Senior Automation Engineer (Robotics/Liquid Handling)

Location: Onsite in South San Francisco, California, with at least 4 days per week in the office at the South San Francisco headquarters.

Salary: $173,000–$183,000 per year for successful US-based applicants, plus eligibility for an annual performance bonus and equity incentive plan.

Company

hirify.global is a biotech drug discovery and development company using machine learning and data at scale to develop predictive disease models, therapeutics, and patient biomarkers.

What you will do

• Define scientific workflows, develop process-specific QC metrics, and translate workflows onto automation systems.
• Design, develop, and qualify workcells and liquid-handling protocols for new platform capabilities.
• Implement automated data capture and LIMS integration for data flow from robots to AI/ML pipelines.
• Diagnose and resolve mechanical, software, and system-integration issues to minimize equipment downtime.
• Collaborate with scientific, machine learning, software engineering, microscopy, and systems engineering teams on technology onboarding, batch effects, and process improvements.
• Assess the automation portfolio and develop plans for retirement, growth, and redeployment.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in robotics, mechanical, electrical, chemical, software, or bioengineering, or in physics, chemistry, or biology.
• Professional experience with automation hardware: 8+ years with a bachelor’s degree, 6+ years with a master’s degree, or 3+ years with a Ph.D.
• Experience developing and integrating automation systems in the life-sciences industry, particularly robotics and liquid-handling platforms.
• Technical depth with laboratory automation systems of varying scale and knowledge of the lab automation industry.
• Ability to work independently on complex projects and provide guidance to others.
• Experience automating scientific workflows such as cell culture, genomic screening, or DNA-encoded library processes.

Nice to have

• Proficiency in Python, SQL, and/or C# and experience with data handling and databases.
• Experience managing relationships with third-party service providers, vendors, and internal mechanical or software engineering teams.

Culture & Benefits

• Annual performance bonus plan and equity incentive plan.
• 401(k) plan with employer matching.
• Medical, dental, vision, mental health, and well-being support.
• Open vacation policy and paid parental leave.
• Quarterly budget for books and online courses, plus a home-office setup stipend.
• Onsite baristas, daily lunch for onsite or hybrid employees, and a commuter bus network serving the Bay Area.