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug benefits.
• Flexible benefits, such as 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.
• Company bonus eligibility, depending in part on company and individual performance.

What This Job Offers

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