Satomic’s mission is to close the gap from idea to molecule with faster navigation of chemical space. We are building an automated chemistry platform that integrates laboratory robotics, software, and AI to transform small-molecule synthesis and drug discovery.
As an early-stage startup, we are not only building the technology but also the playbooks, partnerships, and culture that will shape a new paradigm for drug discovery and chemistry at scale. Building an enduring company requires both world-class execution and the courage to chart a course through uncertainty in these early days.
About the role
We are seeking an early-career Automation Engineer to help operate and improve Satomic’s automation platform. This role will support daily automated chemistry workflows while owning validation, testing, and reliability of existing automation methods. The successful candidate will work closely with chemists and the principal automation engineer to troubleshoot workflows, validate new automation methods, and implement improvements that make the platform more robust and scalable.
In this role, you will work across Satomic’s automation platform, which integrates liquid handling robotics, laboratory instrumentation, and software systems to enable automated chemistry workflows. Automation engineers on the platform team collaborate closely with chemists and software engineers to develop, validate, and operate automation workflows used in research and production.
Technologies and systems you may work with include:
- Automation control software (e.g., VENUS)
- Laboratory instrumentation such as incubators, de-cappers, and analytical systems
- Internal software systems used for experiment orchestration and data capture
- Automation validation and testing frameworks used to ensure reliability of automated workflows
This position is hands-on and laboratory-based, with opportunities to contribute to automation development as the platform grows. Over time, the role will evolve from supporting and validating workflows to owning portions of the automation system and contributing to the development of new automated capabilities.
The ideal candidate enjoys troubleshooting complex automation systems, improving workflow reliability and automation system robustness, and developing automation methods that enable scalable chemistry operations.
Expected Outcomes:
By day 30, you will have:
- Created and presented a walkthrough of one automated chemistry workflow, including a diagram showing the instruments involved, automation methods executed, plate flow, and common failure points
- Participated in the execution of at least two automated chemistry workflow runs and documented the workflow steps and observed system behavior
- Participated in the investigation of at least one automation workflow issue (e.g., VENUS method execution, chemistry data generation, or instrument behavior) and documented the troubleshooting process, root cause, and resolution in a method report or SOP update.
- Executed one validation or system verification procedure using the established validation protocol and documented the results
- Used existing SOPs and automation documentation to complete a workflow task and proposed at least one improvement to platform documentation
By 90 days, you will have:
- Served as the primary Tier-1 responder for routine automation troubleshooting, independently diagnosing and resolving multiple workflow issues in collaboration with Chemistry Research Operations
- Independently supported execution of automated chemistry workflows across multiple runs, including run monitoring and troubleshooting when issues occur
- Investigated and documented one recurring automation workflow failure mode and proposed or implemented an improvement to increase reliability
- Developed, tested, and deployed at least one automation method or method improvement on a liquid handling platform (e.g., sample prep, dilution, or plate transfers) and documented the workflow, validation results, and operating procedure.
By year 1, you will have:
- Independently owned reliability and validation of multiple automation workflows supporting automated chemistry workflows
- Implemented feature requests and improvements to existing automation methods across liquid handling systems
- Successfully deployed and maintained automation methods across multiple instruments
- Established consistent validation and regression testing practices to ensure automation workflows remain reliable as they evolve
- Become a trusted resource for chemists running automation workflows and contributed to improving usability and reliability of the automation platform
By year 5, you will have:
- Developed deep expertise in Satomic’s automation platform and automated chemistry workflows
- Owned major automation workflows or subsystems, ensuring their reliability, maintainability, and scalability
- Led development of new automation capabilities and workflow improvements across the platform
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