Automation Engineer - DigiChem : Job Details

About the Role

DigiChem is reshaping how new chemicals are developed and brought to market. Join us if you want to enable the next generation of advanced chemistries powering everything from sustainable energy to AI.

Our Engineering team is developing the most powerful system for synthesizing molecules ever made, leveraging AI and deep integration with physical hardware to perform chemistry on demand and easily scale to manufacturing. Driving all of this is a data feedback loop between our algorithms and chemistry equipment.

If you obsess over instrumenting hardware and using robotics to automate physical tasks, we want you to join as an Automation Engineer.

The Job

In this role, you will be responsible for building out DigiChem's digital laboratory and automation capabilities through a combination of creativity and technical expertise. Your key responsibilities will include:

Lab Instrumentation & Integration

• Design and implement automation workflows for synthetic chemistry, purification, and analytical methods.
• Select, install, and integrate devices such as automated liquid handlers, syringe and peristaltic pumps, stirrers, temperature controllers, balances, and analytical instruments (e.g., HPLC, GC, FTIR).
• Establish reliable control interfaces (e.g., serial, USB, ethernet) between lab equipment and control computers.

Software Development

• Write and maintain control software to orchestrate equipment operations and automation sequences.
• Develop data logging, alerting, and monitoring systems for remote lab operation.
• Collaborate with software engineers to expose lab instrumentation controls and sensor data via APIs to DigiChem's internal platform.

Process Automation

• Work closely with chemists to translate manual protocols into automated workflows.
• Implement feedback control systems based on real-time sensor inputs (e.g., temperature, pressure, pH).
• Ensure traceability and reproducibility of automated experiments through structured data capture.

Lab Safety and Reliability

• Contribute to safety interlocks, fail-safe logic, and emergency stop procedures.
• Support maintenance and uptime monitoring of automated systems.

You

• B.S. or M.S. in engineering (mechanical, electrical, chemical, mechatronics) or related field.
• 2+ years of hands-on experience with lab or industrial automation systems.
• Proficiency in Python and control system design.
• Experience interfacing with hardware via protocols like RS-232, Modbus, or USB.
• Strong systems thinking and debugging skills across mechanical, electrical, and software domains.

Our Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401k
• Paid parental leave
• Flexible out of office plan
• Flexible work schedule
• Commuter benefits
• Latest tools and technologies to support your work

Compensation

• $100,000-$150,000 annual salary
• Stock options

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

Even if you don't check every box, but see yourself contributing, please apply.