Automation Engineer

Location: On-Site in Boulder, CO (Foresight Dx business unit, a Natera company)

Shift: Monday-Friday, 7:30/8am start time

Foresight Diagnostics is a molecular diagnostics company pioneering non-invasive cancer detection through highly sensitive, cell-free DNA-based liquid biopsy technologies. Our proprietary methods - originally developed at Stanford University - are designed to detect smaller tumors earlier and enable more personalized treatment strategies for patients with cancer. 

We sit at the intersection of molecular biology, bioinformatics, and next-generation sequencing (NGS), and we translate rigorous science into clinically meaningful solutions. Following our acquisition by Natera, we now combine the agility of a mission-driven startup with the scale and resources of a global leader in cell-free DNA testing. It’s an exciting moment to join us. 

Headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, our team operates in a high accountability, collaborative environment where quality and continuous improvement aren’t just values - they’re how we work every day.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Lab Automation Engineer at Foresight Diagnostics will be responsible for supporting the development and continuous improvement of Foresight’s laboratory automation function as well as providing first line support for troubleshooting methods in the CLIA lab. As the business life cycle evolves to vertically integrate manufacturing, this role will support the development and implementation with transition to the tech transfer functions within the organization. This position will collaborate cross functionally to deliver on business objectives with the intention of cross functional integration and operational scaling. This is a full-time position working 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM Monday to Friday, but may require the flexibility to work diverse schedules, including weekends, and holidays.  

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Effectively deliver to project deadlines, on time and on budget, with adherence to applicable quality and regulatory requirements. 
• Iterate on processes to drive continuous improvement with prioritization managed through the application/interpretation of KPI results. 
• Collaborate with laboratory leads to align on automation requirements and develop workflows and instrument methods for laboratory optimization and software integration. 
• Regularly perform preventative maintenance and inspections on Foresight’s automated systems to ensure reliable functionality. 
• Execute major and minor repairs or coordinate with vendors for more complex repairs. 
• Collaborate with Laboratory Operations to develop SOPs and training programs to enable successful tech transfer of new technology/workflows to the laboratory teams for production use. 
• Work cross-functionally with Operations, Finance, and laboratory teams as necessary to properly forecast the number of automation instrumentation needed to meet volume demand, plan for and propose upgrades to the Foresight’s automation solution. 
• As needed, perform maintenance to ensure operational capacity never impacts Foresight’s ability to successfully deliver on time results.   
• Ensure effective resource utilization, planning and execution of people, process, and products in alignment with corporate objectives and volume projections across cross-functional teams. 
• Implement laboratory processes that are compliant with appropriate regulations, to include but not limited to GxP, ISO, CFR, CAP/CLIA, NYSDOH. 
• Guide troubleshooting and resolution of incident reports and CAPAs while driving continuous improvement

QUALIFICATIONS:

• 5+ years engineering experience supporting laboratory environments. 
• A bachelor’s degree: BA/BS. An advanced degree, such as a Ph.D. or Masters degree preferred. 
• Additional technical training would be a plus with an understanding of molecular biology and genomics. 
• Working knowledge of liquid handling platforms such as Hamilton STAR line and Agilent Bravo preferred 
• Proven ability to deliver actionable results to complex problems. 
• Strong organizational skills with an understanding of scaling and capacity planning. 
• Advanced analytical and operational skills with an ability to identify meaningful insights from complex data. 
• Self-starter who thrives in ambiguity in a fast-paced environment. 
• Ability to deliver on end-to-end projects with a high level of autonomy. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• This position requires the individual to wear and work in personal protective equipment. 
• This position requires that the individual is able to lift a minimum of 25lbs. 
• Substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers are required. 
• The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures, writing and reviewing documents, and pipetting small volumes of clear liquids. 

Compensation & Total Rewards 

This range reflects a good-faith estimate of the base pay we reasonably expect to offer at the time of hire. Final compensation will vary based on experience, qualifications, and internal equity considerations.

This position is also eligible for additional compensation and benefits through Natera’s robust Total Rewards program, including:

• Comprehensive health benefits (medical, dental, vision)
• 401(k) with company match
• Generous paid time off and company holidays
• Additional wellness and work-life benefits

Compensation Range

$95,800.00 - $110,000.00

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OUR OPPORTUNITY

Natera™ is a global leader in cell-free DNA (cfDNA) testing, dedicated to oncology, women’s health, and organ health. Our aim is to make personalized genetic testing and diagnostics part of the standard of care to protect health and enable earlier and more targeted interventions that lead to longer, healthier lives.

The Natera team consists of highly dedicated statisticians, geneticists, doctors, laboratory scientists, business professionals, software engineers and many other professionals from world-class institutions, who care deeply for our work and each other. When you join Natera, you’ll work hard and grow quickly. Working alongside the elite of the industry, you’ll be stretched and challenged, and take pride in being part of a company that is changing the landscape of genetic disease management.

WHAT WE OFFER

Competitive Benefits - Employee benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life and disability plans for eligible employees and their dependents. Additionally, Natera employees and their immediate families receive free testing in addition to fertility care benefits. Other benefits include pregnancy and baby bonding leave, 401k benefits, commuter benefits and much more. We also offer a generous employee referral program!

For more information, visit www.natera.com.

Natera is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to ensuring a diverse and inclusive workplace environment, and welcome people of different backgrounds, experiences, abilities and perspectives. Inclusive collaboration benefits our employees, our community and our patients, and is critical to our mission of changing the management of disease worldwide.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply, and will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, age, veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with applicable laws.

If you are based in California, we encourage you to read this important information for California residents. 

Link: https://www.natera.com/notice-of-data-collection-california-residents/

Please be advised that Natera will reach out to candidates with a @natera.com email domain ONLY. Email communications from all other domain names are not from Natera or its employees and are fraudulent. Natera does not request interviews via text messages and does not ask for personal information until a candidate has engaged with the company and has spoken to a recruiter and the hiring team. Natera takes cyber crimes seriously, and will collaborate with law enforcement authorities to prosecute any related cyber crimes.

For more information:
- BBB announcement on job scams 
- FBI Cyber Crime resource page