Green Card Lead Automation Engineer Jobs
Lead Automation Engineer jobs with green card sponsorship are available through employers who file PERM labor certification with the Department of Labor, then petition USCIS under EB-2 or EB-3. Roles requiring advanced control systems expertise or a bachelor's degree plus two or more years of experience qualify. Priority date backlogs vary by country of birth.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
A healthier future. It's what drives us to innovate. To continuously advance science and ensure everyone has access to the healthcare they need today and for generations to come. Creating a world where we all have more time with the people we love. That's what makes us Roche.
Advances in AI, data, robotics, and laboratory automation are transforming drug discovery and development. The Roche Autonomous Lab Accelerator brings together gRED, pRED, PT, and the Computational Sciences Center of Excellence (CS CoE) to build closed-loop Lab-in-the-Loop capabilities that connect scientific intent, digital design, experimental execution, and high-quality data generation.
THE OPPORTUNITY
You are the technical lead for Lab Automation within Automation Science & Technology and the owner of the physical platform architecture for the Roche Autonomous Lab Accelerator. This role reports to the Head, Automation Science & Technology, Autonomous Lab Accelerator.
Working closely with Science & Technology Project Leaders, scientific SMEs, Lab Operations, and Lab Automation Informatics partners, you translate defined scientific workflow requirements into executable laboratory processes and scalable physical automation platforms. The individual in this role would own how scientific requirements are technically realized through robotics, instrumentation, instrument-control software, execution-layer interfaces, and integrated laboratory systems. You also partner with Lab Operations from design through operational acceptance so new capabilities are engineered for autonomous, reliable, and supportable routine use.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
-
Physical Platform Architecture: Own the end-to-end architecture of the physical execution platform, from instruments and robotic work cells to integrated, increasingly unattended laboratory systems. Serve as the technical design authority for robotics, scientific instrumentation, instrument-control software, execution-layer interfaces, and reusable platform patterns.
-
Scientific Workflow Translation & Execution Design: Partner with Science & Technology Project Leaders and scientific SMEs to convert defined scientific requirements and acceptance criteria into automatable unit operations, equipment requirements, sample and material flows, execution sequences, control points, and exception states. Identify technical constraints and recommend workflow adaptations required for robust automated execution.
-
AI-to-Execution & Data Interfaces: Partner with CS CoE to define the boundary between digital orchestration and physical execution: how digitally specified experiments become machine-executable actions and how instrument outputs, system state, sample identity, metadata, and execution context return to downstream systems. Own the physical-platform interface and device requirements while CS CoE owns the corresponding higher-level AI, informatics, and orchestration capabilities.
-
Build, Commission & Technical Verification: Lead technical selection, integration, commissioning, and verification of robotics, liquid handlers, scientific instruments, schedulers, and control layers. Demonstrate that new platforms satisfy defined technical and scientific requirements before they progress to operational acceptance.
-
Autonomy, Operability & Operational Handoff: Engineer the capabilities required for unattended execution, including state awareness, observability, exception detection, automated recovery, safe-stop behavior, and appropriate human escalation. Design for maintainability and serviceability, jointly define operational-readiness criteria with Lab Operations, and support formal acceptance into routine operations. After acceptance, remain the technical design authority for material architecture changes, new capabilities, and systemic technical limitations; Lab Operations owns routine execution, monitoring, maintenance, incident response, and established recovery procedures.
-
Technical Leadership & Reuse: Lead complex technical problem solving, architecture and design reviews, and the development of reusable engineering standards. Mentor engineers and direct contractors, vendors, and system integrators while communicating technical tradeoffs clearly across science, software, automation, facilities, and operations.
KEY DELIVERABLES
-
Physical Platform Reference Architecture: A scalable architecture for the Accelerator physical execution layer and clearly defined interfaces with CS CoE systems.
-
Integrated Autonomous Capabilities: Priority laboratory automation platforms delivered from defined scientific requirements through commissioning, technical verification, and scientific acceptance.
-
Reusable Engineering Standards: Common patterns for instrument and robotic integration, execution state, data capture, observability, error handling, recovery, and deployment across the organization.
-
Operational Readiness & Transfer: Joint readiness criteria and handoff packages that enable Lab Operations to formally accept new systems into reliable routine use, with clear post-deployment ownership for operations versus engineering changes.
WHO YOU ARE
-
Education & Experience: Bachelor's or advanced degree in engineering, computer science, life sciences, or a related discipline, with significant experience in laboratory automation and systems integration.
-
Automation & Systems Expertise: Deep experience designing, programming, integrating, and deploying laboratory automation platforms such as Hamilton, Tecan, Agilent, HighRes, Opentrons, robotic arms, schedulers, or comparable technologies.
-
Software & Integration Fluency: Strong Python and API-integration skills, with experience connecting instruments to schedulers, databases, message brokers, LIMS/ELN, or other scientific software systems.
-
End-to-End Delivery: Demonstrated ownership of greenfield automation platforms from architecture and vendor selection through commissioning and production deployment, with strong systems thinking across hardware, software, data, science, and reliability.
