Automation and Instrumentation Specialist
Location: Exton, PA
Full Time
Frontage Laboratories Inc. is an award winning, full-service, CRO/Contract Research Organization operating over 25 state-of-the-art laboratories across the US, Canada and China. Our core competencies include drug metabolism, pharmacokinetics/ pharmacodynamics (PK/PD), safety and toxicology, bioanalytical services, chemistry and manufacturing controls for drug development, and core laboratory services for clinical trials.
Job Description
We are seeking a detail-oriented Automation and Instrumentation Specialist to support the operation, maintenance, automation, and calibration of laboratory and manufacturing equipment. This role is responsible for ensuring instruments are properly calibrated, automation systems operate reliably, and equipment complies with internal quality standards and applicable regulatory requirements. The ideal candidate has strong troubleshooting skills, hands-on experience with laboratory instrumentation, and an interest in improving workflows through automation.
General Support Responsibilities Include
- Perform routine and scheduled calibration of laboratory and manufacturing instruments in accordance with established procedures.
- Develop, implement, and maintain automation solutions to improve laboratory and operational efficiency.
- Install, configure, troubleshoot, and maintain automated equipment and instrumentation.
- Perform preventive maintenance and coordinate repairs with equipment vendors when necessary.
- Investigate equipment failures, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions.
- Maintain accurate calibration, maintenance, and service records in compliance with company quality systems.
- Support equipment qualification activities, including IQ/OQ/PQ, as applicable.
- Ensure all instruments remain compliant with applicable regulatory and quality requirements (e.g., GLP).
- Collaborate with laboratory, manufacturing, quality, and engineering teams to support daily operations and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Assist in evaluating and implementing new equipment and automation technologies.
- Develop and update SOPs, work instructions, and equipment documentation.
- Provide training to users on proper operation and basic troubleshooting of laboratory equipment.
Qualifications
Required
- Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Automation, Electronics, Instrumentation, Biomedical Engineering, or a related technical field.
- 1+ years of experience in laboratory equipment maintenance, instrumentation, automation, or calibration.
- Experience calibrating laboratory instruments and maintaining calibration documentation.
- Strong mechanical, electrical, and troubleshooting skills.
- Familiarity with computerized laboratory equipment and automation systems.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
- Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to lift up to 40 lbs.
- Ability to stand, walk, and work around laboratory and production equipment for extended periods.
- Ability to use hand tools and diagnostic equipment safely.
Experience and Skills
- Prior experience working in a laboratory, particularly with sample preparation, equipment operation, and data recording is preferred.
- Familiarity with common laboratory equipment and instruments, such as centrifuges, microscopes, pH meters, etc.
- Knowledge of preparing buffers, media, and other common laboratory reagents.
- Capable of recording experimental data and using computer software (e.g., Excel, SPSS) for data processing and analysis.
- Able to manage time and prioritize tasks effectively in a fast-paced work environment.
- Strong learning ability.
Salary and Benefits:
Frontage Laboratories offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including health and dental insurance, a 401(k) plan, disability insurance, and life insurance.
Frontage Laboratories Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with disability.
Skills Required
- Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Automation, Electronics, Instrumentation, Biomedical Engineering, or related technical field
- 1+ years experience in laboratory equipment maintenance, instrumentation, automation, or calibration
- Experience calibrating laboratory instruments and maintaining calibration documentation
- Strong mechanical, electrical, and troubleshooting skills
- Familiarity with computerized laboratory equipment and automation systems
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications
- Ability to lift up to 40 lbs and stand, walk, and work around laboratory and production equipment for extended periods
- Ability to use hand tools and diagnostic equipment safely
- Support equipment qualification activities including IQ/OQ/PQ
- Knowledge of GLP and applicable regulatory/quality requirements
- Prior experience working in a laboratory (sample preparation, equipment operation, data recording)
- Familiarity with common laboratory equipment (centrifuges, microscopes, pH meters)
- Knowledge of preparing buffers, media, and other common laboratory reagents
- Ability to record experimental data and use software (e.g., Excel, SPSS) for data processing and analysis
- Strong time management, prioritization, and learning ability
What We Do
Frontage Laboratories, Inc. is a CRO that provides integrated, science-driven, product development services throughout the drug discovery and development process to enable pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies to achieve their development goals. Comprehensive services include drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics, analytical testing and formulation development, preclinical and clinical trial material manufacturing, bioanalysis, preclinical safety and toxicology assessment and early phase clinical studies. Frontage has enabled many biotechnology companies and leading pharmaceutical companies of varying sizes to advance a myriad of molecules through development and file regulatory submissions in the United States, China and other countries.
