Automation Engineer

NeoGenomics•Durham, NC

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Automation Engineer role plays a critical role in helping to support the clinical laboratory’s general operations. This role’s primary responsibility is to maintain, troubleshoot, and deploy automation. The Automation Engineer works closely with laboratory operations, scientific staff, quality management, and a variety of other departments to support automated workflows, troubleshoot instrumentation issues, assist with new programming and deployment, and contribute to automation and technology improvement initiatives. This role promotes adherence to safety protocols, monitors equipment performance, and ensures compliance with regulatory requirements, maintaining a high level of operational reliability and efficiency within the laboratory.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, biological sciences, or related technical field or equivalent work experience required
2 + years in laboratory, diagnostics, or manufacturing engineering preferred
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
Proficiency in programming languages for laboratory-based automation (ex. Hamilton Venus, Python)
Demonstrate familiarity with molecular laboratory software, equipment, and systems, particularly Hamilton Liquid Handlers
Basic understanding of molecular workflows such as NGS, PCR/qPCR, and nucleic acid extraction
Demonstrate excellent organizational skills and work independently in a fast-paced environment
Work in a biohazard environment and follow all safety protocols
Support evenings, weekends, holidays, and on-call shifts as needed
Apply strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
Understand CAP/CLIA and FDA (GCP or GLP as appropriate) requirements
Computer proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel and have a familiarity of working with LIMS
Ability to sit and/or stand for long periods of time
Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds

Responsibilities

Support troubleshooting and resolution of issues associated with deployed automated workflows and laboratory automation systems in a molecular testing environment
Assist in the development, testing, validation, and deployment of new automated workflows by translating manual laboratory processes into reliable, scalable, and reproducible automated solutions
Collaborate with the molecular operations team, biomedical engineering team, and external vendors to ensure timely resolution of software and equipment issues to minimize operational downtime
Train operators on the proper utilization and maintenance of automated instrumentation, ensuring smooth and efficient functionality throughout the laboratory
Support the implementation, qualification (IQOQPQ), and integration of new software and equipment and advanced technologies into existing workflows
Assist with the creation, execution, and maintenance of qualification, validation, and technical documentation related to automated instrumentation and methods
Evaluate new automation technologies, instruments, and software solutions, and provide recommendations regarding their potential application and value within laboratory operations (not exclusive to molecular)
Develop proficiency in new software platforms, automation systems, and laboratory technologies to support evolving operational needs
Identify opportunities for continuous improvement and contribute innovative ideas that enhance efficiency, quality, throughput, and laboratory performance
Maintain clear and effective written and verbal communication with stakeholders across laboratory, engineering, quality, and support functions
Ensure compliance with internal and external regulations (e.g., CLIA, CAP, FDA, ISO)
Drive continuous improvement and recommend corrective actions where needed