Senior Lab Automation Engineer

About this role

As a result of the combination of the BD Biosciences and Diagnostic Solutions business with Waters Corporation (NYSE: WAT), by applying to this role, you will be applying for a position with Waters. Waters is a global leader in life sciences, dedicated to accelerating the benefits of pioneering science through analytical technologies, informatics, and service. With a focus on regulated, high-volume testing environments, Waters’ innovative portfolio harnesses deep scientific expertise across biology, chemistry, and physics. Waters collaborates with analytical laboratories around the world to advance the release of effective, high-quality medicines, assure the safety of food and water, and drive better patient outcomes by detecting diseases earlier, managing routine infections, and combatting growing antibiotic resistance. Through a shared culture of relentless innovation, Waters’ passionate team of approximately 16,000 colleagues partner with customers to turn scientific challenges into breakthroughs that improve lives worldwide.

 We are the people who give possibilities purpose

BD is one of the largest global medical technology companies in the world. Advancing the world of health™ is our Purpose, and it’s no small feat. It takes the imagination and passion of all of us—from design and engineering to the manufacturing and marketing of our billions of MedTech products per year—to look at the impossible and find transformative solutions that turn dreams into possibilities. 

 Job Description Job Responsibilities:   (Primary Duties, Roles, and/or Authorities)   • Manage automation workcells comprehensively, including robot teaching, coordinating field service engineers for calibrations/preventive maintenance, and overseeing all equipment components through regular cleaning, lubrication, and performance checks.

• Collaborate with scientists to understand laboratory protocols and translate them into automated workflows, while applying automation expertise to improve processes, troubleshoot procedures, and lead programming of new methods to expand throughput.

• Identify operational bottlenecks, evaluate new technologies, and work cross-functionally to scale in vitro assays by multiple orders of magnitude, including vendor coordination for hardware integration and collaboration with software developers.

• Apply automation experience to the process improvement and troubleshooting of   laboratory procedures and workflows  

• Develop and maintain comprehensive documentation including training guides and verification reports, while providing ad hoc instrument troubleshooting, error recovery, and end-user training through detailed work instructions.

• Manage equipment scheduling calendars, track critical metrics (uptime, downtime, usage), and provide regular performance reports to leadership to ensure optimal laboratory automation operations.

Education and Experience:  

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, Life Sciences, or Computer Science (preferably Biomedical Engineering, Robotics, Biology, Chemistry), or PhD with 2+ years of relevant Lab Automation experience. Non-PhD candidates require minimum 6 years of relevant experience.

• Minimum 2 years of supervisory experience in a lab setting, with demonstrated ability to lead without authority, coordinate small teams to achieve program goals, and work cross-functionally with strong communication skills.

• Proven experience implementing and maintaining automation solutions, troubleshooting liquid handling equipment and laboratory automation systems, and ability to generate, evaluate, and understand scientific data from robotic platforms.

• Self-motivated with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, capable of effectively prioritizing tasks and multitasking to achieve goals while maintaining focus on customer deliverables.

• Self-motivated with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, capable of effectively prioritizing tasks and multitasking to achieve goals while maintaining focus on customer deliverables.

Preferred Requirements:  

• Previous experience programming Hamilton Robotics instrumentation (Venus software) is preferable.

• 3D printing experience preferred.

• Ability to program in languages such as R or Python preferred.

• Experience with integrated robotic system schedulers (e.g. Cellario, Biosero).

• Knowledge of basic scientific principles in biology and chemistry and/or experience working closely with scientists to automate biological or chemical processes.

Work Environment:   (if applicable)  

Lab and Office Space  

  At BD, we prioritize on-site collaboration because we believe it fosters creativity, innovation, and effective problem-solving, which are essential in the fast-paced healthcare industry. For most roles, we require a minimum of 4 days of in-office presence per week to maintain our culture of excellence and ensure smooth operations, while also recognizing the importance of flexibility and work-life balance. Remote or field-based positions will have different workplace arrangements which will be indicated in the job posting.

For certain roles at BD, employment is contingent upon the Company’s receipt of sufficient proof that you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. In some locations, testing for COVID-19 may be available and/or required. Consistent with BD’s Workplace Accommodations Policy, requests for accommodation will be considered pursuant to applicable law.

Why Join Us? To find purpose in the possibilities, we need people who can see the bigger picture, who understand the human story that underpins everything we do. We welcome people with the imagination and drive to help us reinvent the future of healthcare. At BD, you’ll discover a culture in which you can learn, grow and thrive.

We believe that when people connect in person, we learn faster, collaborate more deeply, and build a stronger culture. Join us and enjoy a culture where face-to-face col

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