Systems Engineer

Level: 4
Salary band: $155,000-$185,000
Bonus: 8% performance-based, discretionary
Hybrid

At Automata, we're on a mission to transform how scientists work by making automation accessible to every lab in the world. We believe that by giving labs the power to automate, we can unlock discoveries that will shape the future of life sciences—from diagnostics and drug discovery to synthetic biology.

But we’re more than just a company disrupting the industry—we're a team of innovators, problem-solvers, and creators passionate about empowering scientists. Our LINQ platform combines hardware and software to streamline workflows, making lab automation fast, flexible, and affordable. This means our customers can focus on groundbreaking research, while we take care of the rest.

Why Work at Automata?

• Impact: Your work will directly contribute to advancements in science and medicine, supporting labs around the globe as they push boundaries in research and innovation.
• Innovation: You’ll be part of a team solving complex problems (seriously, no one else has figured out how to do this yet), using cutting-edge technology (we have robots).
• Growth: We invest in our people. Whether through hands-on experience, professional development, or collaborative projects, you’ll grow both professionally and personally.
• Community: Join a diverse, passionate team that values collaboration (golf on a Thursday, Soccer once a month, movie nights whenever we fancy it).

We are looking for a Systems Engineer (SE) whose mission is to work alongside the pre-sales and post-sales teams to help develop new and novel solutions for our customers in the world of lab automation.

Why is this role important for Automata?

You will lead the technical and scientific solutions for our customers. You will act as a bridge between the product and engineering functions and the customer, ensuring they are successful with Automata’s LINQ platform by configuring their system and bringing thoughtful, innovative solutions to the table.

In this role you will be responsible for:

• Developing detailed designs and specifications for automation solutions, utilizing both existing product range and innovative new solutions as needed. Create final designs in CAD software (Onshape). Experience in modern CAD packages, such as EPLAN, for electrical design and documentation is preferred.
  
• Maintaining accurate documentation of designs, including technical specifications, schematics, and progress reports, to provide transparency and updates to stakeholders.
  
• Providing technical expertise and support within the team, offering insights and guidance on all aspects of product development and delivery.
  
• Engaging with suppliers and vendors to source components, align on technical specifications, and manage relationships to ensure timely delivery and quality standards.
  
• Proactively identify and address any changes or challenges in project scope, schedule, or requirements, and communicate effectively with all involved parties.
  
• Designing and prototyping custom solutions and parts.
  
• Assisting conversations with customers, supporting with presentations of designs and rationale for design choices.
  
• Managing multiple customer projects concurrently.

What it takes:

• 3+ years of experience working on large-scale engineering projects, specifically in the biotech field in the space of lab automation
  
• Strong knowledge of lab automation - including common automation vendors, the applications of their solutions, and limitations
  
• Demonstrated success in understanding highly technical and scientific challenges and effectively communicating a path forward while working with product and engineering teams
  
• Ability to work through situations with high levels of uncertainty and provide solutions
  
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
  
• Experience in start-up environments
  
• Located in greater Boston (US HQ)
  
• Required travel as-needed for customer projects
  

Nice to haves:

• Familiarity with machine safety standards (e.g. ISO 12100, IEC 60204)
  
• Safety controller programming experience (e.g. Pilz, Beckhoff TwinSAFE)
  
• Understanding of US regulatory requirements for electrical installations
  
• Exposure to risk assessment methodologies (e.g., FMEA) and reliability engineering principles, enabling proactive identification and mitigation of potential project risks.
  
• Experience with procurement and supply chain management processes, supporting efficient sourcing of components and materials for project implementation
  

US team benefits

• Healthcare 🩺
  Competitive healthcare for you and your family

• 401k 💰
  We offer a 401(k) retirement savings plan

• Well-being budget ☀️
  Invest in your own well-being, personal growth, and hobbies

• Holiday 🏖
  30 days + 8 holidays

• Additional leave days ☺️
  Time off for dependents,'Me days', birthdays and volunteering days off

• Birthday trees 🌳
  Planting a tree for every employee on their birthday, every year

• Paid sick leave 🏥
  10 days paid sick leave to stay home and focus on rest and recovery

• Mental health support 🧠
  Emotional support tool 'Spill'

• Career progression frameworks 💫
  Each department & discipline has a progression framework

• Flexible working ⏰
  Work when and where is best for you

We are an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Discrimination of any kind based on race, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status is strictly prohibited.