Principal Automated Systems Engineer

Staff / Principal Automated Systems Engineer

Cambridge, MA USA

Lila Sciences is seeking a highly skilled, hands‑on Automated Systems Engineer to design, develop, and implement automation solutions across a broad range of laboratory workflows. Reporting to the Automated Systems Engineering Lead, this role is critical to building scalable, high-throughput automated workcells that translate scientific intent into reliable, real‑world systems.

This role serves as a steward of scientific and cross‑functional requirements—working closely with scientists, hardware, controls, and software teams to define scope, align interfaces, and drive projects from concept through deployment. The successful candidate will actively partner with scientific partners helping shape the technical direction of experimental automation in a fast‑moving research environment.

• Actively contribute to hands‑on development, testing, and implementation of automated workflows in the lab.
• Develop scalable automated solutions for synthesis and characterization workflows, supporting a variety of material systems such as porous materials, catalysts, coatings, and advanced composites.
• Define and document standardized laboratory workflows, operating procedures, and system architectures to support reproducibility and scale.
• Lead and participate in equipment‑ and system‑level FMEAs to improve robustness and operational safety.
• Assist in the troubleshooting and optimization of automated systems for throughput, reliability, and adaptability across diverse workflows.
• Design failure detection methods and maintain laboratory automation systems to ensure robust operations.
• Translate scientific objectives into well‑scoped technical requirements and automation architectures.
• Act as a connective tissue between science, hardware, controls, and software—ensuring interfaces are clear and solutions are cohesive.
• Explore and integrate emerging technologies, such machine vision, and advanced sensors, to enhance automation capabilities.
• Ensure alignment of automation solutions with safety, quality, and regulatory standards.

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong hands‑on experience developing and scaling automated workflows in laboratory or industrial settings.
• Understanding of Python programming, including API integration and error handling.
• Understanding of CAD design and rapid prototyping, including 3D printing.
• Hands‑on experience with hardware systems, including electrical wiring, sensors, liquid/gas plumbing, and PID controllers.
• Strong critical thinking skills, attention to detail, and ability to work collaboratively in a dynamic environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to convey technical concepts clearly to diverse audiences.
• Familiarity with advanced experimental systems, including vacuum, laser, furnace, and electrochemical experimentation.
• Knowledge of machine vision applications and robotics control algorithms.
• Proven ability to integrate hardware and controls systems with automation workflows.
• Understanding of AI‑driven decision‑making in research automation.
• Prior experience leading technical teams in a fast‑paced R&D environment.

• AI experimental design and simulation
• Automated custom instrumentation
• Generative molecular and material design

We offer competitive base compensation with bonus potential and generous early‑stage equity. Your final offer will reflect your background, expertise, and expected impact.

Full‑time U.S. employees receive a comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental, and vision coverage; employer‑paid life and disability insurance; flexible time off with generous company wide holidays; paid parental leave; an educational assistance program; commuter benefits, including bike share memberships for office based employees; and a company subsidized lunch program.

Full‑time employees outside the U.S. receive a comprehensive benefits program tailored to their region. USD salary ranges apply only to U.S.

-based positions; international salaries are set to local market.

$163,400 - $228,000 USD

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.