Senior Lab Automation Engineer

Location: Fremont, California

Department: Instrument Development

At Alamar Biosciences, we are building a next-generation proteomics platform to enable ultra-sensitive detection of disease at its earliest stages. Our fully automated, high-throughput systems integrate complex assay chemistry, robotics, and data workflows to unlock new frontiers in biomarker discovery and diagnostics.

We are seeking a Senior Lab Automation Engineer who thrives in hands-on environments, takes ownership of complex systems, and can bridge biology, engineering, and software. This role is central to developing, scaling, and sustaining automated workflows across both R&D and production environments.

What You’ll Do

• Own automation systems end-to-end: from concept and requirements through integration, validation, deployment, and lifecycle support
• Design, develop, and optimize automated workflows on liquid handling platforms (e.g., Hamilton, Tecan, Opentrons) and integrated instrument systems
• Translate assay requirements into robust, scalable automation protocols with high reliability and throughput
• Drive debugging and root-cause analysis across hardware, software, and assay interactions—not just symptom-level fixes
• Integrate automation platforms with peripheral devices (thermal cyclers, shakers, readers, storage systems, robotics, etc.)
• Develop and maintain automation code (e.g., Hamilton Venus/HSL, Python, or similar) with an emphasis on modularity, maintainability, and traceability
• Lead or contribute to verification & validation (V&V) activities, including protocol qualification, performance characterization, and failure analysis
• Partner cross-functionally with assay development, mechanical/electrical engineering, manufacturing, and software teams to deliver cohesive system solutions
• Improve system performance through process optimization, error reduction, and throughput scaling
• Create clear, audit-ready documentation (SOPs, work instructions, validation protocols, troubleshooting guides)

What We’re Looking For

Core Requirements

• MS (or higher) in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, Bioengineering, or related) with 5+ years of relevant experience, or equivalent practical experience
• Strong hands-on experience with liquid handling automation platforms (Hamilton STAR preferred; Tecan, Opentrons, or similar also relevant)
• Deep experience in automation programming (e.g., Hamilton Venus/HSL, Python, C#, or equivalent)
• Proven ability to debug complex systems spanning fluidics, robotics, software, and assay chemistry
• Experience developing or supporting high-throughput automated workflows in biotech or diagnostics settings
• Strong technical documentation skills (experimental design, data analysis, SOPs, validation documentation)

Preferred / High-Value Experience

• Experience integrating multi-instrument systems (robotics, readers, thermal modules, storage systems)
• Familiarity with design controls, V&V, and regulated environments (e.g., CLIA, CAP, ISO 13485, or FDA)
• Experience with assay automation (NGS, PCR/qPCR, proteomics, or similar)
• Exposure to data pipelines, LIMS, or instrument software integration
• Experience scaling workflows from R&D to manufacturing or clinical environments

What Sets You Apart

• You don’t stop at “it works”—you push for robust, scalable, and maintainable solutions
• You are hands-on and pragmatic, but capable of thinking at the system architecture level
• You proactively identify gaps, failure modes, and inefficiencies—and fix them at the root
• You learn fast, adapt quickly, and take ownership without waiting for direction
• You can operate effectively in ambiguous, fast-moving environments

Work Environment

• This is a lab-intensive, hands-on role involving frequent interaction with instruments and experimental workflows
• You will work closely with a multi-disciplinary team across engineering, assay development, and operations

The base salary range for this full-time position is $160,000 - $180,000 + bonus + equity + benefits. Our salary ranges are determined by work location, job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. The ranges displayed on each job posting reflect the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries but are subject to change if the leveling of the role is adjusted. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range during the hiring process.