Lab Automation Engineer (Biotech)

Location: South San Francisco, California, United States

Salary: $64–$74 per hour

Company

hirify.global is a biotech startup using generative AI and foundation models for biology and disease to support protein and antibody therapeutics, target elucidation, patient stratification, and drug development.

What you will do

• Program, modify, test, and operate liquid-handling methods for protein production, analytical, and next-generation sequencing workflows.
• Prepare labware and reagents, monitor automated runs, document deviations, and support recovery from workflow interruptions.
• Maintain, calibrate, troubleshoot, and perform light repairs on laboratory instruments and integrated workcells.
• Coordinate equipment service and repairs with manufacturers and maintain SOPs, troubleshooting guides, maintenance records, and operating instructions.
• Support sample tracking, run documentation, and data transfer to LIMS, ELN, and downstream systems.
• Train and support scientists and operators using laboratory automation equipment.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, bioengineering, biotechnology, biology, chemistry, or a related field, or equivalent relevant industry experience.
• At least 1 year of industry experience with automated liquid-handling systems in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, or life sciences.
• Experience programming and troubleshooting automated liquid handlers, plus basic programming or scripting in Python, C#, or another laboratory-automation language.
• Experience with preventive maintenance, calibration, light repair, and manufacturer service coordination for laboratory instruments.
• Working knowledge of molecular biology and analytical techniques, including PCR, gel electrophoresis, plate-reader assays, or HPLC.
• Strong troubleshooting, documentation, organization, safety, communication, and collaboration skills.

Nice to have

• Experience with Hamilton liquid handlers, integrated workcells, and orchestration platforms such as Cellario, Green Button Go, or Momentum.
• Familiarity with LIMS and ELN, including sample tracking, metadata capture, result transfer, and workflow traceability.
• Experience integrating instruments through device drivers, APIs, middleware, serial or network communication, or IoT frameworks.
• Experience with protein production, purification, analytical, or NGS workflows.
• Experience with CAD, 3D printing, laser cutting, SOP development, maintenance procedures, troubleshooting guides, or training materials.

Culture & Benefits

• Hands-on work with advanced laboratory automation systems.
• Collaboration with scientists and engineers on high-impact research workflows.
• Broad experience across method development, instrument service, workcell operations, and system integration.
• Competitive compensation and benefits package.
• Open, flexible, and friendly work environment with opportunities for long-term professional development.