Senior Sustaining Laboratory Automation Engineer

Elegen is blazing a path towards a biology-based economy with a highly innovative approach to DNA synthesis that delivers an industry leading length of 7kb in 7 business days with a 99.999% per base accuracy. Our multidisciplinary team of best-in-class biologists, chemists, hardware, and software engineers apply cutting‑edge technologies and methods to solve critical bottlenecks in synthetic biology workflows to help our customers in pharma, biotech, agbio, and biomanufacturing streamline their work and realize the full potential of programmable biology.

We are seeking a Senior Sustaining Automation Engineer to join Elegen’s fast‑paced Automation Team.
This is an on‑site weekend swing role, with a regular schedule of Wednesday through Sunday, 3:30 PM–12:00 AM. We are looking for someone with a strong hardware background in laboratory automation devices and who has experience working with integrated devices inside a workcell.

This position supports and sustains laboratory automation systems in a dynamic production environment. The ideal candidate is flexible, hands‑on, and comfortable with rapid changes in priorities. A typical day may range from documentation updates and preventive maintenance to full instrument swaps within an automation workcell.

• Install, deinstall, maintain, repair, and test automated laboratory equipment
• Monitor and respond to automation‑related Jira tickets and Slack channels
• Maintain accurate maintenance logs and service records
• Communicate instrument status, downtime, and planned maintenance
• Coordinate with third‑party vendors for service and documentation
• Develop SOPs, checklists, and service documentation
• Support maintenance and validation system improvements
• Troubleshoot automation issues for users
• Train users on proper instrument operation
• Proficiency in programming, maintaining, and troubleshooting liquid handlers of any type (Agilent, Beckman, Hamilton, Tecan, etc.), with 2+ years of hands‑on experience
• 2+ years programming or editing automation scheduling software (Overlord, Cellario, GBG, Momentum, etc.)
• Hands‑on experience with liquid handler volume verification testing using ARTEL MVS, fluorescence, or similar methods
• Demonstrated ability to set up robotic arms within a workcell (UR10, KX‑2, PF‑400, etc.)
• Proven track record in maintaining and troubleshooting lab instruments (Plate Loc, XPeel, ATC, Multi Flo, D2, Cytomat, Liconic, etc.)
• Skilled in creating SOPs and formal technical documentation (IQ, OQ, PQ, etc.)
• Willingness to work 3pm - 12:00am, Wednesday‑Sunday.

Preferred Candidate

Qualifications:

• Familiarity with basic molecular biology protocols such as PCR, NGS, Reagent Prep
• Understanding of ticketing software such as JIRA
• Experience producing system performance reports such as uptime, liquid handling calibration, error resolution, CAPA, etc.

Salary and Benefits:

The annual base salary compensation for this role, if based in California is: $135,000 - $160,000. Compensation may be different in other locations. Final compensation also includes bonus, equity and benefits. Specific offer packages are determined by multiple factors, including candidate skill, experience, expertise, and location.

✓ Healthcare ✓ Dental ✓ Vision ✓ Learning Allowance

✓ 401K ✓ Flexible PTO ✓ Short Term Disability ✓ Fitness Allowance

✓ Long Term Disability ✓ Parental Leave Program ✓ Commuter Benefits

Elegen provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic characteristics, or any other category protected by law. All applicants have rights under the following Federal Employment Laws:

Elegen is an Equal Opportunity Employer.