Senior Automation Engineer, High-Throughput Screening

About the role

The role involves designing, developing, implementing, and maintaining laboratory robotics that support exploratory biology in an automated manner. The work is hands-on and requires expertise in various engineering disciplines such as project management, troubleshooting electrical and mechanical parts, developing protocols, liquid handling, and providing operating system validation/verification.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as a primary support engineer for laboratory automation and instrumentation within DSc in Cambridge, MA.
• Responsible for the setup, operation, and maintenance of state-of-the-art high throughput screening (HTS) systems.
• Working with scientists to adapt biological assays from the bench to fully automated assays using high throughput screening systems.
• Knowledge of Biosero Orchestrator and Green Button Go scheduling software is highly desirable.
• Act as project manager for small- and large-scale automation projects.
• Manage, plan, develop, and execute laboratory automation projects from start-up to completion.
• Work effectively with multi-disciplinary groups and individuals to implement solutions that reflect operational efficiencies in terms of throughput, delivery, costs, as well as health, safety and environmental considerations.
• Establish, monitor, and maintain a stable and productive automation environment through quality control (QC) and preventative maintenance.
• Aid in the development of standard operating procedures (SOPs), maintenance manuals, start-up procedures, and provide training to new users of equipment.
• Must be self-motivated with the ability to multitask and effectively manage timelines.
• Must be able to work independently and in team situations.

Essential Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, electrical, or bioengineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• At least 3 years of experience servicing and implementing automated systems.
• Experience designing, building, and deploying automated laboratory workflows in life sciences or clinical laboratories.
• Strong organizational, written, and verbal communication skills required to interact effectively with scientific staff, customers, key stakeholders, and vendors.
• Strong computer skills including MS Office and CAD (preferably SolidWorks).
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.

Desirable Requirements

• Familiarity with Biosero Orchestrator / Green Button Go robotic platforms, HighRes BioSolutions (Staubli/Denso/Precise) / Cellario robotic platforms, CellTrio RoboCell, Beckman Echo, GNF Director robotic platforms, and a wide range of laboratory benchtop equipment.
• Basic understanding of C# or equivalent programming language.
• Interest in the evaluation, integration, and optimization of AI models and orchestration frameworks.
• Familiarity with data analysis platforms like Genedata Screener, Spotfire, and AI agents.
• Experience working with engineers and scientists to develop new automated platforms.
• Experience integrating automated systems to Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and other scientific data systems, either in-house or commercially available, to support reliable data capture, transfer, traceability, and downstream analysis.

Pay

The salary for this position is expected to range between $93,800 and $174,200 per year. The final salary offered is determined based on factors like relevant skills and experience, and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically. Novartis may change the published salary range based on company and market factors. Your compensation will include a performance-based cash incentive and, depending on the level of the role, eligibility to be considered for annual equity awards.

Benefits

Your compensation will include a performance-based cash incentive and, depending on the level of the role, eligibility to be considered for annual equity awards. US-based eligible employees will receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, life and disability benefits, a 401(k) with company contribution and match, and a variety of other benefits. In addition, employees are eligible for a generous time off package including vacation, personal days, holidays and other leaves.