Automation Engineer 2, Automation Support Applications

Responsibilities

• Primary owner of Ginkgo’s Autonomous Lab during overnight hours - recover from errors, perform instrument maintenance, address user tickets
• Execute or guide remote recovery efforts with customers, diagnosing root causes and executing corrective actions for instrument or integration level failures.
• Lead root-cause investigations for complex software-hardware integration failures – synthesize findings and choose corrective actions that improve time between failures and overall reliability.
• Create and validate automation scripts / configuration templates that standardize installs and reduce manual effort across the Deployment team.
• Create and continuously refine end-to-end deployment playbooks from initial setup and configuration of our automation products, factory acceptance testing (FAT), and site acceptance testing (SAT).
• Author and own SOPs, troubleshooting guides, and training material to keep documentation compliant and accessible as a single source of truth.
• Perform and periodically audit the recurring PM program, ensuring tasks, frequencies, and parts lists meet reliability goals; train and certify customer operators and technicians on execution.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Life Sciences, or a related technical field, and 4–7 years of relevant experience in laboratory automation, systems integration, or related technical work; or an equivalent combination of education and progressively responsible, hands-on experience (typically 6+ years total) that demonstrates the same level of knowledge and ability.
• Proactive problem-solving mindset and the ability to adapt in fast-paced environments.
• Customer-focused approach, balancing customer needs while considering technical feasibility.
• Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills; ability to convey concepts and priorities, as well as an ability to solicit and/or accept feedback.
• Self-motivated and capable of managing time and tasks with minimal supervision.
• Occasional travel to customer sites for 1-2 weeks to conduct SAT (less than 10% total time).
• Ability to bend, reach, and lift, push, or pull up to 25lbs. Ability to stand or walk for long periods of time. Repetitive action may be required while performing tasks.
• On-site presence required 5 days/week (Boston, MA), strong communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• This position will follow a graveyard shift schedule (10PM-6AM, five days per week).

Preferred Capabilities and Experience

• Experience in a customer-facing role with an explicit Service Level Agreement (SLA).
• Experience in operating, troubleshooting, or maintaining laboratory automation equipment or other complex automated machinery.
• Experience in the Life Science industry, ideally in a lab or research setting.
• Proven track record of working in high-stakes environments, contributing to significant scientific advancements and operational improvements.
• Experience in workflow/process scheduling software or interacting with multi-device systems.
• Expertise in managing complex workflows and integrating multiple devices to optimize laboratory processes and enhance productivity.

Pay

The base salary range for this role is $85,600.00-$120,200.00. Actual pay within this range will depend on a candidate's skills, expertise, and experience.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental & vision coverage, health spending accounts, voluntary benefits, leave of absence policies, 401(k) program with employer contribution, 8 paid holidays in addition to a full-week winter shutdown and unlimited Paid Time Off policy.
• Ginkgo has implemented a return to office policy effective October 1, 2025 with required in-office days 3x per week on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday. Some teams may require to be onsite 4-5 days per week and this will be discussed as part of the interview process.
• This policy applies to all employees who live within 50 miles of Ginkgo’s offices in Boston, MA, Emeryville, CA and West Sacramento, CA.