Automation Engineer

Job Title: Automation Engineer

Location: Waltham, MA

About the Job 

Automation Engineer position is a supporting role in executing and advancing high-throughput automated assays and processes within Sanofi's Vaccine Research and Development environment. This position focuses on designing and implementing robotic platforms and data processing solutions that enhance R&D scientist efficiency, enabling them to concentrate on the critical science of vaccine development, assessment, and implementation. The position requires experienced-level proficiency in biology, engineering, and laboratory automation programming to drive innovation and automation excellence. By bridging automation understanding with technical expertise, the Automation Engineer directly contributes to accelerating vaccine discovery and development timelines while maintaining the highest standards of quality and precision.

Join the engine of Sanofi’s mission — where deep immunoscience meets bold, AI-powered research. In R&D, you’ll drive breakthroughs that could turn the impossible into possible for millions.

About Sanofi:

We’re an R&D-driven, AI-powered biopharma company committed to improving people’s lives and delivering compelling growth. Our deep understanding of the immune system – and innovative pipeline – enables us to invent medicines and vaccines that treat and protect millions of people around the world. Together, we chase the miracles of science to improve people’s lives.

Main Responsibilities:

Automation Engineer is laboratory support role with responsibilities focused on supporting laboratory and data automation projects.  This position is responsible for executing tasks in the development of automated assays and supporting automation platforms in both research laboratory & GxP environments. Duties include programming of liquid handlers and automation software, operating automation equipment/platforms, assisting in the development of automated protocols and methods, training of laboratory staff on automated equipment use, maintaining automation equipment, and presentation of data and results (written and oral).  Automation Engineers are responsible for developing and programming methods for the project teams, working directly with the research scientist during development & optimization of automated experiments, and troubleshooting obstacles by leveraging their knowledge, experience, and awareness of current techniques described in the literature.

Laboratory Automation and Assay development (65%)

• Aid in the development and adaptation of new and existing automation protocols for experimental and analytical assays.

• Program & test automation equipment to perform assigned methods and experiments in alignment with project objectives.

• Utilize a broad array of automation-based & biological techniques to effectively implement & trouble shoot automated laboratory and data management solutions.

• Assist and guide scientific staff in the loading and performance of automated development or production assays.   

• Prepare and write support manuals, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and validation documents for applications or work processes.

Operations (20%)

• Responsibility for performing general maintenance, cleaning, and servicing of automation equipment to meet HSE, site, and GxP compliance.  

• Manage automation consumables and equipment to ensure platforms operate without issues.

• Provide guidance, training, and assistance to research staff on the proper use of automation equipment Responsible for troubleshooting& resolving day to day automation technical issue to maintain platform utilization.

Teamwork/Collaboration (10%)

• Participate in research teams to aid in the develop and execution of automation projects.

• Collaborate with both automation and research team members to successfully achieve goals within the automation and project teams.

Scientific Knowledge (5%)

• Maintain a broad knowledge of automation concepts, practices, and procedures and can critically evaluate relevant literature with respect to applicable projects.

About you

Education:

M.Sc. with 2 years of relevant automation experience or B.Sc. with 4 years of relevant automation experience. College Degree should be in engineering, bioengineering, physical, computer science or applied science field.

Basic Qualifications

• Demonstrate advanced automation knowledge and programming capabilities on Hamilton liquid handlers and scheduling based software or equivalence. 

• The engineer is proficient in preparing, executing, optimizing, and troubleshooting automated laboratory assays.

• Strong problem solving, quantitative, debugging, and documentation skill sets to work independently supporting projects.

• Possess strong communication and interpersonal skills for collaborating with end users and other developers.

• Cross functional competencies and knowledge in biology, engineering, automation and programming.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Operational knowledge of immunoassay-based instruments such as flow cytometers, Octet, Luminex, MesoScale, Biotek, Cytomat and Multi-mode plate readers. 

• Programming knowledge in .NET (VB, C#, ASP), Java Script, SQL server, VBA Excel and Matlab are highly desired.…

• Operational experience with laboratory automation equipment including plate washers, decappers, robotic arms, automated incubators, and miscellaneous deck-based liquid handling devices.

• Experience with Molecular Device Softmax Pro software or equivalent in developing analysis protocols.

Why Choose Us

• Bring the miracles of science to life alongside a supportive, future-focused team.

• Discover endless opportunities to grow your talent and drive your career, whether it’s through a promotion or lateral move, at home or internationally.

• Enjoy a thoughtful, well-crafted rewards package that recognizes your contribution and amplifies your impact.

• Take good care of yourself and your family, with a wide range of health and wellbeing benefits including high-quality healthcare, prevention and wellness programs and at least 14 weeks’ gender-neutral parental leave.

• Be part of a pioneering biopharma company that engages patients early in drug development and uses their insights to design studies that reflect real-world needs.

• Help improve the lives of millions of people globally by making drug development quicker and more effective.

• Work at the forefront of drug discovery, harnessing cutting-edge AI, data, and digital platforms to push the boundaries of science.

Sanofi Inc. and its U.S. affiliates are Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employers committed to a culturally diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; creed; religion; national origin; age; ancestry; nationality; marital, domestic partnership or civil union status; sex, gender, gender identity or expression; affectional or sexual orientation; disability; veteran or military status or liability for military status; domestic violence victim status; atypical cellular or blood trait; genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing) or any other characteristic protected by law.

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All compensation will be determined commensurate with demonstrated experience. Employees may be eligible to participate in Company employee benefit programs, and additional benefits information can be found here.