Automation Engineer, Laboratory Automation – Analytical Sciences

Overview We are seeking an Automation Engineer to join the Laboratory Automation team within Analytical Sciences. This fully on-site role is based in Santa Monica, California. Reporting to the Senior Automation Scientist, you will support the development, implementation, testing, and optimization of automation solutions for analytical science workflows, including cell-based, immunological, and genomic assays. The role focuses on hands-on support for converting laboratory processes into reliable, scalable, and dataenabled automated workflows. You will work with scientists, engineers, and cross-functional partners to build and test workcells, develop liquid-handling methods, support data automation, troubleshoot system performance, and document technical solutions. Key Responsibilities • Support the design, development, and implementation of laboratory automation solutions for analytical workflows. • Operate, program, test, and maintain automated liquid-handling platforms, with Hamilton and Lynx experience preferred. • Develop, modify, and optimize liquid-handling methods and scripts under the guidance of senior team members. • Build automation module and/or workcell, including integration of liquid handlers, laboratory instruments, robotic devices, scheduling software, and supporting equipment. Integrate automated workflows into workcells and test communication between instruments, automation platforms, and scheduling systems. • Help translate manual laboratory procedures into robust automated workflows. • Expertise in automation testing, method verification, troubleshooting, and performance evaluation. • Troubleshoot automation hardware, software, liquid-handling, communication, and workflow issues. • Hands-on experience data automation and data engineering related to automated workflow operation, including file management, data transfer, data parsing, result tracking, and basic data review. • Maintain technical documentation, including SOPs, work instructions, test plans, user guides, and technical reports. • Support the training of laboratory personnel on automation systems and workflows. • Communicate project progress, issues, risks, dependencies, and support needs to the Senior Automation Scientist and project team. • Support the integration of automated instruments with workflow execution software, data repositories, and LIMS platforms where applicable. Qualifications • Bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, biotechnology, or a related scientific or technical field with 2+ years work experience with laboratory automation or automated liquid-handling systems; Hamilton experience preferred. • Master’s degree in engineering, computer science, biotechnology, or a related scientific or technical field. OCT2026 • Experience with developing workcell automation solutions, workcells, products and building and integration of automation workflows involving liquid handlers, laboratory instruments, robotics, or scheduling software. • Experience with data automation and data handling associated with automated laboratory workflows. • Familiarity with Hamilton VENUS, Dynamic Device Method Manager, HighRes Cellario, or comparable automation software. • Basic programming or scripting experience in Python, C++, or a similar language. • Strong troubleshooting, organizational, communication, and collaboration skills. Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly and proactively communicate project progress, issues, risks, dependencies, and support needs to the Senior Automation Scientist and project team. • Ability to work hands-on in a fully on-site laboratory environment and manage assigned deliverables. Preferred Qualifications • Experience supporting analytical laboratory workflows, such as cell-based, immunological, genomic, or flow cytometry assays. • Experience with Hamilton VANTAGE/STAR/STARlet or comparable liquid-handling platforms. • Experience integrating laboratory automation with LIMS, instrument-control, scheduling, or datamanagement systems. • Familiarity with barcode-based sample tracking, chain of identity, or chain of custody controls. • Familiarity with cell therapy CMC fast-paced environment and matrix, project-based team works. • Hands-on experience with engineering design, prototyping, and machine-shop fabrication, including developing custom fixtures, components, and in-house laboratory automation solutions from concept through build and testing. The annual base pay (or hourly rate of compensation) for this position ranges from $90,960.80 to $136,441.20 . Our positions offer eligibility for various incentives—an opportunity to receive short-term incentive bonuses, equity-based awards for salaried roles and commissions for sales roles. Benefits offered include qualified retirement programs, paid time off (i.e., vacation, holiday, and leaves), as well as health, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms of the applicable plans. Date Posted 03-Nov-2026 Closing Date 15-Nov-2026 Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. In furtherance of that mission, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please complete the corresponding section in the application form. AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-focused biopharmaceutical company. We focus on discovering, developing and commercialising prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious diseases. But we are more than one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies. At AstraZeneca, we’re dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. Where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science, challenge convention and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. To embrace differences and take bold actions to drive the change needed to meet global healthcare and sustainability challenges. There is no better place to make a difference in medicine, patients, and society. An inclusive culture where you will connect different thinking to generate new and valuable opportunities. Where you will find a commitment to lifelong learning, growth and development for all. Our Inclusion & Diversity (I&D) mission is to create an inclusive and equitable environment where people belong, using the power of our diversity to push the boundaries of science to deliver life-changing medicines to patients. Inclusion and diversity are fundamental to the success of our company, because innovation requires breakthrough ideas that only come from a diverse workforce empowered to challenge conventional thinking. We’re curious about science and the advancement of knowledge. We find creative ways to approach new challenges. We’re driven to make the right choices and be accountable for our actions. As an organisation centred around what makes us human, we put a big focus on people. Across our business, we want colleagues to wake up excited about their day at the office, in the field, or in the lab. Along with our purpose to bring life-changing medicines to people across the globe, we have a promise to you: to help you realise the full breadth of your potential. Here, you’ll do work that has the potential to change your life and improve countless others. And, together with your team, you’ll shape a culture that unites and inspires us every day. This is your life at AstraZeneca.