Staff / Principal Automated Systems Engineer

The role

This person will design, develop, and implement automation solutions for laboratory workflows. They will build scalable, high-throughput automated workcells for material systems like porous materials, catalysts, coatings, and advanced composites.

What you will do

• Contribute to hands-on development, testing, and implementation of automated workflows in the lab.
• Develop scalable automated solutions for synthesis and characterization workflows.
• Define and document standardized laboratory workflows, operating procedures, and system architectures.
• Lead and participate in equipment- and system-level FMEAs.
• Troubleshoot and optimize automated systems for throughput, reliability, and adaptability.
• Design failure detection methods and maintain laboratory automation systems.
• Translate scientific objectives into technical requirements and automation architectures.
• Act as a connective tissue between science, hardware, controls, and software.
• Explore and integrate emerging technologies like machine vision and advanced sensors.
• Ensure alignment of automation solutions with safety, quality, and regulatory standards.

Required qualifications

• 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.
• 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.

Nice to have

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

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Employer-paid life and disability insurance
• Flexible time off with generous company wide holidays
• Paid parental leave
• Educational assistance program
• Commuter benefits, including bike share memberships for office based employees
• Company subsidized lunch program

About the company

Lila Sciences is building Scientific Superintelligence™ to solve humankind's greatest challenges. LILA combines advanced AI models with proprietary AI Science Factory™ instruments into an operating system for science.