About this role
Director, Automation Engineering
Location: San Diego, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Salary Range: $230,000 - $245,000
Position Overview
We are seeking a Director of Automation to lead the design, development, and scaling of automated workflows for sample preparation. This role is critical to building a robust, scalable, and cost-efficient automation platform.
You will own the end-to-end automation strategy from system architecture through implementation and validation working at the intersection of engineering, assay development, and laboratory.
Key Responsibilities
Automation Strategy & Architecture
- Define and lead the automation strategy for sample preparation workflows
- Architect integrated systems leveraging liquid handling robotics and supporting instrumentation
- Drive innovative system design to achieve:
- Low cost per sample
- High sample success rates
- Operational robustness and uptime
- Design systems that scale from early-stage development to high-throughput production
Workflow Development & Validation
- Translate assay requirements into automated workflows
- Lead the implementation, optimization, and validation of automated processes
- Establish performance metrics, QC strategies, and validation protocols
- Ensure workflows meet clinical, regulatory, and operational requirements as applicable
Systems Integration
- Lead integration of automation platforms with LIMS and data systems
- Ensure seamless sample tracking, data integrity, and process traceability
- Collaborate with software and informatics teams to build scalable infrastructure
Team Leadership
- Build and lead a high-performing team of automation engineers
- Set technical direction, prioritize projects, and mentor team members
- Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner closely with assay chemistry and R&D teams to co-develop automation-ready assays
- Collaborate with operations and quality teams to ensure successful deployment
- Serve as a key bridge between wet lab science and engineering
Qualifications
Required Experience
- PhD (10+ years), MS/MA (14+ years), or BS/BA (17+ years) in Engineering, Science or Technology
- 10+ years of demonstrated experience in lab automation, robotics, or related fields
- Deep expertise with liquid handling systems (e.g., Hamilton, Tecan, Beckman, etc.)
- Proven track record of designing and deploying automated sample prep workflows
- Experience integrating automation platforms with LIMS or similar systems
- Demonstrated success in scaling laboratory processes to high throughput.
Leadership & Innovation
- Experience leading and managing small, high-impact engineering teams
- Strong history of cross-functional collaboration, especially with assay development teams
- Demonstrated ability to innovate at the system architecture level, improving throughput, reliability, and cost efficiency
Technical Skills
- Workflow design, scripting, and automation control systems
- Process validation and performance optimization
- Understanding of workflows and molecular biology techniques
- Familiarity with data integration, APIs, and lab informatics systems
Nice to Have
- Experience in clinical diagnostics or regulated environments (CLIA/CAP/FDA)
- Background in scaling to high sample throughput
- Experience with DOE (Design of Experiments) and process optimization
- Exposure to manufacturing or production-scale lab environments
Why Join Us
- Influence the foundational technologies and strategies of a company poised to shape the future of clinical genomics and healthcare.
- Work in a dynamic, collaborative environment where innovation and scientific rigor are deeply valued.
- Join a seasoned and multidisciplinary team tackling high-impact problems at the intersection of science and engineering.
- Competitive compensation and equity package, comprehensive benefits, and flexibility to support work-life integration.
We are an equal opportunity employer. We thrive on diversity and collaboration.
Location: San Diego, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Salary Range: $230,000 - $245,000
Position Overview
We are seeking a Director of Automation to lead the design, development, and scaling of automated workflows for sample preparation. This role is critical to building a robust, scalable, and cost-efficient automation platform.
You will own the end-to-end automation strategy from system architecture through implementation and validation working at the intersection of engineering, assay development, and laboratory.
Key Responsibilities
Automation Strategy & Architecture
- Define and lead the automation strategy for sample preparation workflows
- Architect integrated systems leveraging liquid handling robotics and supporting instrumentation
- Drive innovative system design to achieve:
- Low cost per sample
- High sample success rates
- Operational robustness and uptime
- Design systems that scale from early-stage development to high-throughput production
Workflow Development & Validation
- Translate assay requirements into automated workflows
- Lead the implementation, optimization, and validation of automated processes
- Establish performance metrics, QC strategies, and validation protocols
- Ensure workflows meet clinical, regulatory, and operational requirements as applicable
Systems Integration
- Lead integration of automation platforms with LIMS and data systems
- Ensure seamless sample tracking, data integrity, and process traceability
- Collaborate with software and informatics teams to build scalable infrastructure
Team Leadership
- Build and lead a high-performing team of automation engineers
- Set technical direction, prioritize projects, and mentor team members
- Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner closely with assay chemistry and R&D teams to co-develop automation-ready assays
- Collaborate with operations and quality teams to ensure successful deployment
- Serve as a key bridge between wet lab science and engineering
Qualifications
Required Experience
- PhD (10+ years), MS/MA (14+ years), or BS/BA (17+ years) in Engineering, Science or Technology
- 10+ years of demonstrated experience in lab automation, robotics, or related fields
- Deep expertise with liquid handling systems (e.g., Hamilton, Tecan, Beckman, etc.)
- Proven track record of designing and deploying automated sample prep workflows
- Experience integrating automation platforms with LIMS or similar systems
- Demonstrated success in scaling laboratory processes to high throughput.
Leadership & Innovation
- Experience leading and managing small, high-impact engineering teams
- Strong history of cross-functional collaboration, especially with assay development teams
- Demonstrated ability to innovate at the system architecture level, improving throughput, reliability, and cost efficiency
Technical Skills
- Workflow design, scripting, and automation control systems
- Process validation and performance optimization
- Understanding of workflows and molecular biology techniques
- Familiarity with data integration, APIs, and lab informatics systems
Nice to Have
- Experience in clinical diagnostics or regulated environments (CLIA/CAP/FDA)
- Background in scaling to high sample throughput
- Experience with DOE (Design of Experiments) and process optimization
- Exposure to manufacturing or production-scale lab environments
Why Join Us
- Influence the foundational technologies and strategies of a company poised to shape the future of clinical genomics and healthcare.
- Work in a dynamic, collaborative environment where innovation and scientific rigor are deeply valued.
- Join a seasoned and multidisciplinary team tackling high-impact problems at the intersection of science and engineering.
- Competitive compensation and equity package, comprehensive benefits, and flexibility to support work-life integration.
We are an equal opportunity employer. We thrive on diversity and collaboration.
About Foresite Labs
Foresite Labs is hiring for the director, automation engineering role. NewJob aggregates active openings directly from Foresite Labs's applicant tracking system, so this listing is current.
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