Sr. Automation Engineer
Zifo RnD Solutions8 hours ago
Boston, MA, USAStaff+
Base Salary
$100k - $145k/yr
Responsibilities
- Own end-to-end scientific automation initiatives from discovery and solution strategy through architecture, implementation, deployment, and production support.
- Design and develop automation frameworks, APIs, microservices, integrations, data pipelines, and workflow orchestration using Python, FastAPI, AWS, and related technologies.
- Integrate laboratory and enterprise platforms such as Benchling, LIMS, ELN, SDMS, CDS, and enterprise data platforms using API, file-based, and event-driven patterns.
- Lead data ingestion, transformation, validation, reconciliation, workflow execution, and data movement across laboratory and downstream systems.
- Establish reusable engineering frameworks, components, accelerators, standards, testing, CI/CD, deployment, monitoring, and production-readiness practices.
- Ensure solutions meet security, data integrity, performance, auditability, GxP, and 21 CFR Part 11 requirements where applicable.
- Mentor automation engineers and provide technical leadership through architecture reviews, code reviews, technical problem solving, and performance optimization.
- Manage technical dependencies, risks, estimates, resources, cross-team coordination, delivery status, and client-facing technical communication.
- Maintain technical documentation for architecture, integrations, APIs, workflows, testing, deployment, and operations using JIRA, Confluence, or equivalent tools.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering, life sciences, or a related field, with 6+ years of experience in automation, software engineering, and technical development.
- At least 3 years of customer or client engagement and relationship-management experience and 3 years of technical or team leadership and mentoring experience.
- Strong hands-on experience with Python, FastAPI, REST APIs, microservices, automation frameworks, and scientific or enterprise system integrations.
- Experience with pytest, unittest, Apache Airflow, Prefect, or equivalent workflow orchestration and testing technologies.
- Strong experience with SQL, data modeling, relational databases, and familiarity with NoSQL databases.
- Strong AWS experience, including S3, EC2, Lambda, Step Functions, RDS/Aurora, IAM, monitoring, and logging.
- Experience with data pipelines, ETL/ELT, data validation, workflow automation, system integrations, Git, CI/CD, Docker, and modern software development practices.
- Experience with unit, integration, API, and end-to-end testing.
- Working knowledge of AI/ML concepts and libraries such as pandas, NumPy, and scikit-learn; TensorFlow or PyTorch is a plus.
- Understanding of software architecture, design patterns, integration patterns, cloud deployment, regulated environments, GxP, 21 CFR Part 11, audit trails, validation, and change management.
- Demonstrated ability to lead technical teams, mentor engineers, conduct technical reviews, establish engineering standards, and communicate with clients and stakeholders.
- Experience with global distributed teams, scientific or laboratory systems, life sciences or pharmaceutical environments, client workshops, discovery sessions, solution proposals, or pre-sales activities is preferred.
- Willingness to travel or relocate based on project or business needs.
Benefits
- Hybrid work arrangement in Boston, United States.
- Accrued vacation, medical, dental, and vision insurance.
- 401(k) with company matching, life insurance, and flexible spending accounts.
- Competitive compensation package and an employee-built, science-focused work culture.
Categories
BackendData Engineering
About Zifo RnD Solutions
Zifo RnD Solutions provides scientific informatics and data services to pharma, biotech, medical devices, and other R&D-driven organizations. It implements and supports ELN/LIMS/EDC and clinical data management, builds custom integrations and analytics, and offers validation, managed services, and cloud/HPC support. Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Deerfield, Illinois, it is privately held and backed by TA Associates, and serves global biopharma companies, including several top-10 firms.