Sr. Automation Engineer

ModernaTX • Cambridge, MA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

ModernaTX, Inc. seeks a Senior Automation Engineer for its Cambridge, Massachusetts location. This role involves leading the development of automated laboratory protocols and workflows to replace manual processes, particularly by programming and optimizing liquid handling robots for high-throughput screening and assay development. The engineer will collaborate with external vendors, manage Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), and oversee a team of automation engineers. Key responsibilities include providing critical automation support for various lab processes, offering technical leadership and mentorship, assisting scientists with automation platform operations, and communicating project progress to stakeholders. The role also involves training users, writing and maintaining automation scripting code, integrating Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS), and implementing version control and issue tracking practices.

Requirements

• Minimum of a Master’s degree, or foreign equivalent, in Biotechnology, Bioengineering, Pharmaceutical Science, or related field.
• Three (3) years of experience as a Scientist, Automation Engineer, Associate Engineer, Research Associate, or related position involving lab process automation.
• Three (3) years of experience must include: Hamilton Venus Software Programming; High-Throughput Laboratory Automation; System Qualification; Software Development & Version Control utilizing Jira, GitHub, and Bitbucket; and Data Integration for Automation Workflows.
• Experience with: Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) for automation workflows; Integrated Laboratory Robotics; and Reading and analyzing scientific assay data.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of automated laboratory protocols and workflows to replace manual processes, particularly by programming and optimizing liquid handling robots (using Hamilton Venus software) for high-throughput screening and assay development.
• Collaborate with external vendors to design and procure lab automation instruments, manage Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), and ensure timely delivery, installation, and compliance with technical and operational requirements.
• Oversee team of automation engineers responsible for designing, building, and maintaining liquid handling automation systems.
• Provide critical automation support for high-throughput screening, high-throughput assay development, sample management, and lab automation solutions.
• Provide technical leadership by mentoring junior automation engineers and guiding cross-functional teams in the execution of automation projects on lean timelines.
• Assist scientists with operation of automation platforms.
• Provide error-recovery support as needed.
• Communicate project progress and technical concepts to stakeholders, and coordinate with external partners or vendors to implement new technologies and ensure project requirements are met.
• Train users on new methods and protocols of system functionality capabilities to automate analytical processes using Hamilton and other platforms.
• Write, customize, and maintain automation scripting code and integrate Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) to enable seamless data flow across high-throughput processes.
• Implement robust version control and issue tracking practices for automation code and equipment, utilizing platforms such as GitHub/Bitbucket for code management and Jira for tracking system issues, to ensure traceability of changes and continuous improvement in system performance.

Benefits

• Best-in-class healthcare coverage, plus voluntary benefit programs to support your unique needs
• A holistic approach to well-being, with access to fitness, mindfulness, and mental health support
• Family planning benefits, including fertility, adoption, and surrogacy support
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, volunteer days, sabbatical, global recharge days, and a discretionary year-end shutdown
• Savings and investment opportunities to help you plan for the future
• Location-specific perks and extras
• Annual discretionary bonus, other incentive compensation, or equity award, subject to company plan eligibility criteria and individual performance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees