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Automation Support Engineer
Automation Support EngineerNatera, Inc. • Austin, TX, US
Automation Support Engineer

Automation Support Engineer

Natera, Inc. • Austin, TX, US
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Are you passionate about advancing science through cutting-edge automation? At Natera, our R&D Automation team powers innovation by building and supporting the systems that drive both discovery research and clinical diagnostics. We're looking for an Automation engineer to join our new Automation Support team in Austin TX who thrives at the intersection of engineering and science — someone excited to tackle complex problems, collaborate with top scientists, and push the boundaries of what's possible in automated lab workflows.

In this role, you'll have the opportunity to :

  • Shape the future of automation in life sciences by supporting and improving a fleet of state-of-the-art liquid handling robots and automated systems.
  • Provide hands-on services for major liquid handling manufacturers including Tecan Fluent, Hamilton STAR and Vantage, and Beckman I7 — building deep expertise across multiple systems.
  • Partner with scientists and engineers to design and deliver automation solutions that increase lab efficiency, scalability, and reliability.
  • Contribute to innovation projects where you'll conceptualize, design, and implement new tools, workflows, and optimizations.

This isn't just a support role — it's a chance to make a direct impact on scientific discovery and patient care, while continuously developing your own technical expertise in automation and robotics.

What You'll Do

  • Troubleshoot, qualify, and optimize automated liquid handling systems
  • Build rapport with end-users and act as a trusted partner across R&D and clinical labs
  • Develop and maintain documentation, SOPs, and validation protocols (IQ / OQ / PQ)
  • Oversee equipment qualification and ensure seamless adoption in the labs
  • Provide user training, ongoing support, and continuous improvements
  • Collaborate on cross-functional projects, contributing to both short-term fixes and long-term solutions
  • Ability to travel between local Austin sites, within 1 mile, to support multiple labs

    • What You Bring

  • BS in engineering or related scientific field, or equivalent experience (MS preferred)
  • 2+ years in lab automation engineering, ideally in life sciences, biotech, pharma, or clinical settings
  • Hands-on experience with robotics, liquid handling systems, and automation integration
  • Strong programming or scripting foundation (method writing, labware configuration, or similar)
  • Familiarity with automated storage systems (Hamilton Verso, SPT Labtech, etc.) is a plus
  • Flexibility to adapt to evolving priorities and occasional evening support needs
  • Must have a flexible schedule and be able to accommodate later hours when needed

    • Skills That Set You Apart

  • Strong project management and organizational skills
  • Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate technical concepts to diverse teams
  • A proactive, solutions-oriented mindset and eagerness to take initiative
  • A passion for innovation in lab automation and a desire to learn continuously

    • Natera is a global leader in cell-free DNA (cfDNA) testing, dedicated to oncology, women's health, and organ health. Our aim is to make personalized genetic testing and diagnostics part of the standard of care to protect health and enable earlier and more targeted interventions that lead to longer, healthier lives.

    Natera is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to ensuring a diverse and inclusive workplace environment, and welcome people of different backgrounds, experiences, abilities and perspectives.

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    Automation Engineer • Austin, TX, US