Sr. Automation Engineer/Manager

Aether

Aether was founded under the belief that synthetic biology is the key to building the post-scarcity future. In order to catalyze the next industrial revolution, we are building the world's highest throughput robotic laboratory, generating data on scales previously not possible to feed deep learning algorithms. We are building a diverse team of engineers, sci-fi nerds, and world-changers. We hope you can join us…

Building this future will require transforming enzymes from niche catalysts to general purpose molecular assemblers using datasets of enzyme activity unprecedented in size and diversity. To power world-class machine learning models, we are the boundaries of laboratory automation towards faster, broader, and more robust, robotic sample processing systems to acquire data at throughputs above anything that has been previously built.

Team

Software | Biology | Automation | Machine Learning | Operations

Our automation team is the foundation of Aether Biomachines' differentiation, driving innovation in mechanical, electrical, and robotic engineering, and generating the data necessary to fuel our machine learning algorithms for the post-scarcity future.

Job Responsibilities: 

• Independently gather requirements from R&D, working closely with biology, chemistry, and software teams to design and implement custom automated solutions while addressing constraints.
• Design, develop, and maintain complex, preferably fully, automated processes, transitioning from benchtop/low-throughput to high-throughput systems.
• Utilize in-depth knowledge of biology and chemistry considerations in designing high-throughput screening (HTS) processes.
• Utilize a range of lab equipment for automation engineering and integration with scheduling software.
• Collaborate with vendors to source necessary tools and equipment, such as Thermo Fisher and Biodot.
• Implement and optimize high-throughput lab processes, accommodating various plate sizes and working with robots and scheduling tools.
• Employ scheduling software, such as Momentum, to interface with tools and robots using C++, C#, or Python.
• Optimize processes and support Aether Biomachines' enzyme engineering factory through close collaboration with internal teams.
• Develop and deliver new automated workflows, encompassing enzyme design to high throughput screening.
• Manage a small team of automation engineers and automation development engineers and operators, providing guidance and mentorship.
• Troubleshoot and resolve equipment issues and complex processes as well as improve equipment reliability and operational robustness.  
• Oversee complex production runs, coordinating and resourcing staff and equipment to determine and manage lab capacity.
• Contribute to and maintain a safe, efficient, and organized lab environment

You will BRING to this role:

• Your Understanding and Experience 
• Proven experience in designing, developing, and implementing complex automated processes, with a focus on transitioning from benchtop/low-throughput to high-throughput systems.
• Technical knowledge of various automation equipment, including Tecan, Hamilton, Agilent, Echo, and Beckman.
• Experience designing and developing synthetic biology workflows for microbes or enzymes.
• Experience integrating automation systems with LIMS, with 3+ years working with LIMS systems for sample tracking and metadata recording.
• Strong understanding of molecular biology, synthetic biology, and protein manipulation techniques such as NGS, colony picking, transformation, DNA assembly, and protein purification.
• Proficiency in project management and vendor management.
• Prior experience managing a team of engineers, preferably in automation or a related field.
• The challenges of a startup excite you. Aether Biomachines is changing the world through a platform that has the potential to revolutionize post-scarcity. Our ability to build and maintain scalable and efficient systems to deliver a continuously improving product will be the main differentiator between the success and failure of the organization, and you will be a key stakeholder in this process. You believe you are up to the task and want to prove it.

Bonus Experience:

• Experience in rapidly growing start-ups.
• Experience with inventory or compound management.
• Background in C# development, codebase maintenance, and CI/CD.
• Knowledge of systems design and engineering.

Life at Aether:

• Full suite of health benefits (medical, dental, vision)
• Ancillary benefits, including