Senior Automation Engineer, -Throughput Screening

Senior Automation Engineer I – Cambridge, MA (on-site)

This role is responsible for designing, developing, implementing, and maintaining laboratory robotics that support exploratory biology in an automated fashion. The work is hands‑on and requires a broad range of engineering disciplines including project management, troubleshooting electrical and mechanical parts, developing protocols, liquid handling, and providing operating system validation/verification. The team's focus is to design, build, maintain, and improve large and small automated systems for high‑throughput screening and automated cell culture.

• Act as a primary support engineer for laboratory automation and instrumentation within DSc in Cambridge.
• Set up, operate, and maintain state‑of‑the‑art high‑throughput screening (HTS) systems.
• Work with scientists to adapt biological assays from the bench to fully automated assays using HTS systems (knowledge of Biosero Orchestrator and Green Button Go scheduling software is highly desirable).
• Act as project manager for small‑ and large‑scale automation projects, managing, planning, developing, and executing laboratory automation projects from start‑up to completion.
• Work effectively with multidisciplinary groups and individuals to implement solutions that improve throughput, delivery, costs, and health, safety and environmental considerations.
• Establish, monitor, and maintain a stable and productive automation environment through QC and preventative maintenance.
• Assist in the development of SOPs, maintenance manuals, start‑up procedures, and provide training to new users of equipment.
• Be self‑motivated, able to multitask, manage timelines, and work independently and in team situations.

• B.S. in mechanical, electrical or bioengineering, or a similar engineering discipline.
• 3+ years of experience servicing and implementing automated systems.
• Experience designing, building, and deploying automated laboratory workflows in life sciences or clinical laboratories.
• Strong organizational, written, and verbal communication skills to interact effectively with scientific staff, customers, key stakeholders, and vendors.
• Strong computer skills including MS Office and CAD (preferably Solid Works).
• Strong troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills.

• Familiarity with Biosero Orchestrator / Green Button Go robotic platforms, High Res Bio Solutions (Staubli/Denso/Precise) / Cellario robotic platforms, Cell Trio Robo Cell, Beckman Echo, GNF Director robotic platforms, and a wide range of laboratory benchtop equipment.
• Basic understanding of C# or an equivalent programming language.
• Interest in the evaluation, integration, and optimization of AI models and orchestration frameworks.
• Familiarity with data analysis platforms such as Genedata Screener, Spotfire and AI agents.
• Experience working with engineers and scientists to develop new automated platforms.
• Experience integrating automated systems to LIMS and other scientific data systems, either in‑house or commercially available, to support reliable data capture, transfer, traceability, and downstream analysis.

The salary for this position is expected to range between $93,800 and $174,200 per year. The final salary offered is determined based on relevant skills and experience and will be reviewed periodically by Novartis. Novartis may change the published salary range based on company and market factors.

Your compensation will include a performance‑based cash incentive and, depending on the level of the role, eligibility to be considered for annual equity awards. US‑based eligible employees will receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, life, and disability benefits, a 401(k) with company contribution and match, and a variety of other benefits. Employees are also eligible for a generous time‑off package including vacation, personal days, holidays, and other leaves.

For more information about our culture, rewards, and benefits, please visit our website.