Principal Mechanical Engineer

Lila Sciences is seeking an experienced Staff/Principal Mechanical Engineer to join our Hardware & Controls Engineering team. The specific title (Staff or Principal) will be determined based on experience level and expertise. As a key technical leader, you’ll leverage your deep expertise to design and engineer components for workcell robotics, mechanical systems, and automation across life science and physical science domains.

You’ll collaborate with experimental scientists, AI/ML scientists, software/controls engineers, and process/automation engineers to lead complex projects, guide multidisciplinary teams, and deliver state‑of‑the‑art automation solutions.

• Lead the design and implementation of bench‑scale robotics and mechanical systems for sophisticated automation in life science and physical science applications.
• Design innovative pneumatic, electro‑mechanical, and optical solutions for advanced robotic workcells used in biological research and materials discovery.
• Lead and mentor teams in advanced CAD design and analysis using Solid Works, optimizing systems for high‑throughput workflows.
• Direct the creation and validation of designs through 3D printing, laser cutting, and other rapid prototyping methods.
• Lead cross‑functional collaborations to integrate mechanical designs with software and controls across scientific domains.
• Develop strategies to transform manual processes into automated workflows while maintaining rigorous safety and quality standards.
• Coordinate with external vendors for custom component development and system integration.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, or a related field.
• 8+ years of mechanical engineering experience with proven expertise in life science and physical science automation (title will be determined based on experience & expertise).
• Extensive proficiency in Solid Works CAD design, GD&T, and DFMA.
• Extensive proficiency working with & implementing requirement management systems, product lifecycle management, & product data management.
• Demonstrated leadership in managing complex projects and mentoring engineering teams.

• Deep experience in automation across scientific domains, with expertise in Solid Works CAD design, PDM Vault management, rapid prototyping, and mechanical testing.
• Expert knowledge of motion control and mechatronic systems for diverse scientific applications.
• Strong background in automated systems and robotic integration for biological research, and materials science in the biotech sector.
• Demonstrated strong attention to detail in documentation, adherence to standards, and equipment management.
• Experience in automotive manufacturing, battery manufacturing, semiconductor manufacturing, and packaging with discrete material movement.

Lila Sciences is the world’s first scientific super intelligence platform and autonomous lab for life, chemistry, and materials science. We are pioneering a new age of boundless discovery by building the capabilities to apply AI to every aspect of the scientific method. We are introducing scientific super intelligence to solve humankind’s greatest challenges, enabling scientists to bring forth solutions in human health, climate, and sustainability at a pace and scale never experienced before.

Learn more a.ai.

We expect the base salary for this role to fall between $163,400 – $228,000 USD per year
, along with bonus potential and generous early equity. The final offer will reflect your unique background, expertise, and impact.

Lila Sciences is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status.

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