Senior Automation Engineer, High-Throughput Screening

Job Description Summary The highthroughput biology group in Novartis San Diego is seeking a Senior Automation Engineer to join the Advanced Automation Technologies group. The primary responsibility of this role is to operate, maintain, and continuously improve highthroughput screening systems that support smallmolecule drug discovery. In addition to core screening operations, this role will contribute to the longerterm evolution of labintheloop capabilities, including chemistry automation and integration with data and AI systems. The Senior Automation Engineer will work closely with biologists, chemists, engineers, and data scientists to support daytoday discovery needs while helping advance nextgeneration automation platforms. Position Details Internal Job Title: Senior Automation Engineer Position Location: onsite, San Diego, CA. Given the handson nature of the work and close collaboration with lab teams, this role is onsite in San Diego and not open to remote or hybrid arrangements. Regular physical presence in the lab is an essential requirement. Key Responsibilities Operate, support, and maintain highthroughput screening systems for smallmolecule discovery Ensure reliable execution of automated workflows, including system setup, calibration, and troubleshooting Partner with biologists and assay scientists to support screening campaigns and evolving experimental needs Diagnose workflow issues, interpret system performance data, and communicate findings to technical stakeholders Contribute to the design and improvement of chemistryadjacent and labintheloop workflows Support integration between automation systems, data infrastructure, and AI/ML tools Develop and maintain automation scripts using Python or similar languages Essential Requirements Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Engineering, or related discipline, or equivalent experience 5+ years of relevant experience Hands‑on experience with laboratory automation and automated experimental systems, ideally in a screening environment Proficiency in Python or similar programming languages Experience with system scheduling software, scripting, and basic database concepts Strong troubleshooting skills and comfort operating complex, integrated systems Excellent written and verbal communication skills Highly Desirable Skills Experience with chemistry-enabling or automated synthesis workflows Familiarity with liquid handling, acoustic transfer, analytical integration, and microplate‑based systems Exposure to labintheloop or closed‑loop experimentation Experience interfacing automation systems with data pipelines or AI/ML tools Salary Range $93,800 - $174,200 per year Compensation and Benefits Your compensation will include a performance-based cash incentive and, depending on the level of the role, eligibility to be considered for annual equity awards. US-based eligible employees will receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, life and disability benefits, a 401(k) with company contribution and match, and a variety of other benefits. In addition, employees are eligible for a generous time‑off package including vacation, personal days, holidays and other leaves. To learn more about the culture, rewards and benefits we offer our people click here. EEO Statement The Novartis Group of Companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. Accessibility and reasonable accommodations The Novartis Group of Companies are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to View email address on click.appcast.io or call View phone number on click.appcast.io and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message. Skills Desired Application Software Automation Automation Testing Control System Debugging Engineering HMI (Human-Machine Interface) PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) Problem Solving Skills Programming Languages Python (Programming Language) Robotic Process Automation (RPA) Robotics Software Testing Technical Support Test Automation Test Cases Test Engineer VB (Visual Basic) #J-18808-Ljbffr Novartis Group Companies