-
Technical Leadership: Proven ability to lead through technical authority, mentor engineers, and create reusable solutions in ambiguous, cross-functional environments while remaining hands-on when needed.
Relocation benefits are not available for this opportunity.
The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of San Francisco is $169,100 - 314,100 of hiring range. Actual pay will be determined based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other job-related factors permitted by law. A discretionary annual bonus may be available based on individual and Company performance. This position also qualifies for the benefits detailed at the link provided below.
BENEFITS
Genentech is an equal opportunity employer. It is our policy and practice to employ, promote, and otherwise treat any and all employees and applicants on the basis of merit, qualifications, and competence. The company's policy prohibits unlawful discrimination, including but not limited to, discrimination on the basis of Protected Veteran status, individuals with disabilities status, and consistent with all federal, state, or local laws.
If you have a disability and need an accommodation in relation to the online application process, please contact us by completing this form Accommodations for Applicants.
INTRODUCTION
A healthier future. It's what drives us to innovate. To continuously advance science and ensure everyone has access to the healthcare they need today and for generations to come. Creating a world where we all have more time with the people we love. That's what makes us Roche.
Advances in AI, data, robotics, and laboratory automation are transforming drug discovery and development. The Roche Autonomous Lab Accelerator brings together gRED, pRED, PT, and the Computational Sciences Center of Excellence (CS CoE) to build closed-loop Lab-in-the-Loop capabilities that connect scientific intent, digital design, experimental execution, and high-quality data generation.
THE OPPORTUNITY
You are the technical lead for Lab Automation within Automation Science & Technology and the owner of the physical platform architecture for the Roche Autonomous Lab Accelerator. This role reports to the Head, Automation Science & Technology, Autonomous Lab Accelerator.
Working closely with Science & Technology Project Leaders, scientific SMEs, Lab Operations, and Lab Automation Informatics partners, you translate defined scientific workflow requirements into executable laboratory processes and scalable physical automation platforms. The individual in this role would own how scientific requirements are technically realized through robotics, instrumentation, instrument-control software, execution-layer interfaces, and integrated laboratory systems. You also partner with Lab Operations from design through operational acceptance so new capabilities are engineered for autonomous, reliable, and supportable routine use.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
-
Physical Platform Architecture: Own the end-to-end architecture of the physical execution platform, from instruments and robotic work cells to integrated, increasingly unattended laboratory systems. Serve as the technical design authority for robotics, scientific instrumentation, instrument-control software, execution-layer interfaces, and reusable platform patterns.
-
Scientific Workflow Translation & Execution Design: Partner with Science & Technology Project Leaders and scientific SMEs to convert defined scientific requirements and acceptance criteria into automatable unit operations, equipment requirements, sample and material flows, execution sequences, control points, and exception states. Identify technical constraints and recommend workflow adaptations required for robust automated execution.
-
AI-to-Execution & Data Interfaces: Partner with CS CoE to define the boundary between digital orchestration and physical execution: how digitally specified experiments become machine-executable actions and how instrument outputs, system state, sample identity, metadata, and execution context return to downstream systems. Own the physical-platform interface and device requirements while CS CoE owns the corresponding higher-level AI, informatics, and orchestration capabilities.
-
Build, Commission & Technical Verification: Lead technical selection, integration, commissioning, and verification of robotics, liquid handlers, scientific instruments, schedulers, and control layers. Demonstrate that new platforms satisfy defined technical and scientific requirements before they progress to operational acceptance.
-
Autonomy, Operability & Operational Handoff: Engineer the capabilities required for unattended execution, including state awareness, observability, exception detection, automated recovery, safe-stop behavior, and appropriate human escalation. Design for maintainability and serviceability, jointly define operational-readiness criteria with Lab Operations, and support formal acceptance into routine operations. After acceptance, remain the technical design authority for material architecture changes, new capabilities, and systemic technical limitations; Lab Operations owns routine execution, monitoring, maintenance, incident response, and established recovery procedures.
-
Technical Leadership & Reuse: Lead complex technical problem solving, architecture and design reviews, and the development of reusable engineering standards. Mentor engineers and direct contractors, vendors, and system integrators while communicating technical tradeoffs clearly across science, software, automation, facilities, and operations.
KEY DELIVERABLES
-
Physical Platform Reference Architecture: A scalable architecture for the Accelerator physical execution layer and clearly defined interfaces with CS CoE systems.
-
Integrated Autonomous Capabilities: Priority laboratory automation platforms delivered from defined scientific requirements through commissioning, technical verification, and scientific acceptance.
-
Reusable Engineering Standards: Common patterns for instrument and robotic integration, execution state, data capture, observability, error handling, recovery, and deployment across the organization.
-
Operational Readiness & Transfer: Joint readiness criteria and handoff packages that enable Lab Operations to formally accept new systems into reliable routine use, with clear post-deployment ownership for operations versus engineering changes.
WHO YOU ARE
-
Education & Experience: Bachelor's or advanced degree in engineering, computer science, life sciences, or a related discipline, with significant experience in laboratory automation and systems integration.
