Manager, Automation Service Engineering

About this opportunity:

You will play a key role in learning, improving, and organizing the culture of efficiency within the clinical laboratory and broader operation.  You will be directly responsible to provide world-class Laboratory Equipment Lifecycle Management service and support, while contributing to efficient processes, procedures, and best practices.  You will have the opportunity to join a fast-growing automation service group, to make an immediate impact on the team’s dynamic and culture. 

As the Manager, Automation Service Engineering, you will lead a team responsible for ensuring our laboratory equipment is always operating at peak performance. This role is a unique opportunity to join a rapidly growing company at the forefront of cancer diagnostics and make a significant impact on our operational efficiency and culture.

You will be a key player in shaping and scaling our equipment lifecycle management processes, from installation and qualification to maintenance and decommissioning. You'll ensure all procedures meet strict regulatory requirements (CLIA/CAP, FDA, IVD) and support the development of our high-throughput, fully automated laboratory systems.

The role reports to the Director, Automation Service Engineering. This role will be an Onsite role.

What you’ll do:

• Lead and Mentor: Guide and develop a team of automation service engineers, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement across R&D/SciOps and Clinical Laboratories.
• Manage Equipment Lifecycles: Oversee the full lifecycle of laboratory equipment, including installation (IQ/OQ/PQ), maintenance, calibration, and decommissioning, ensuring all processes are compliant and efficient.
• Ensure Compliance: Work closely with Regulatory Affairs and Quality Assurance to develop and enforce policies that meet all regulatory standards.
• Troubleshoot and Support: Provide hands-on technical expertise to resolve equipment-related issues, including after-hours and weekend support as needed.
• Manage Projects: Lead medium-scale projects, from planning to execution, to support the scaling of our laboratory operations.
• Drive Process Improvement: Implement changes to enhance equipment performance and streamline workflows, collaborating with lab teams to gather feedback and requirements.
• Continuous Improvement Projects: Sets strategic direction, reviews progress, provides guidance, and priorities to implement process optimization to improve efficiency, throughput and robustness.
• Equipment Reliability/Sustainment: Focus on extended equipment lifespan through robust maintenance and repair programs to consistently produce accurate and reproducible results.

Must haves:

• A bachelor's degree in engineering or a scientific discipline, with at least 7 years of related industry experience or equivalent.
• A minimum of 7 years of combined experience supporting and sustaining laboratory equipment in a regulated production setting.
• Proven ability to successfully lead, coach, and mentor engineering teams.
• Strong hands-on experience with troubleshooting and maintaining complex lab automation, especially liquid handling systems.
• Support training program for automation service engineers with the diverse scientific and technical skills required to support, troubleshoot and improve complex automation systems in a regulated environment.
• Administrator for Freenome’s asset management software program, responsible for overseeing the asset management system.
• Knowledge of IT networking and automation systems infrastructure to support complex equipment integration.
  

Nice to haves:

• Technical Expertise
  • Accelerates integration; leads to more robust, scalable, and maintainable systems from the ground up.
• Analytical & Problem-Solving
  • Transforms the support model from reactive to predictive; significantly reduces unexpected downtime and failure rates.
• Communication
  • Produce clear, concise, and detailed technical documentation, reports, and presentations.
• Automation laboratory equipment IT infrastructure operations
  • Integrating technology and robotics with software systems to streamline lab workflows, enhance efficiency, and minimize manual intervention.
  • Serve as Tier 1/2 support for infrastructure issues, troubleshooting OS (Windows/Mac), network connectivity, and specialized software.
    

Benefits and additional information:

The US target range of our base salary for new hires is $146,775 - $183,750. You will also be eligible to receive equity, cash bonuses, and a full range of medical, financial, and other benefits depending on the position offered.  Please note that individual total compensation for this position will be determined at the Company’s sole discretion and may vary based on several factors, including but not limited to, location, skill level, years and depth of relevant experience, and education. We invite you to check out our career page @ freenome.com/job-openings/ for additional company information.  

Freenome is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer, and we value diversity. Freenome does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws.  

• Family & Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
• Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)
• Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA)

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