Automation & Proc Ctrl Engineer

Job Title: Automation & Process Control Engineer

Job Description

This contract role focuses on stabilizing and enabling laboratory automation workflows within a predictive safety environment, with a strong emphasis on advanced liquid handling systems. The Automation & Process Control Engineer works hands-on in the laboratory to design, develop, validate, and maintain automated methods, partnering closely with laboratory scientists to ensure robust, efficient, and reproducible workflows. The position is based onsite in Indianapolis, Indiana, and is highly execution-oriented, supporting both new method deployment and day-to-day automated operations.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, validate, and maintain automation protocols, primarily using Venus-based platforms, including Genera scheduling where applicable, to support predictive safety laboratory workflows.
• Develop and validate new automated methods for laboratory assays, including protocol design, method optimization, validation, and documentation aligned with established laboratory and quality standards.
• Provide hands-on technical support to laboratory users as the first-line automation expert for routine operation, issue resolution, and workflow adaptation, especially for newly deployed liquid handling systems.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex automation issues spanning software, hardware, and integrated workcells to ensure reliable execution, effective error recovery, and minimal downtime.
• Monitor system performance and uptime, proactively identifying failure modes, bottlenecks, and opportunities to improve robustness, throughput, and overall system reliability.
• Partner closely with automation specialists and key stakeholders to ensure smooth operation, effective change management, and continuous improvement of automated workflows.
• Identify, evaluate, and implement technologies and improvements to existing automation methods to increase efficiency, quality, reproducibility, and scalability of laboratory processes.
• Support and contribute to protocol standardization, user guidance, and best practices for automation use within the laboratory organization.
• Coordinate the operation and support of integrated workcells, including liquid handlers, robotic arms, and peripheral devices, to maintain seamless end-to-end automated workflows.
• Collaborate directly with bench scientists to understand real-world laboratory processes and adapt automation workflows to meet evolving experimental and operational needs.
• Maintain rigorous documentation of methods, changes, validations, and issues, following established change management practices and laboratory documentation standards.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field.
• At least 3 years of experience developing, validating, and supporting automated methods for laboratory workflows, including familiarity with validation concepts and laboratory documentation practices.
• Minimum 3 years of hands-on experience with laboratory automation and advanced liquid handling platforms, including Venus protocol development, debugging, and execution.
• Advanced proficiency with liquid handling systems using Venus 2 or higher, with experience in Genera or similar scheduling tools.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot complex automation issues across software, hardware, and laboratory operations.
• Hands-on experience operating and supporting integrated workcells that coordinate liquid handlers, robotic arms, and peripheral instruments.
• Demonstrated comfort working directly with bench scientists and adapting automation workflows to real laboratory processes.
• Strong organizational skills with a high level of documentation rigor and disciplined change management.
• Ability to work independently while effectively coordinating with multiple stakeholders and cross-functional partners.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills suitable for a laboratory and technical environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience supporting predictive safety or similar research laboratory environments.
• Experience in laboratory assay automation and method optimization.
• Familiarity with protocol standardization and the development of user guidance and best practices for automation.
• Experience identifying and implementing process improvements to enhance throughput, reproducibility, and scalability in automated laboratory workflows.
• Comfort with virtual and onsite interactions during interviews, reviews, and ongoing collaboration.
• Ability to manage priorities and maintain performance in a fast-paced, project-driven setting.

Work Environment

This is a full-time, onsite contract position based in Indianapolis, Indiana, with a standard schedule of 40 hours per week over 5 days. Typical working hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with a 1-hour lunch break. The role is laboratory-based and involves regular work with automated liquid handling systems, integrated workcells, and related laboratory equipment, with potential exposure to common laboratory chemicals and other typical lab-related materials. The environment is highly collaborative, with close interaction between automation engineers, laboratory scientists, and automation specialists. Work includes hands-on operation of instruments, troubleshooting in real time, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives in a structured yet dynamic research setting. Medical surveillance or additional occupational health testing may be required due to the laboratory nature of the work. Remote or non-local work arrangements are not considered for this role; presence in the laboratory is essential for successful performance.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Indianapolis, IN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $80000.00 - $100000.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Indianapolis,IN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 1, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.