-
Automation & Systems Expertise: Deep experience designing, programming, integrating, and deploying laboratory automation platforms such as Hamilton, Tecan, Agilent, HighRes, Opentrons, robotic arms, schedulers, or comparable technologies.
-
Software & Integration Fluency: Strong Python and API-integration skills, with experience connecting instruments to schedulers, databases, message brokers, LIMS/ELN, or other scientific software systems.
-
End-to-End Delivery: Demonstrated ownership of greenfield automation platforms from architecture and vendor selection through commissioning and production deployment, with strong systems thinking across hardware, software, data, science, and reliability.
-
Technical Leadership: Proven ability to lead through technical authority, mentor engineers, and create reusable solutions in ambiguous, cross-functional environments while remaining hands-on when needed.
Relocation benefits are not available for this opportunity.
The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of San Francisco is $169,100 - 314,100 of hiring range. Actual pay will be determined based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other job-related factors permitted by law. A discretionary annual bonus may be available based on individual and Company performance. This position also qualifies for the benefits detailed at the link provided below.
BENEFITS
Genentech is an equal opportunity employer. It is our policy and practice to employ, promote, and otherwise treat any and all employees and applicants on the basis of merit, qualifications, and competence. The company's policy prohibits unlawful discrimination, including but not limited to, discrimination on the basis of Protected Veteran status, individuals with disabilities status, and consistent with all federal, state, or local laws.
If you have a disability and need an accommodation in relation to the online application process, please contact us by completing this form Accommodations for Applicants.
See all 217+ Green Card Lead Automation Engineer Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Green Card Sponsorship as a Lead Automation Engineer
Align your credentials to EB-2 requirements
If you hold a bachelor's degree plus five years of progressive automation experience, document each role's scope in writing before your employer files. USCIS scrutinizes whether the progression qualifies as the equivalent of an advanced degree, so contemporaneous evidence matters.
Use O*NET to anchor your job description
Pull the Lead Automation Engineer occupation profile from O*NET and confirm your actual duties match the listed tasks. PERM requires the job description to reflect genuine minimum requirements, and DOL audits often target descriptions that look inflated or inconsistent with the standard occupation.
Find sponsors through Migrate Mate before applying
Target employers who have already completed PERM filings for automation engineering roles. Migrate Mate surfaces U.S. employers with verified green card sponsorship history by occupation, so you're applying where the process is established rather than asking an employer to start from scratch.
Request a prevailing wage check before negotiating salary
Ask your prospective employer to run a prevailing wage determination through the OFLC Wage Search for your specific SOC code and work location. The certified wage sets the floor for your PERM filing, and accepting an offer below that level delays or disqualifies the sponsorship.
Clarify the PERM recruitment timeline during offer negotiation
PERM requires DOL-compliant recruitment before the employer can file, typically taking several months. Confirm in writing whether recruitment has started, what stage the employer is at, and who bears the filing costs, so there are no surprises after you accept.
Understand AC21 portability before you change jobs mid-process
Once your I-485 has been pending 180 days or more, AC21 lets you move to a same or similar occupation without losing your priority date. For Lead Automation Engineers, 'similar occupation' under USCIS guidance is narrower than it sounds, so get written confirmation from your new employer before resigning.
Green Card Lead Automation Engineer: Frequently Asked Questions
What green card categories cover Lead Automation Engineer roles?
Most Lead Automation Engineers qualify under EB-2, which covers roles requiring an advanced degree or a bachelor's degree plus five years of progressive experience in a specialty, or under EB-3, which covers professionals with a bachelor's degree or skilled workers with at least two years of relevant experience. Your employer determines the category based on the genuine minimum requirements for the position, not your personal qualifications.
How does green card sponsorship differ from H-1B for this role?
H-1B visa is a temporary nonimmigrant status requiring renewal every few years. Green card sponsorship through EB-2 or EB-3 leads to lawful permanent residence with no renewal requirement. The process involves PERM labor certification filed with DOL, an I-140 immigrant petition filed with USCIS, and then adjustment of status or consular processing. It takes longer than an H-1B, but the outcome is permanent authorization to live and work in the U.S.
How do I find employers who sponsor green cards for automation engineers?
Search Migrate Mate, which lists U.S. employers with verified green card sponsorship history by occupation. Targeting companies that have already completed PERM filings for engineering roles means you're approaching employers with an established process rather than asking HR to start one. Confirm during the interview whether sponsorship extends to permanent residence, not just temporary work authorization.
What does the PERM process require from the employer?
PERM requires the employer to obtain a prevailing wage determination from DOL, conduct a formal recruitment campaign to demonstrate no qualified U.S. workers are available, and file an ETA Form 9089 with DOL. The employer must retain recruitment records for five years. DOL may audit the filing, which can add significant time. The employee does not file PERM; the employer does, at no cost to you under federal regulations.
Can I switch employers if my green card process is already underway?
It depends on how far along your case is. AC21 portability allows you to change to a same or similar occupation once your I-485 has been pending 180 days or more without losing your place in line. If your I-140 was approved by your current employer, a new employer may also be able to retain your priority date by filing a new I-140 that references the prior approval. Neither rule is automatic; your new employer and an immigration attorney should evaluate the specific facts before you resign.