What are the responsibilities and job description for the Automation Engineer position at XtalPi Inc.?
Position Overview:
XtalPi is seeking a highly motivated and talented Automation Engineer to join our new automation lab in Boston. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in developing, implementing, and maintaining automated systems to streamline laboratory workflows and enhance efficiency in drug discovery and development processes.
Responsibilities:
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify automation opportunities and requirements across various stages of XtalPi's robotics technology.
- Design, develop, and implement automated solutions for laboratory instrumentation, data acquisition, and sample handling processes.
- Integrate laboratory instruments, robotics, and software platforms to create seamless automation workflows.
- Program and configure automation systems using scripting languages (e.g., Python, JavaScript, C ) and automation software (e.g., LabVIEW, Beckhoff TwinCAT).
- Conduct testing, troubleshooting, and optimization of automated systems to ensure reliability, accuracy, and performance.
- Provide training and support to laboratory personnel for operating automated systems and troubleshooting technical issues.
- Collaborate with vendors and external partners to evaluate new automation technologies and integrate them into existing laboratory workflows.
- Maintain documentation, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and quality assurance protocols for automated processes.
- Stay abreast of advancements in automation technologies, robotics, and laboratory informatics to continuously improve laboratory efficiency and productivity.
- Adhere to safety regulations, compliance standards, and best practices in laboratory automation and operation.
Qualifications:
- Master's degree in engineering, computer science, or a related field. PhD a plus.
- 1-3 years of relevant industrial experience in laboratory automation, robotics, or process automation.
- Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, JavaScript, or similar for automation and control.
- Hands-on experience with automation software and platforms (e.g., LabVIEW, Beckhoff TwinCAT, Siemens PLC).
- Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation and workflows in pharmaceutical or biotechnology research settings.
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to troubleshoot technical issues in automated systems.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work effectively in a multidisciplinary and fast-paced team environment.
- Detail-oriented with a commitment to quality, accuracy, and compliance in laboratory operations.
- Prior experience in drug discovery, high-throughput screening, or computational chemistry (preferred but not required).