Principal Automation Engineer

  • San Diego
  • Exact Sciences

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At Exact Sciences, we're helpingchange how the world prevents, detects and guides treatment for cancer. We give patients and clinicians the clarity needed to make confident decisions when they matter most. Join our team to find a purpose-driven career, an inclusive culture, and robust benefits to support your life while you're working to help others.

Position Overview

The Principal Automation Engineer will join a highly collaborative, cross-functional team across R&D, Operations and Technology to develop and deploy robust laboratory automation solutions for pre-analytical sample processing, Immunoassay and Next-Generation Sequencing based assays in support of a high complexity laboratory developed test. The successful candidate will help set our strategy for automated solutions andhasexperienceleading a collaborative, fast-paced team to build scalable, highly integrated automation platform which enable users to reliably and efficiently deliver timely, high-quality results in regulated environment.

This position is onsite at our San Diego office.

Essential Duties

Include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Develop robust methods for the management and deployment of laboratory machine software to ensure concordant assay performance on hardware located in multiple sites.
  • Develop automated solutions through programming of liquid handling robotics platforms to meet the requirements of existing assay workflows.
  • Identify and address unmet automation needs through collaboration with scientists, engineers and project teams.
  • Ensure accurate and robust automation software integration with external systems (LIMS, integrated hardware, etc.) through the development of Installation and Operational Qualification procedures.
  • Uphold company mission and values through accountability, innovation, integrity, quality, and teamwork.
  • Support and comply with the company's Quality Management System policies and procedures.
  • Maintain regular and reliable attendance.
  • Ability to act with an inclusion mindset and model these behaviors for the organization.
  • Ability to work on a mobile device, tablet, or in front of a computer screen and/or perform typing for approximately 50% of a typical working day.
  • Ability to lift up to 25 pounds for approximately 5% of a typical working day.
  • Ability to grasp with both hands; pinch with thumb and forefinger; turn with hand/arm; reach above shoulder height.
  • Ability to comply with any applicable personal protective equipment requirements.
  • Ability to use various types of laboratory equipment; including microscopes, microtomes, blades, strainers, and pipettes for extended periods of time.
  • Ability to use near vision to view samples at close range.
  • May be exposed to hazardous materials, tissue specimens, and instruments with moving parts, lasers, heating and freezing elements, and high-speed centrifugation.
  • Ability to travel 5% of working time away from work location, may include overnight/weekend travel.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in Life Science or related field.
  • 10+ years of experience working with automated liquid handlers and associated software in a regulated environment (CLIA, CAP, ISO, etc.) or 6+ years of specialized experience with Hamilton liquid handlers.
  • High attention to detail and proven ability to effectively communicate across teams located at multiple sites.
  • Proven ability to troubleshoot technical issues in collaboration with a team of scientists.
  • Experience working in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities and demands.
  • Familiarity with Next-Generation sequencing and/or common molecular biology laboratory workflows.
  • Demonstrated ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodation.
  • Authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Master's Degree in Life Science or related field.
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Salary Range:

$167,000.00 - $267,000.00

The annual base salary shown is for this position located in US - CA - San Diego on a full-time basis. In addition, this position is bonus eligible, and is eligible to receive company stock upon hire as well as annually.

Exact Sciences is proud to offer an employee experience that includes paid time off (including days for vacation, holidays, volunteering, and personal time), paid leave for parents and caregivers, a retirement savings plan, wellness support, and health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage. Learn more about our benefits.

Our success relies on the experiences and perspectives of a diverse team, and Exact Sciences fosters a culture where all employees can develop personally and professionally with a sense of respect and belonging. If you require an accommodation, please contact us here.

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We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, creed, disability, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and any other status protected by applicable local, state, or federal law. Any applicant or employee may request to view applicable portions of the company's affirmative action program.

To view the Right to Work, E-Verify Employer, and Pay Transparency notices and Federal, Federal Contractor, and State employment law posters, visit our compliance hub. The documents summarize important details of the law and provide key points that you have a right to know.