Bio-Automation Engineer

Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!

Are you interested in joining some of the brightest talent in the world to strengthen the United States’ security? Come join Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) where our employees apply their expertise to create solutions for BIG ideas that make our world a better place.

We are dedicated to fostering a culture that values individuals, talents, partnerships, ideas, experiences, and different perspectives, recognizing their importance to the continued success of the Laboratory’s mission.

Pay Range

$140,700 - $178,392 Annually for the SES.2 level

$168,780 - $214,032 Annually for the SES.3 level

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting; pay will not be below any applicable local minimum wage.  An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.

We are looking for an experienced and innovative Bio Automation Engineer to join a multi-disciplinary team pushing the frontiers of automated high-throughput, high-quality and complex biological experimentation and self-driving labs to meet the rapidly growing needs of integrated predictive (computational-experimental) bio-design platforms in the lab’s biosecurity, bio-based materials and bio-energy programs. The successful candidate will be embedded in a cross-institution multi-disciplinary team (biologists, chemists, computational scientists) developing custom, state-of-the-art systems automating and scaling common tasks in synthetic and molecular biology and integrating these systems with computational and machine learning workflows. The position is in the Materials Engineering Division within the Engineering Directorate.  

This position requires full-time on-site presence due to the nature of the work.

This position will be filled at either level based on knowledge and related experience as assessed by the hiring team. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if hired at the higher level.

You will 

• Collaborate with team members to support and contribute to all aspects of biotechnology lab automation development from concept, requirements definition, component sourcing and development, optimization, integration/implementation, characterization/validation, and operational support.
• Participate as member of multiple, cross functional teams to define requirements and implement robust, scalable solutions for LLNL custom biotechnology workflows, balancing cost, performance and flexibility/modularity.
• Work independently to identify and leverage external capabilities and expertise to address critical platform gaps, creatively using established and/or innovative methods.
• Develop innovative liquid/fluid handling, analytic, bioprocessing and automation technology solutions with robust data management for unmet needs, utilizing comprehensive engineering knowledge and a broad application of technical concepts and techniques.
• Collaborate with outside partners to evaluate and integrate state-of-the-art solutions addressing issues including throughput, reliability, and adaptability for diverse lab automation workflows.
• Regularly update team members and project engineers on progress toward completion of tasks and risks to quality and schedule, including recommending improvements/processes as appropriate.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional responsibilities at the SES.3 level

• Utilize advanced level knowledge and significant experience to lead all aspects of biotechnology lab automation development.
• Independently resolve complex technical objectives and criteria to satisfy project objectives, and execute the appropriate technical approaches.
• Act as a primary scientific/technical point of contact on projects, providing leadership and participating in formal and informal Engineering design reviews.
• Guide, contribute to, evaluate, and exert influence on the development, methods, resource needs, priorities, progress, and completion of project and organizational goals, providing recommendations and advice to project leadership as necessary.
• Mentor and lead junior staff, sharing relevant knowledge and providing  guidance.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Chemical Engineering, or a related technical field, with relevant previous experience; or an equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Comprehensive knowledge and prior experience with standard automation scheduling software (e.g., Green Button Go, Momentum, Overlord) and programming languages such as Python and C#.
• Extensive knowledge, experience, and proficiency with common and diverse synthetic, molecular, and microbiology workflows (e.g., gene editing/CRISPR synthesis, cloning, assembly, sequencing, cell culture), as well as common bioprocessing methods (e.g., chromatography, filtration) and bioanalytical techniques (e.g., imaging, mass spectrometry, cytometry, nucleic acid detection/sequencing, additional omics).
• Strong project management and organizational skills, including the ability to work independently with limited direction, prioritize tasks, and perform efficiently and effectively within stringent timelines.
• Proficient written and verbal communication, facilitation, and collaboration skills necessary to effectively present and explain technical information.

Additional qualifications at the SES.3 Level

• Advanced level knowledge and significant experience in the domains of development of advanced, custom, multi-purpose laboratory automation featuring liquid handlers, robotics, analytical equipment, and information management systems integrated with custom elements.
• Demonstrated ability to delegate effectively and to build, lead, and motivate complex interdisciplinary teams.
• Significant experience applying advanced technical knowledge and methodologies to guide the successful completion of complex technical projects and serving as the primary technical contact.
• Significant experience managing, overseeing, and delivering multiple projects on budget and schedule, including demonstrated ability and flexibility in reprioritizing and changing programmatic direction depending on emergent requests.
• Advanced written and verbal communication, facilitation, and collaboration skills, with proven ability to effectively present concepts and ideas and provide advice while presenting and interacting with other technical staff members, as well as managers and vendors.
• Advanced leadership skills and significant experience leading, supervising, and providing guidance and mentoring to team members  in a technical environment.

Qualifications We Desire

• Master’s or Ph.D. in Engineering (Mechanical, Chemical, or a related field), or an equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Experience in leading the development of advanced, custom, multi-purpose laboratory automation systems featuring liquid handlers, robotic arms, analytical equipment, and information management systems integrated with custom elements.
• Familiarity with machine learning workflow interfaces.

#LI-Onsite

Position Information

This is a Career Indefinite position, open to Lab employees and external candidates.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2025 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Our values - visit https://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values

Security Clearance

None required.  However, if your assignment is longer than 179 days cumulatively within a calendar year, you must go through the Personal Identity Verification process.  This process includes completing an online background investigation form and receiving approval of the background check.  (This process does not apply to foreign nationals.) 

National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)

The 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), Section 3112, generally prohibits citizens of China, Russia, Iran and North Korea without dual US citizenship or legal permanent residence from accessing specific non-public areas of national security or nuclear weapons facilities.  The restrictions of NDAA Section 3112 apply to this position.  To be qualified for this position, Candidates must be eligible to access the Laboratory in compliance with Section 3112.

Pre-Employment Drug Test

External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.

Wireless and Medical Devices

Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the use and/or possession of mobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area where you are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile device in your possession.  This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.  

If you use a medical device, which pairs with a mobile device, you must still follow the rules concerning the mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas.  Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities require separate approval. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or wireless that has been disabled are allowed in Limited Areas, Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings.

How to identify fake job advertisements

Please be aware of recruitment scams where people or entities are misusing the name of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) to post fake job advertisements. LLNL never extends an offer without a personal interview and will never charge a fee for joining our company. All current job openings are displayed on the Career Page under “Find Your Job” of our website. If you have encountered a job posting or have been approached with a job offer that you suspect may be fraudulent, we strongly recommend you do not respond.

To learn more about recruitment scams: https://www.llnl.gov/sites/www/files/2023-05/LLNL-Job-Fraud-Statement-Updated-4.26.23.pdf

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.

Reasonable Accommodation

Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory.  If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request. 

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