Senior Laboratory Automation Engineer

Colossal is seeking a Senior Laboratory Automation Engineer to join our laboratory operations team to design, develop, test, and maintain automated systems associated with cell and molecular biology workflows. The successful candidate will support the day-to-day operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and optimization of automated laboratory instrumentation and integrated automation systems. This individual will work closely with scientists and cross-functional teams to ensure reliable laboratory operations and support automation-driven workflows. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with laboratory automation platforms, instrumentation support, software-driven workflows, equipment validation, and troubleshooting of automated laboratory instruments, along with a strong interest in process improvement and operational efficiency. The person in this role will take a lead role in our newly formed automation team.

This position contributes to a fast-paced and dynamic program and reports to the Director of Lab Operations.

• This position is a full time role, in-person at Colossal HQ in Dallas, TX. It requires a flexible schedule, including some early/late hours and weekend work depending on scientific team needs and required equipment troubleshooting.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain automation methods using laboratory control platforms such as, Hamilton Venus/Revolution and HighRes Cellario schedulers.
• Provide hands-on support, consumable ordering & restocking, troubleshooting, and maintenance for automated laboratory instrumentation and integrated automation systems to ensure reliable day-to-day operations.
• Diagnose and resolve complex mechanical, software, and system integration issues to minimize equipment downtime and maintain operational continuity.
• Perform routine, preventive, and corrective maintenance activities, including equipment upgrades, modifications, and validation support.
• Execute installation, testing, and validation activities to verify equipment performance, accuracy, reliability, and laboratory stability.
• Coordinate issue triage with end users, vendors and external service providers while maintaining accurate equipment records, maintenance logs, and validation documentation.
• Train end users on laboratory automation systems and contribute to process improvements, operational initiatives, and innovations that enhance laboratory efficiency.

Required Skills, Experience and Education

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, scientific discipline, or a related field.
• 5+ years of relevant experience with automated laboratory instruments and integrated automation systems
• Experience troubleshooting and developing custom scripts for Hamilton STAR/VANTAGE, SPT Labtech firefly+ and other liquid handling instruments.
• Experience troubleshooting and writing protocols for Hamilton Venus and HighRes Bio Cellario schedulers.
• Experience with laboratory instrumentation and automation systems.
• Strong analytical skills, collaboration, documentation, and communication skills.
• Must be able to prioritize and work well under pressure
• Proficiency in programming languages such as HSL, VBScript, JavaScript, Python, C++, or R.

Preferred Skills

• Knowledge of cell line development, FACS or NGS workflows including routine cell line maintenance and expansion, stem cell differentiation, genotyping and high-throughput screening.
• Experience with Agilent VWorks, Beckman Coulter Tempo/Echo and Formulatrix Cellmatic/Stack schedulers is a plus.