Automation Engineer

Key Skills

AI Robotic systems, AutoCAD, Automation, Effective communication skills, Machine learning techniques, Molecular biology, Protein modeling

Job Description

Aether

Aether Biomachines is on a mission to build the post-scarcity future using peptide-based nanotechnology as the driving force for the next industrial revolution. By creating the world's most advanced high-throughput robotic laboratory, we are generating data at unprecedented scales to fuel deep learning algorithms. We're assembling a diverse and dynamic team of self-starters, engineers, sci-fi enthusiasts, and visionaries, and we invite you to join us on this journey.

We're breaking barriers in laboratory automation to power world-class machine learning models with faster, broader, and more robust robotic sample processing systems. Our goal is to transform peptides from niche catalysts into general-purpose molecular assemblers using our platform, and enabling a future of abundance for the human race.

Team

Software Engineering | Automation Engineering | Finance & Operations | Machine Learning | Research & Development | Product Management

In this role, you will collaborate closely with our Senior Automation Engineers, as well as technical experts across the company, to design and implement cutting-edge automation solutions for our synthetic biology laboratory.

Job Responsibilities: 

• Assist in the design, development, and implementation of advanced laboratory automation tools, instruments, and technologies, including liquid handlers, cold storage systems, and integrated systems with robotic arms.
• Design and execute experiments to evaluate new instruments, validate process conditions, and troubleshoot workflows.
• Support day-to-day operations by assisting in system error recovery to ensure the completion of processes.
• Diagnose, document, and correct hardware and software problems related to integrated automated systems.
• Work closely with the Senior Automation Engineer to build or test pieces of processes, develop automated process development skills, and support factory production runs.
• Document technological systems and operating instructions for said systems.
• Develop and perform IQ/OQ/PQ procedures.
• Bring a can-do attitude to solve new and challenging problems in a fast-paced environment.
• Perform other related duties as assigned and based on the team's needs.
• Contribute to and maintain a safe, efficient, and organized lab environment

Additional Responsibilities: 

• Integrate or build the best and latest laboratory automation tools, instruments, and technologies.
• Design and develop new, automated, and efficient lab processes for scaling up production to meet data requirements for our machine learning models.
• Engineer end-to-end sample processing solutions, including liquid handling, compound storage, and management.
• Design, iterate on, and manufacture custom hardware fixtures needed to enable more efficient workflows.
• Apply engineering best practices to technical projects to ensure products meet all requirements.

You will BRING to this role:

Your Understanding and Experience 

• BS in Mechanical Engineering, Software Engineering, Biology, Molecular Biology, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience with using, programming, and maintaining liquid handling robots.
• Experience designing, building, implementing, or validating processes on fully integrated robotic systems.
• Experience with one or more automation scheduling software (Green Button Go, Overlord, Momentum, Cellario, etc.).
• Experience operating, maintaining, and repairing automated sealers, peelers, centrifuges, and other common automation equipment.
• Experience with general laboratory automation, process engineering, and/or system engineering in a wet lab environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Basic knowledge relating to proteins and DNA.

The challenges of a startup excite you. Aether Biomachines is changing the world through a platform that has the potential to revolutionize post-scarcity. Our ability to build and maintain scalable and efficient systems to deliver a continuously improving product will be the main differentiator between the success and failure of the organization, and you will be a key stakeholder in this process. You believe you are up to the task and want to prove it.

Bonus Experience:

• Experience in rapidly growing start-ups.
• Experience developing robust manual or automated sample processing pipelines or assays, including process controls and QC.
• Proficiency with SolidWorks or other CAD tools.
• Enzyme, Protein, or Molecular biology experience.

Life at Aether:

• Full suite of health benefits (medical, dental, vision)
• Ancillary benefits, including 401(k), HSA/FSA programs
• Commuter Benefits: Aether will match up to $100/month (Commuter benefits can be allocated towards commute expenses, parking expenses, or both)
• Learning & Development: You may purchase up to $50/month in books or other learning materials without any prior approval
• Access to the gym at our Menlo Park location
• Access to our Menlo Park Labs Shuttle & Parking
• Unlimited PTO and 10 Paid Company Holidays
• Stocked snack cabinet and monthly team bagel breakfast
• Flexible work schedule to accommodate you/your family needs 
• Quarterly company-wide events and activities 
• Fun--and useful--swag!

This is the pay range for this position that we reasonably expect to pay. Individual compensation is based on various factors, including experience, education, skillset, and geographic location. This range is for the SF Bay Area, California location, and may be adjusted to the labor market in other geographic areas.

SF Bay Area Pay Range

• $115,200—$140,800 USD