Senior Automation Engineer

Merck•Billerica, MA

20h•Onsite

About The Position

As our Senior Automation Engineer, you will be part of the Drug Discovery Automation group responsible for leading the design, development, integration, and operation of automated laboratory systems that accelerate analytical development, bioprocessing, and cell therapy workflows. The ideal candidate will have deep hands-on expertise in laboratory automation: the ability to translate manual laboratory processes into robust, scalable, and data-rich automated workflows; integrate liquid handlers, robotic arms, analytical instruments, and imaging technologies; and continuously improve system throughput, reliability, and user experience. Reporting to the Head of Automation and Lab Systems, you will collaborate closely with scientists, analytical development teams, software and data specialists, and external technology partners to ensure automated workflows are reliable, efficient, well documented, and fit for purpose. You will serve as a technical subject matter expert for automation platforms and laboratory digitization initiatives, translating scientific and operational requirements into executable automation solutions.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Robotics, Bioengineering, Laboratory Science, or a closely related field; advanced education or equivalent practical experience is a plus.
At least 7 years of professional experience in laboratory automation, analytical development, robotics, bioprocessing, pharmaceutical development, biotechnology, or a related technical environment.
Strong hands-on experience designing, building, testing, commissioning, and operating automated laboratory systems.
Experience integrating liquid handlers, robotic arms, analytical instruments, imaging systems, or other laboratory devices into coordinated workflows.
Strong low-level control software development (C#, Python, etc).
Proficiency with laboratory automation, scheduling, orchestration, or instrument-control software; experience with platforms such as Hamilton liquid handling software, Biosero Orchestrator, or comparable systems is highly relevant.
Experience troubleshooting complex systems across hardware, software, instrumentation, laboratory methods, and user procedures.
Experience developing technical procedures, SOPs, training materials, and other documentation required to support laboratory automation operations.
Proven ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams with scientists, laboratory operations, software or data specialists, and external technology providers.

Nice To Haves

Experience building integrated automated workcells from the ground up, including liquid handlers, robotic arms, analytical devices, and associated software platforms.
Experience supporting automation in cell therapy, bioprocessing, analytical development, pharmaceutical development, or another regulated or quality-sensitive laboratory environment.
Familiarity with cloud-based laboratory scheduling, modular workflow design, laboratory orchestration, electronic laboratory notebooks, inventory management, and laboratory information systems.
Familiarity with SolidWorks, Ansys, Microsoft Excel, or comparable engineering and productivity tools.
Self-driven, results-oriented leader with proven collaborative working style.

Responsibilities

Design, build, integrate, test, and operate automated workcells incorporating liquid handlers, robotic arms, analytical instruments, microscope imaging systems, and other laboratory technologies.
Translate analytical methods and laboratory workflows into robust, repeatable, and automation-compatible protocols that improve throughput, efficiency, consistency, and data quality.
Collaborate with scientists and analytical development teams to automate sample preparation, assay execution, cell monitoring, quality control, and results-generation workflows.
Develop and optimize automated workflows using scheduling, orchestration, and instrument-control software; troubleshoot equipment, software, and process issues to maintain reliable day-to-day operation.
Lead automation projects from requirements definition and workflow design through implementation, testing, deployment, user training, and ongoing improvement.
Promote data integrity, traceability, and consistent documentation across automation, analytical, and laboratory information systems.
Partner with scientists to evaluate existing workflows, identify root causes of underused or inefficient automation, and implement corrective and preventative improvements.
Use structured experimentation and design-of-experiment approaches to optimize methods, improve throughput, and support successful technology transfer into routine results generation.
Contribute to the evaluation and adoption of new automation technologies, software tools, and laboratory platforms that replace manual operations and improve process consistency.
Author and maintain technical development procedures, standard operating procedures, user guides, validation and test documentation, and troubleshooting materials for automated workflows and platforms.
Train and support scientists, laboratory users, and new automation team members in the operation of automation systems, software platforms, and associated laboratory processes.
Establish documentation and knowledge-transfer practices that improve team onboarding and ensure continuity of automation operations.