Automation Engineer (I, II, III) - job 1 of 2

We are seeking an Automation Engineer to support the development, validation, and day-to-day operation of fully automated QC testing workflows in a regulated GMP environment at our Bridgewater, NJ site. This role is central to the success of our Cell Q platform and commercial-scale QC operations.

The successful candidate will play a key role in transferring, scaling, and optimizing automated QC test methods across multiple automated workcells, while also providing hands-on runtime operational support for the Cell Q platform and the broader QC laboratory infrastructure. This includes troubleshooting systems, supporting production testing, and ensuring consistent, compliant execution of automated workflows.

Working closely with cross-functional partners in Quality Control, Analytical Development, Manufacturing, IT, and Quality, the Automation Engineer will contribute to system validation, user training, technical documentation, and controlled version management of automated test methods under change control. In addition, this role will help design, implement, and maintain automated sample and reagent management workflows that enable scalable, reliable, and robust end-to-end processes for high-throughput QC testing in a GMP setting.

Candidates should enjoy working in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment and be prepared to tackle a broad range of challenges as the company grows.

• Support the transfer and validation of automated QC workflow steps
• Validate and optimize automated methods for sample preparation, analysis, and data collection
• Monitor system performance, track recurring issues, and collaborate with engineering and quality teams to implement technical and procedural improvements
• Conduct validation testing of liquid handling methods and integrated systems to ensure proper functionality and performance
• Analyze automation workflows to identify bottlenecks and areas for optimization
• Develop and implement troubleshooting methodologies to identify and resolve QC test method issues
• Provide automation system and instrumentation support and troubleshooting

• Bachelor's or higher degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Biotechnology, or a related field
• 2+ years of experience designing, implementing, and maintaining laboratory automation systems.
• Experience programming and optimizing liquid handling methods
• Experience developing and implementing integrated automation solutions using Biosero’s Green Button Go software
• Experience with laboratory analytical instruments and automated systems
• Experience integrating and managing assay results with LIMS
• Familiar with flow cytometry, genomic, and cell-based assays
• Strong technical writing skills and experience authoring Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), documentation, and training materials 
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot technical issues.
• Strong communication skills to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Attention to detail and the ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Creative, self-motivated, eager to take on a wide variety of tasks and grow with the evolving technology
• Self-awareness, integrity, authenticity, and a growth mindset

This is Cellares

Cellares is the first Integrated Development and Manufacturing Organization (IDMO) and takes an Industry 4.0 approach to mass manufacturing the living drugs of the 21st century. The company is both developing and operating integrated technologies for cell therapy manufacturing to accelerate access to life-saving cell therapies. The company’s Cell Shuttle integrates all the technologies required for the entire manufacturing process in a flexible and high-throughput platform that delivers true walk-away, end-to-end automation. Cell Shuttles will be deployed in Cellares’ Smart Factories around the world to meet total patient demand for cell therapies at global scale. Partnering with Cellares enables academics, biotechs, and pharma companies to accelerate drug development and scale out manufacturing, lower process failure rates, lower manufacturing costs, and meet global patient demand.

The company is headquartered in South San Francisco, California with its commercial-scale IDMO Smart Factory in Bridgewater, New Jersey. The company is backed by world-class investors and has raised over $355 million in financing.

Leveling will be based on overall experience, education, and demonstration of knowledge throughout the interview process.