Lila Sciences
Staff / Principal Automated Systems Engineer
$163K–$228K
Cambridge, MA USA +1 · Principal · Full-time · Posted Jan 28, 2026
- Location
- Cambridge, MA USA
One Charles Park, Cambridge, MA - Experience
- No number of years stated.
- Education
- Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Engineering, or a related field.
About the job
Designs, develops, and deploys scalable laboratory automation systems and workflows for scientific synthesis and characterization.
What you'll do
- Build, test, troubleshoot, and optimize automated laboratory workflows and systems.
- Translate scientific objectives into technical requirements, architectures, and clear cross-functional interfaces.
- Document workflows and operating procedures, conduct FMEAs, and integrate technologies such as machine vision and advanced sensors.
What they ask for
- Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Engineering, or a related field.
- Hands-on experience developing and scaling automated workflows in laboratory or industrial settings.
- Understanding of Python, including API integration and error handling; CAD design and rapid prototyping, including 3D printing.
- Hands-on experience with hardware systems, including electrical wiring, sensors, liquid/gas plumbing, and PID controllers.
Nice to have
- Familiarity with advanced experimental systems such as vacuum, laser, furnace, and electrochemical experimentation; knowledge of machine vision and robotics control algorithms.
- Experience integrating hardware and controls with automation workflows; AI-driven decision-making in research automation; or leading technical teams in fast-paced R&D.
Pay
$163,400 — $228,000 USD (base salary)
Tools
Python, CAD, 3D printing, PID controllers, machine vision
AI focus
Integrate AI-driven decision-making into research automation; the company also works on AI experimental design and simulation and generative molecular and material design.
Model-written summary · the original posting is authoritative