Senior Automation Engineer

At Caris, we understand that cancer is an ugly word—a word no one wants to hear, but one that connects us all. That’s why we’re not just transforming cancer care—we’re changing lives.

We introduced precision medicine to the world and built an industry around the idea that every patient deserves answers as unique as their DNA. Backed by cutting-edge molecular science and AI, we ask ourselves every day: “What would I do if this patient were my mom?” That question drives everything we do.

But our mission doesn’t stop with cancer. We're pushing the frontiers of medicine and leading a revolution in healthcare—driven by innovation, compassion, and purpose.

Join us in our mission to improve the human condition across multiple diseases. If you're passionate about meaningful work and want to be part of something bigger than yourself, Caris is where your impact begins.

Position Summary

The Senior Automation Engineer is a technical leader and subject matter expert for laboratory automation and liquid-handling systems supporting high-throughput clinical workflows. This role owns automation solutions across the full lifecycle and partners with cross-functional teams to deliver scalable, compliant, and reliable automated laboratory processes.

Job Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, testing, implementation, and lifecycle support of automated laboratory workflows.

• Develop and optimize liquid handling methods and liquid classes.

• Integrate automation platforms with instruments, LIMS, and software systems.

• Execute feasibility, verification, validation, and qualification activities.

• Author SOPs, protocols, reports, and quality documentation.

• Troubleshoot complex hardware, software, robotics, and assay issues.

• Drive throughput, reliability, and process improvement initiatives.

• Provide technical support, mentoring, and project leadership.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Laboratory Science, Biotechnology, or related field.

• Minimum 3 years of hands-on liquid handler programming experience.

• Experience with automated molecular biology workflows and NGS sample preparation.

• Experience with equipment and method verification/validation.

• Strong troubleshooting, communication, documentation, and project management skills.

• Experience with liquid class development and process optimization.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in a related discipline.

• Experience in regulated CAP/CLIA, FDA, GLP, GMP, or ISO environments.

• Programming experience in Python, C#, SQL, JavaScript, or similar languages.

• Experience with LIMS, APIs, and laboratory data integrations.

• ASCP certification or relevant laboratory credential.

• Experience mentoring engineers and leading cross-functional teams.

Physical Demands

• Ability to work in a laboratory environment, stand for extended periods, perform repetitive motions, and occasionally lift laboratory equipment or supplies.

Training

• All job-specific, safety, quality, and compliance training are assigned based on the job functions associated with this position.

Other

• May require periodic travel.

• May require occasional evening, weekend, holiday, or after-hours support.

• Must be able to support multiple concurrent projects in a fast-paced environment.

Conditions of Employment:  Individual must successfully complete pre-employment process, which includes criminal background check, drug screening, credit check ( applicable for certain positions) and reference verification.

This job description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Caris Life Sciences is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with disability.