Senior Laboratory Automation Engineer

About the Role

Colossal is seeking a Senior Laboratory Automation Engineer to join our laboratory operations team. The successful candidate will design, develop, test, and maintain automated systems for cell and molecular biology workflows, supporting day-to-day operations, troubleshooting, and optimization of laboratory instrumentation and integrated automation systems. This role requires close collaboration with scientists and cross-functional teams to ensure reliable operations and automation-driven workflows. The position is full-time, in-person at Colossal HQ in Dallas, TX, with a flexible schedule, including some early/late hours and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain automation methods using platforms like Hamilton Venus/Revolution and HighRes Cellario schedulers.
• Provide hands-on support, consumable ordering, troubleshooting, and maintenance for automated laboratory instrumentation and integrated systems.
• Diagnose and resolve complex mechanical, software, and system integration issues to minimize downtime.
• Perform routine, preventive, and corrective maintenance, including equipment upgrades, modifications, and validation support.
• Execute installation, testing, and validation activities to verify equipment performance, accuracy, and reliability.
• Coordinate issue triage with end users, vendors, and external service providers, maintaining accurate records and documentation.
• Train end users on laboratory automation systems and contribute to process improvements and operational efficiency initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, scientific discipline, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience with automated laboratory instruments and integrated automation systems.
• Experience troubleshooting and developing custom scripts for Hamilton STAR/VANTAGE, SPT Labtech firefly+, and other liquid handling instruments.
• Experience troubleshooting and writing protocols for Hamilton Venus and HighRes Bio Cellario schedulers.
• Strong analytical, collaboration, documentation, and communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize and work well under pressure.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as HSL, VBScript, JavaScript, Python, C++, or R.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of cell line development, FACS, or NGS workflows, including cell line maintenance, stem cell differentiation, genotyping, and high-throughput screening.
• Experience with Agilent VWorks, Beckman Coulter Tempo/Echo, and Formulatrix Cellmatic/Stack schedulers.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Excellent paid time off and company holidays.
• Flexible spending accounts (FSA).
• Company matched 401k retirement plan.
• Paid parental leave at 100% salary for up to 12 weeks.
• Education reimbursement.

Colossal is an equal employment opportunity workplace, committed to diversity, inclusion, and providing a positive, collaborative environment. We are proud to be recognized as a Best Place to Work by BuiltIn and certified as a Most Loved Workplace by Newsweek.