Engineer II - Robotic Lab Automation

Location: USA CA - San Diego (BDB) · In-Office

As a result of the combination of the BD Biosciences and Diagnostic Solutions business with Waters Corporation (NYSE: WAT), by applying to this role, you will be applying for a position with Waters. Waters is a global leader in life sciences, dedicated to accelerating the benefits of pioneering science through analytical technologies, informatics, and service. With a focus on regulated, high-volume testing environments, Waters’ innovative portfolio harnesses deep scientific expertise across biology, chemistry, and physics. Waters collaborates with analytical laboratories around the world to advance the release of effective, high-quality medicines, assure the safety of food and water, and drive better patient outcomes by detecting diseases earlier, managing routine infections, and combatting growing antibiotic resistance. Through a shared culture of relentless innovation, Waters’ passionate team of approximately 16,000 colleagues partner with customers to turn scientific challenges into breakthroughs that improve lives worldwide.



We are the people who give possibilities purpose

BD is one of the largest global medical technology companies in the world. Advancing the world of health™ is our Purpose, and it’s no small feat. It takes the imagination and passion of all of us—from design and engineering to the manufacturing and marketing of our billions of MedTech products per year—to look at the impossible and find transformative solutions that turn dreams into possibilities.





Job Description

Job Summary:

The Engineer II – Robotic Lab Automation is a laboratory-based position within the Research & Development Innovative Core Solutions Team focused on supporting automation solutions for new product development testing of flow cytometry antibody reagents. This role is ideal for a highly motivated individual with a strong interest in laboratory automation, engineering, and biological sciences.

The successful candidate will assist in the implementation, optimization, maintenance, and troubleshooting of automated laboratory workflows and equipment. Working closely with scientists, engineers, and automation specialists, this individual will help translate laboratory processes into automated solutions that improve efficiency, throughput, and data quality. The role offers an excellent opportunity to develop expertise in robotics, liquid handling systems, workflow automation, and assay development within a collaborative and innovative environment.

The Engineer II – Robotic Lab Automation will contribute to automation method development, support daily operation of laboratory automation platforms, and participate in evaluating new technologies that enhance current workflows.

Job Responsibilities: (Primary Duties, Roles, and/or Authorities)

• Support the operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of automated laboratory workcells and associated equipment.

• Perform routine instrument checks, cleaning, calibration coordination, and preventative maintenance activities.

• Collaborate with scientists and senior automation engineers to understand laboratory workflow requirements and assist with development of automated solutions.

• Support execution and optimization of automated methods to improve laboratory efficiency, throughput, and reproducibility.

• Participate in programming and testing of liquid handling and laboratory automation systems.

• Assist in identifying workflow bottlenecks and opportunities for process improvement.

• Support implementation and evaluation of new automation technologies and platform enhancements.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Quality Control, R&D, Engineering, Informatics, and external vendors.

• Assist with integration and validation of automation hardware and software components.

• Support development and maintenance of documentation including work instructions, SOPs, training materials, and test reports.

• Perform troubleshooting, error recovery, and root-cause investigations for automation equipment and workflows.

• Track equipment usage, performance metrics, and downtime data.

• Help maintain equipment scheduling and resource coordination.

• Provide training and day-to-day support for automation platform users as needed.

• Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and operational excellence.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Bioengineering, Biomedical Engineering, Biology, Chemistry, Biotechnology, Computer Science, or a related scientific discipline with 1-2 years of relevant industry, academic, internship, or laboratory experience.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Master's degree in Engineering, Bioengineering, Biology, Biotechnology, Robotics, Computer Science, or a related field with 1+ years of industry experience.

• Experience working in a laboratory, research, or automation-focused environment.

• Exposure to laboratory automation, liquid handling systems, robotics, or process automation through coursework, internships, research, or employment.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Strong interest in laboratory automation and applying engineering principles to biological workflows.

• Ability to learn and support automated liquid handling and robotic systems.

• Familiarity with laboratory practices in biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, or related disciplines.

• Experience with or exposure to liquid handling platforms (Hamilton, Tecan, Opentrons, Beckman Coulter, or similar systems) is preferred.

• Basic programming experience in Python, R, VBA, C#, or similar languages is preferred.

• Interest in data analysis, data visualization, or dashboarding tools such as Power BI is a plus.

• Ability to troubleshoot technical issues using analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.

• Effective written and verbal communication skills.

• Collaborative mindset and ability to work within cross-functional teams.

• Demonstrated initiative and eagerness to learn new technologies.

• Experience with automation scheduling software, integrated robotic systems, or laboratory information systems is a plus but not required.

• Familiarity with CAD software, 3D printing, or rapid prototyping tools is beneficial.

• Ability to generate, review, and interpret scientific and operational data.

• Customer-focused approach with a desire to support laboratory users and stakeholders.

Work Environment:

Lab and Office Space

At BD, we prioritize on-site collaboration because we believe it fosters creativity, innovation, and effective problem-solving, which are essential in the fast-paced healthcare industry. For most roles, we require a minimum of 4 days of in-office presence per week to maintain our culture of excellence and ensure smooth operations, while also recognizing the importance of flexibility and work-life balance. Remote or field-based positions will have different workplace arrangements which will be indicated in the job posting.

For certain roles at BD, employment is contingent upon the Company’s receipt of sufficient proof that you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. In some locations, testing for COVID-19 may be available and/or required. Consistent with BD’s Workplace Accommodations Policy, requests for accommodation will be considered pursuant to applicable law.

Why Join Us?

To find purpose in the possibilities, we need people who can see the bigger picture, who understand the human story that underpins everything we do. We welcome people with the imagination and drive to help us reinvent the future of healthcare. At BD, you’ll discover a culture in which you can learn, grow and thrive.

We believe that when people connect in person, we learn faster, collaborate more deeply, and build a stronger culture. Join us and enjoy a culture where face-to-face collaboration supports your learning, your progress, and your success.

To learn more about BD visit https://bd.com/careers.

Becton, Dickinson, and Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, marital or domestic or civil union status, familial status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, disability, military eligibility or veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.

Required Skills

Optional Skills

.

Primary Work Location

USA CA - San Diego (BDB)

Additional Locations

Work Shift





At BD, we reward, support and develop our associates through our comprehensive Total Rewards program. We are committed to attracting and retaining high quality talent by providing reward and recognition opportunities that promote a performance-based culture, as well as a competitive package of compensation and benefits programs. You can learn more on our career site under "Our Commitment to You."

Our salary or hourly rate ranges reward associates fairly and competitively. We regularly review these ranges and factors, such as location, contribute to the range displayed.

Our pay is based on the role and the necessary skills and education to perform it successfully. The salary or hourly rate offered is determined by the role's specific requirements, including any applicable step rate pay system at the work location. Salary or hourly pay ranges are influenced by labor laws and Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) requirements applicable to the work location which may also affect the workplace arrangement of the role.

Salary Range Information

$83,500.00 - $133,500.00 USD Annual