Automation Support Engineer at Natera

Austin, Texas, United States

Natera Logo
Not SpecifiedCompensation
Mid-level (3 to 4 years)Experience Level
Full TimeJob Type
UnknownVisa
Life Sciences, Biotechnology, DiagnosticsIndustries

Requirements

  • BS in engineering or related scientific field, or equivalent experience (MS preferred)
  • 2+ years in lab automation engineering, ideally in life sciences, biotech, pharma, or clinical settings
  • Hands-on experience with robotics, liquid handling systems, and automation integration
  • Strong programming or scripting foundation (method writing, labware configuration, or similar)
  • Familiarity with automated storage systems (Hamilton Verso, SPT Labtech, etc.) is a plus
  • Flexibility to adapt to evolving priorities and occasional evening support needs
  • Must have a flexible schedule and be able to accommodate later hours when needed
  • Ability to travel between local Austin sites, within 1 mile, to support multiple labs

Responsibilities

  • Troubleshoot, qualify, and optimize automated liquid handling systems
  • Build rapport with end-users and act as a trusted partner across R&D and clinical labs
  • Develop and maintain documentation, SOPs, and validation protocols (IQ/OQ/PQ)
  • Oversee equipment qualification and ensure seamless adoption in the labs
  • Provide user training, ongoing support, and continuous improvements
  • Collaborate on cross-functional projects, contributing to both short-term fixes and long-term solutions
  • Support and improve a fleet of state-of-the-art liquid handling robots and automated systems (e.g., Tecan Fluent, Hamilton STAR and Vantage, Beckman I7)
  • Partner with scientists and engineers to design and deliver automation solutions that increase lab efficiency, scalability, and reliability
  • Contribute to innovation projects by conceptualizing, designing, and implementing new tools, workflows, and optimizations

Skills

Tecan Fluent
Hamilton STAR
Hamilton Vantage
Beckman I7
liquid handling robots
automation troubleshooting
equipment qualification
IQ/OQ/PQ
SOPs
validation protocols
lab automation
robotics

Natera

Genetic testing and diagnostics solutions provider

About Natera

Natera focuses on genetic testing and diagnostics, providing advanced solutions for cancer patients, transplant patients, and individuals assessing hereditary health risks. Their main technology is cell-free DNA (cfDNA) testing, which analyzes DNA fragments in the blood to detect minimal traces of cancer and assess organ health. Natera stands out by offering specialized tests like the Signatera ctDNA test and Panorama NIPT, along with genetic counseling services. The company's goal is to improve patient care and health outcomes through accurate genetic testing.

Austin, TexasHeadquarters
2004Year Founded
$149.9MTotal Funding
IPOCompany Stage
Biotechnology, HealthcareIndustries
1,001-5,000Employees

Benefits

Flexible medical plans
Investment options
Time off
Workplace perks

Risks

Hindenburg report accuses Natera of deceptive sales practices, risking legal challenges.
New Prospera Heart features may face slow adoption by healthcare providers.
Fetal RhD NIPT demand may drop post-RhIg shortage, affecting future sales.

Differentiation

Natera's Signatera test offers personalized ctDNA analysis for cancer patients.
Prospera Heart test uses unique Donor Quantity Score for transplant rejection detection.
Panorama NIPT test is a leader in non-invasive prenatal testing with 2 million tests.

Upsides

Increased adoption of liquid biopsy techniques boosts demand for Natera's cfDNA tests.
AI integration enhances accuracy and speed of Natera's cfDNA analysis.
Growing personalized medicine trend aligns with Natera's customized genetic tests.

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