Senior Automation Engineer (I, II, III)

Position Summary

We are seeking an Automation Engineer to drive and support the development, platforming and day-to-day operation of automated QC workflows in our Cell Q system at our South San Francisco, CA site. This role is central to translating newly developed assays into scalable, automated workflows ahead of transfer and validation on Cell Q.

The successful candidate will work hands-on to develop and program liquid handling methods, write and maintain Biosero Green Button Go (GBG) code, and test these methods to confirm functionality and performance before they move into validation. Working closely with Analytical Development, Quality Control, Software, Manufacturing and IT, the Automation Engineer will contribute to development, user training, technical documentation and controlled management of automated test methods.

Candidates should enjoy working in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment and be comfortable owning assay automation from early-stage development through hand-off for validation.

Responsibilities

Design and develop automated liquid handling protocols to platform new assays onto the Cell Q system

Partner with Analytical Development (AD) to translate manually developed assays into automation-compatible methods

Write and maintain Biosero Green Button Go (GBG) code to implement and integrate automation solutions

Design and execute validation experiments to optimize assay and workflow parameters.

Conduct testing of newly developed automated methods to confirm functionality and performance ahead of formal validation

Troubleshoot and iterate on liquid handler methods and GBG scripts throughout development

Collaborate with QC, Manufacturing, IT, and Quality to support the transition of developed assays into validated production use

Document method development, coding logic, and testing outcomes to support downstream validation and transfer

Monitor and refine automated workflows based on development and testing feedback to improve reliability and performance

Requirements

Bachelor's or higher degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Biotechnology, or a related field

2+ years of experience developing and programming liquid handling automation methods. Experience on Tecan Fluent preferred.

Hands-on experience coding in Biosero's Green Button Go (GBG) software, or equivalent scheduling software experience

Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or C#

Experience working cross-functionally to platform manual assays onto automated systems

Familiarity with flow cytometry, genomic, and cell-based assays

Experience with laboratory analytical instruments and automated systems

Familiarity with GMP documentation and change control practices, or ability to quickly learn regulated documentation requirements

Strong technical writing skills and experience authoring SOPs, documentation, and training materials

Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to troubleshoot technical issues during method development

Strong communication skills to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams

Attention to detail and ability to manage multiple development efforts simultaneously

Creative, self-motivated, eager to take on a wide variety of tasks and grow with the evolving technology

Self-awareness, integrity, authenticity, and a growth mindset

$90,000 - $210,000 a year

Cellares total compensation package contains competitive base salaries, highly subsidized Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans, 401(k) Matching, Free EV Charging, Onsite lunches, and Stock options. All displayed pay ranges are approximate, negotiable, and location dependent.

This is Cellares

Cellares is the first Integrated Development and Manufacturing Organization (IDMO) and takes an Industry 4.0 approach to mass manufacturing the living drugs of the 21st century. The company is both developing and operating integrated technologies for cell therapy manufacturing to accelerate access to life-saving cell therapies. The company’s Cell Shuttle integrates all the technologies required for the entire manufacturing process in a flexible and high-throughput platform that delivers true walk-away, end-to-end automation. Cell Shuttles will be deployed in Cellares’ Smart Factories around the world to meet total patient demand for cell therapies at global scale. Partnering with Cellares enables academics, biotechs, and pharma companies to accelerate drug development and scale out manufacturing, lower process failure rates, lower manufacturing costs, and meet global patient demand.

The company is headquartered in South San Francisco, California with its commercial-scale IDMO Smart Factory in Bridgewater, New Jersey. The company is backed by world-class investors and has raised over $355 million in financing.

Leveling will be based on overall experience, education, and demonstration of knowledge throughout the interview process.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.