Automation Service Engineer II (Workcell Assembly & Support)

Guardant Health•Palo Alto, CA

6d•$108,000 - $148,500•Hybrid

About The Position

Guardant Health is seeking a Senior Automation & Instrumentation Technician to support, maintain, and optimize automated laboratory equipment and instrumentation used in DNA sequencing workflows. This role will be hands-on, requiring the candidate to assemble automated track systems, troubleshoot, maintain, validate, and provide input to continuously improve complex automated systems in a regulated laboratory environment. The ideal candidate will be a strong technical problem-solver who thrives in fast-paced operations and collaborates closely with Engineering, Quality, and Operations teams.

Requirements

Technical degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics systems, or equivalent experience.
3+ years of experience supporting automated laboratory equipment, instrumentation, or electromechanical systems and/or 5+ years assembling complex electromechanical instrumentation
Demonstrated experience operating and troubleshooting: High-throughout automated workcells Precise robotic arms Hamilton Liquid Handlers Illumina Sequencers Dynamic Devices Lynx Agilent Bravo Microplate washers Tecan Sparks Kingfisher extraction systems DNA quantification and sequencing-related instruments
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, schematics, and technical documentation.
Experience with: Virtual machines used to control robotics Troubleshooting complex Excel macros Molecular biology laboratory techniques
Working knowledge of electrical and mechanical components such as sensors, motors, actuators, PLCs, and control systems.
Comfortable using tools and test equipment commonly found in automation and instrumentation environments.
Strong hands-on troubleshooting skills with minimal supervision.
Customer-focused mindset with the ability to communicate clearly and professionally.
Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a production or laboratory environment.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to accurate documentation.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.

Nice To Haves

PLC or HMI programming (a plus, not required)

Responsibilities

Provide day-to-day service, support, and troubleshooting of automated laboratory instrumentation and processes at Guardant Health’s facilities.
Diagnose and resolve complex electromechanical issues to minimize equipment downtime and maintain operational continuity.
Perform root cause analysis on instrument failures associated with Guardant’s DNA sequencing products and implement corrective actions.
Triage equipment issues and coordinate with vendors and external service providers as needed.
Assemble and install electromechanical components, subsystems, control panels, safety circuits, and automated machinery based on engineering drawings and technical specifications.
Author, update, and maintain all standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions (WKI), and technical documentation for new product assemblies, equipment operation, and maintenance.
Perform Installation Qualification (IQ), Operational Qualification (OQ), and Process Qualification (PQ) on new and existing equipment.
Execute testing and validation activities to verify equipment performance, accuracy, and reliability.
Identify, troubleshoot, and resolve issues identified during installation and validation activities.
Perform routine, corrective, and preventive maintenance on laboratory automation and instrumentation.
Develop, execute, and improve preventive maintenance schedules to ensure optimal equipment performance.
Support equipment upgrades and modifications as required to meet operational needs.
Maintain accurate and organized equipment records, maintenance logs, and validation documentation.
Partner with Quality to ensure all documentation meets regulatory and quality system requirements.
Identify opportunities to improve equipment reliability, usability, and operational efficiency.
Recommend practical process improvements and assist with execution of improvement initiatives.
Represent the Automation Service Engineering department in cross-functional meetings, providing technical input from an equipment support perspective.
Support special projects and operational initiatives, as assigned.
Provide hands-on training and mentorship to junior technicians and operators.
Follow established safety procedures and quality standards during all maintenance, testing, and installation activities.
Proactively identify potential safety risks and support corrective actions.
Work effectively within a team environment and build strong working relationships across departments.
Participate in an on-call rotation supporting lab operations after-hours.