Senior Automation Engineer

Salary: $109,500 - 208,500 per year Requirements:

• Degree in engineering, chemistry, robotics, or a related scientific discipline.
• Relevant industry experience: 12+ years with a bachelors degree, 10+ years with a masters degree, or 4+ years with a PhD.
• Demonstrated experience delivering automation equipment and processes in R&D laboratories or manufacturing environments.
• Strong hardware integration and troubleshooting skills, including commissioning new systems.
• Programming experience with languages such as Python, C#, C++, C, or Visual Basic, and automation platforms such as Ignition.
• Experience working with experimental data and connecting instruments to reporting or data management systems.
• Strong project coordination, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience in chemical process development, process modelling, or AI/ML applications is an advantage.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship; visa sponsorship is unavailable.

• Lead automation projects from requirements gathering and system design through installation, commissioning, and delivery.
• Integrate custom-built and commercially available robotics, analytical instruments, sensors, and laboratory equipment.
• Develop end-to-end workflows linking experimental equipment with data collection, reporting, and storage systems.
• Collaborate with chemistry, engineering, and analytical teams to address technical challenges and deliver practical solutions.
• Use process modelling, experimental design, and data analysis to improve research efficiency and understanding of processes.
• Identify ways to improve existing systems, increase safety, and reduce manual work.
• Train colleagues and explain technical solutions to cross-disciplinary teams.

• AI
• C#
• Hardware
• Support
• Python
• Robotics
• Visual Basic
• C++

More:

We are seeking a Senior Automation Engineer to develop and deploy automated laboratory systems that support drug development at a global pharmaceutical company. This hands-on role combines robotics, hardware integration, programming, and data analysis, with close collaboration between scientists and engineers to automate experiments, improve data quality, and advance laboratory autonomy. The position is based in Chicago, Illinois, and offers a base salary of $109,500–$208,500, benefits, and long-term incentives. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave; and a 401(k). The role is primarily site-based, with remote flexibility where applicable.

last updated 42 week of 2026