Automation Engineer

About the Role

We are seeking a Senior Automation Engineer to develop, program, and deploy liquid handling automation systems in regulated laboratory and manufacturing environments. This is a hands‑on, development‑focused role for an engineer who enjoys translating complex manual lab workflows into robust, production‑ready automated processes.

You will work directly with liquid handling platforms to design, build, validate, and support automation solutions that are used in real production settings. This role requires deep technical ownership, strong problem‑solving skills, and comfort working at the intersection of hardware, software, and laboratory processes.

What You Will Do

• Develop and deploy liquid handling automation workflows supporting regulated lab and manufacturing operations.
• Translate manual laboratory processes into automated protocols using native automation software.
• Design and program new automation applications end‑to‑end, including requirements review, concept testing, method development, proofing, and validation.
• Write and optimize automation scripts, including:
  • Error handling and recovery logic
  • Liquid class optimization
  • Simulation and water runs
• Validate automated workflows for accuracy, precision, and repeatability prior to production release.
• Troubleshoot automation systems and protocols to resolve technical and production issues.
• Deploy automation solutions into production environments and support continuous improvement efforts.
• Create clear documentation, including protocols, validation summaries, and training materials.
• Provide hands‑on technical support and training to internal users.
• Collaborate closely with other automation engineers while maintaining ownership of assigned projects.

Required Experience & Skills (This Role Is Intentionally Niche)

• Strong hands‑on experience with Hamilton and/or Tecan liquid handling systems.
• Demonstrated ability to develop automation workflows beyond basic scripting, including building new methods from requirements through validation.
• Experience programming automation workflows using native liquid handling software.
• Solid understanding of lab automation hardware and software integration.
• Prior experience working in regulated biotech or life sciences environments (GMP, GLP, or similar).
• Comfortable working hands‑on in the lab with automation systems, hardware, and peripherals.
• Proven ability to work independently, take initiative, and drive projects to completion without constant direction.

Experience & Technical Background

• 5–8 years of total industry experience.
• 3–5 years of coding or automation programming experience.
• Experience with automation scripting and workflow development.
• Exposure to C# and/or Python is preferred.
• Strong troubleshooting skills for integrated automation systems.

Nice‑to‑Have Skills

• Peripheral integrations (plate readers, sealers, shakers, scanners, or similar devices).
• Experience deploying automation into production or manufacturing settings.
• Familiarity with validation practices for automated systems.
• Experience improving automation robustness and recovery behavior in real‑world use.

Work Environment

• Onsite role in a laboratory and manufacturing environment.
• Hands‑on, collaborative setting working alongside other automation engineers.
• High technical ownership with direct impact on production performance and automation strategy.

This is a Contract position based out of San Diego, CA.

The pay range for this position is $52.00 - $64.75/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in San Diego,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on Mar 27, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000 extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.

Salary : $52 - $65