Automation Engineer (Contractor)

About Xaira Therapeutics

Xaira is an innovative biotech startup focusing on using AI to transform drug discovery and development. It develops generative AI models for protein and antibody therapeutics and foundation models for biology and disease to enhance target identification and patient stratification. Headquartered in San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle, and London.

About the Role

We are seeking an Automation Engineer Contractor to program, operate, and maintain liquid handling platforms and integrated workcells supporting protein production, analytical, and next-generation sequencing workflows. This hands-on role involves keeping laboratory automation systems running reliably, supporting daily operations, translating protocols into automated methods, troubleshooting, performing maintenance, and coordinating with manufacturers.

Key Responsibilities

• Program, modify, test, and operate liquid handling methods.
• Maintain SOPs, troubleshooting guides, maintenance records, and operating instructions.
• Support sample tracking, run documentation, and data transfer to LIMS, ELN, and downstream systems.
• Train and support scientists and operators who use the automation equipment.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Bioengineering, Biotechnology, Biology, Chemistry, or a related field, or equivalent relevant industry experience.
• At least 1 year of industry experience working with automated liquid handling systems in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, or life sciences.
• Demonstrated experience programming and troubleshooting automated liquid handlers.
• Basic programming or scripting experience in Python, C#, or another language used for laboratory automation and instrument integration.
• Experience maintaining or servicing laboratory instruments, including preventive maintenance, basic calibration, light repair, and coordination with equipment manufacturers.
• Working knowledge of molecular biology and analytical laboratory techniques, including PCR, gel electrophoresis, plate-reader assays, or HPLC.
• Strong troubleshooting skills across laboratory hardware, software, labware, reagents, and operating procedures.
• Ability to document technical issues, maintenance activities, and workflow deviations clearly and consistently.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and commitment to safe and reliable laboratory operations.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills across scientific, engineering, operational, and vendor teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Hamilton liquid handlers, including method development, liquid classes, deck configuration, error recovery, and routine maintenance.
• Experience operating integrated automation workcells and orchestration platforms such as Cellario, Green Button Go, Momentum, or similar schedulers.
• Familiarity with laboratory informatics systems such as LIMS and ELN, including sample tracking, metadata capture, result transfer, and workflow traceability.
• Experience connecting laboratory instruments or automation systems through device drivers, APIs, middleware, serial or network communication, or IoT integration frameworks.
• Experience supporting protein production, purification, analytical, or NGS workflows in a research or production environment.
• Experience with rapid prototyping and fabrication tools, including CAD, 3D printing, and laser cutting, for developing instrument fixtures, labware adapters, brackets, and other custom automation components.
• Experience writing SOPs, maintenance procedures, troubleshooting guides, and training materials.