Principal Software Engineer, Instrument Simulations
Lila Sciences is seeking a Principal Software Engineer, Instrument Simulations to lead the development of our next-generation laboratory automation platform. In this role, you will design the simulation infrastructure and integration layer that connects AI-driven experimental design with physical robotic systems, enabling closed-loop scientific discovery at unprecedented scale.
Key responsibilities include architecting and implementing high-fidelity simulation environments that model complex laboratory instrumentation, fluidics, and robotic workflows. You will design robust integration patterns between heterogeneous hardware systems to ensure reliable and safe execution of fully automated experiments. Additionally, you will lead the development of APIs and interfaces that enable scientists and AI agents to seamlessly interact with sophisticated automation infrastructure. Maintaining and establishing best practices for hardware-software integration, system monitoring, and CI/CD in laboratory automation contexts is also essential. Mentoring engineers and leading a small agile team will be part of your day-to-day work.
The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, with 10+ years of software development experience, including 5+ years in a leadership role. Proven experience in architecting and directing large-scale software projects is required, along with strong proficiency in programming languages such as C++, Python, or Java. A strong record of implementing and advocating for engineering best practices, experience in leading diverse engineering teams, excellent strategic thinking skills, and outstanding communication and interpersonal skills are also necessary.
We offer competitive base compensation with bonus potential and generous early-stage equity. 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. International benefits are tailored to their region.
Lila Sciences is building Scientific Superintelligence™ to solve humankind's greatest challenges. We believe science is the most inspiring frontier for AI. Rather than hard-coding expert knowledge into tools, LILA builds systems that can learn for themselves. LILA combines advanced AI models with proprietary AI Science Factory™ instruments into an operating system for science that executes the entire scientific method autonomously, accelerating discovery at unprecedented speed, scale, and impact across medicine, materials, and energy. Guided by our core values of truth, trust, curiosity, grit, and velocity, we move with startup speed while tackling problems of historic importance. If this sounds like an environment you'd love to work in, even if you don't meet every qualification listed above, we encourage you to apply.