At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the technical direction of our innovative platform infrastructure and drive automation.
- Company: Join Automata, a pioneering company transforming lab automation for scientists worldwide.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values innovation and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in science and medicine while working with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: 8+ years in platform engineering with expertise in Kubernetes and data infrastructure.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Automata is transforming the way labs work with open, integrated automation. Our mission is to unlock the potential of labs and the potential of the people who work in them. At Automata, we’re on a mission to transform how scientists work by making automation accessible to every lab in the world. We believe that by giving labs the power to automate, we can unlock discoveries that will shape the future of life sciences—from diagnostics and drug discovery to synthetic biology. But we’re more than just a company disrupting the industry—we're a team of innovators, problem‑solvers, and creators passionate about empowering scientists. Our LINQ platform combines hardware and software to streamline workflows, making lab automation fast, flexible, and affordable. This means our customers can focus on groundbreaking research, while we take care of the rest.
Why Work at Automata?
- Impact: Your work will directly contribute to advancements in science and medicine, supporting labs around the globe as they push boundaries in research and innovation.
- Innovation: You’ll be part of a team solving complex problems using cutting‑edge technology.
- Growth: We invest in our people, offering hands‑on experience, professional development, and collaborative projects that foster professional and personal growth.
- Community: Join a diverse, passionate team that values collaboration.
Responsibilities
- Define and drive platform architecture across cloud, edge, and bare‑metal deployments.
- Establish and evolve golden paths that standardize how engineers build, deploy, and operate services.
- Lead the design of multi‑cluster Kubernetes platforms, including bare‑metal and hybrid setups.
- Own strategy and best practices for data infrastructure (Postgres and beyond).
- Drive adoption of GitOps (ArgoCD) and scalable IaC frameworks.
- Architect systems for highly regulated environments (ISO27001, SOC2, GxP).
- Lead observability strategy using OpenTelemetry and modern tooling.
- Guide network architecture, including physical networking and vendor integrations (Juniper/Mist).
- Drive platform‑level automation and AI adoption (e.g., developer tooling, Claude Code workflows).
- Influence and improve orchestration patterns (Temporal and similar systems).
- Partner with product, engineering, and field teams to ensure successful customer deployments.
- Mentor engineers and raise the technical bar across the organisation.
- Balance technical excellence with pragmatic decision‑making.
Qualifications
- 8+ years of experience in platform engineering, infrastructure, or distributed systems.
- Deep expertise in Kubernetes, including bare‑metal and large‑scale production systems.
- Advanced knowledge of Postgres and data infrastructure.
- Proven experience defining and scaling platform standards and developer workflows.
- Strong background in IaC and GitOps at scale.
- Deep understanding of observability, reliability engineering, and incident management.
- Strong programming skills in at least one of Go, Python, Rust, .NET.
- Excellent communication and leadership skills across technical and non‑technical teams.
- Experience working directly with customers or field teams in complex environments.
- Willingness to travel when needed to support key deployments.
- Experience introducing AI‑assisted engineering practices.
Nice to Haves
- Experience with Juniper/Mist networking and physical infrastructure.
- Experience with Temporal or workflow orchestration systems.
- Background in life sciences, robotics, or lab automation.
We are an equal‑opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Discrimination of any kind based on race, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status is strictly prohibited.
Staff Platform Engineer employer: PassFort
At Automata, we are not just transforming lab automation; we are empowering our team to make a real impact in the life sciences sector. With a strong focus on innovation and professional growth, we offer hands-on experience and collaborative projects that foster both personal and career development. Join a diverse community of passionate problem-solvers dedicated to pushing the boundaries of research and discovery, all while enjoying a supportive work culture that values every individual's contribution.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Staff Platform Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, attend meetups, and connect with people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or GitHub repository showcasing your projects and contributions. This is a great way to demonstrate your expertise in platform engineering and make a lasting impression on potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and soft skills. Practice common interview questions and scenarios related to Kubernetes, IaC, and observability. Confidence is key, so get comfortable talking about your experience!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We love seeing passionate candidates who align with our mission at Automata. Plus, it’s a straightforward way to ensure your application gets into the right hands.
We think you need these skills to ace Staff Platform Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Staff Platform Engineer role. Highlight your expertise in Kubernetes, IaC, and any relevant projects you've worked on that showcase your problem-solving abilities.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about lab automation and how you can contribute to our mission. Share specific examples of how you've driven innovation or improved processes in your previous roles.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t shy away from detailing your technical skills in your application. Mention your programming languages, experience with observability tools, and any hands-on work with cloud or hybrid environments that demonstrate your fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our culture and values!
How to prepare for a job interview at PassFort
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in Kubernetes, Postgres, and the other technologies mentioned in the job description. Brush up on your knowledge of IaC and GitOps, as well as observability tools like OpenTelemetry. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with them, but that you can lead discussions around them.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've tackled complex engineering challenges in the past. Automata values innovation and problem-solving, so be ready to share specific instances where you’ve defined architecture or improved workflows. This will demonstrate your ability to contribute to their mission of transforming lab automation.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Mentorship
Since the role involves mentoring engineers and collaborating with various teams, highlight your experience in these areas. Share stories about how you’ve worked with cross-functional teams or helped others grow in their roles. This will align with Automata’s community-focused culture.
✨Understand Their Mission
Familiarise yourself with Automata’s mission to empower scientists and transform lab work. Be prepared to discuss how your skills and experiences can contribute to this goal. Showing genuine interest in their impact on life sciences will set you apart from other candidates.
