Automation Engineer

IFF•Palo Alto, CA

15d•Onsite

About The Position

IFF is a global leader in enzymes, ingredients, and health & biosciences, delivering sustainable innovations that elevate everyday products. The Health & Biosciences division channels passion for nature and bioscience into sustainable, life-enhancing technologies for healthcare, food, consumer, and industrial markets. This role is based in Palo Alto, California, and is an on-site position. The successful candidate will join an innovative, collaborative, and solution-oriented team focused on achieving greatness and making a real impact.

Requirements

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Life Sciences, Engineering, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, or a related field.
Minimum of 5 years of experience in laboratory automation.
Demonstrated expertise operating and programming automated liquid handling systems.
Hands-on experience translating wet-lab workflows into automated solutions.
Experience supporting high-throughput screening workflows.
Programming experience with Python or similar languages.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Experience collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience evaluating and implementing emerging laboratory technologies.
Knowledge of laboratory data management systems and scientific data infrastructure.
Adaptable, proactive, and continuously focused on learning and process improvement.

Responsibilities

Partner with Research & Development scientists to identify automation opportunities and implement high-throughput laboratory solutions.
Develop, optimize, and scale automated laboratory workflows that improve efficiency, quality, and scientific outcomes.
Translate molecular biology and biochemistry workflows into automated protocols and robust laboratory processes.
Evaluate emerging technologies, instruments, and automation platforms to support innovation and continuous improvement.
Leverage data and scientific insights to identify process improvements and enhance data quality and metadata capture.
Provide technical support for laboratory automation hardware and software, coordinating maintenance and troubleshooting.
Collaborate with data science, Information Technology, and facility teams to strengthen data management capabilities.
Support laboratory operations and infrastructure to ensure efficient execution of research activities.
Partner with global teams to support technology transfers and promote best practices across research sites.