Principal Automation Engineer

$167,000 - $267,000/Yr

Exact Sciences - San Diego, CA

Full-time - Principal

San Diego, CA

Ambulatory Health Care Services

About the position

At Exact Sciences, we are dedicated to transforming how the world prevents, detects, and guides treatment for cancer. As a Principal Automation Engineer, you will be an integral part of a highly collaborative, cross-functional team that spans Research and Development, Operations, and Technology. Your primary focus will be on developing and deploying robust laboratory automation solutions for pre-analytical sample processing, Immunoassay, and Next-Generation Sequencing based assays. This role is crucial in supporting a high complexity laboratory developed test, ensuring that our automation strategies are not only effective but also scalable and integrated to meet the needs of our users. In this position, you will leverage your extensive experience to lead a fast-paced team in building a highly integrated automation platform. This platform will enable users to deliver timely, high-quality results in a regulated environment. You will be responsible for developing robust methods for managing and deploying laboratory machine software, ensuring that assay performance is consistent across multiple sites. Your role will also involve programming liquid handling robotics platforms to create automated solutions that align with existing assay workflows. Collaboration is key in this role, as you will work closely with scientists, engineers, and project teams to identify and address unmet automation needs. You will ensure that automation software integrates accurately with external systems, such as Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and integrated hardware, by developing Installation and Operational Qualification procedures. Upholding the company's mission and values through accountability, innovation, integrity, quality, and teamwork will be essential in your daily activities. You will also be expected to support and comply with the company's Quality Management System policies and procedures, maintaining regular and reliable attendance while modeling inclusive behaviors for the organization.

Responsibilities

• Develop robust methods for the management and deployment of laboratory machine software to ensure concordant assay performance on hardware located in multiple sites.
• Develop automated solutions through programming of liquid handling robotics platforms to meet the requirements of existing assay workflows.
• Identify and address unmet automation needs through collaboration with scientists, engineers, and project teams.
• Ensure accurate and robust automation software integration with external systems (LIMS, integrated hardware, etc.) through the development of Installation and Operational Qualification procedures.
• Uphold company mission and values through accountability, innovation, integrity, quality, and teamwork.
• Support and comply with the company's Quality Management System policies and procedures.
• Maintain regular and reliable attendance.
• Ability to act with an inclusion mindset and model these behaviors for the organization.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Life Science or related field.
• 10+ years of experience working with automated liquid handlers and associated software in a regulated environment (CLIA, CAP, ISO, etc.) or 6+ years of specialized experience with Hamilton liquid handlers.
• High attention to detail and proven ability to effectively communicate across teams located at multiple sites.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot technical issues in collaboration with a team of scientists.
• Experience working in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities and demands.
• Familiarity with Next-Generation sequencing and/or common molecular biology laboratory workflows.
• Demonstrated ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodation.
• Authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Nice-to-haves

• Master's Degree in Life Science or related field.

Benefits

• Paid time off (including days for vacation, holidays, volunteering, and personal time)
• Paid leave for parents and caregivers
• Retirement savings plan
• Wellness support
• Health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage