Senior Automated Systems Engineer
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.
Key responsibilities include actively contributing to hands-on development, testing, and implementation of automated workflows in the lab. The engineer will develop scalable automated solutions for synthesis and characterization workflows, supporting a variety of material systems such as porous materials, catalysts, coatings, and advanced composites. Additionally, they will define and document standardized laboratory workflows, operating procedures, and system architectures to support reproducibility and scale. Leading and participating in equipment- and system-level FMEAs to improve robustness and operational safety is also expected. The role involves assisting in the troubleshooting and optimization of automated systems for throughput, reliability, and adaptability across diverse workflows, as well as designing failure detection methods and maintaining laboratory automation systems to ensure robust operations.
The ideal candidate will have strong hands-on experience developing and scaling automated workflows in laboratory or industrial settings. Proficiency in Python programming, including API integration and error handling, is essential. An understanding of CAD design and rapid prototyping, including 3D printing, is required. Hands-on experience with hardware systems, including electrical wiring, sensors, liquid/gas plumbing, and PID controllers, is necessary. Strong critical thinking skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively in a dynamic environment are important. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to convey technical concepts clearly to diverse audiences, are crucial. Familiarity with advanced experimental systems, including vacuum, laser, furnace, and electrochemical experimentation, is beneficial. Knowledge of machine vision applications and robotics control algorithms is advantageous. Proven ability to integrate hardware and controls systems with automation workflows is desired. An understanding of AI-driven decision-making in research automation is a plus. Prior experience leading technical teams in a fast-paced R&D environment is preferred.
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. The expected base salary range is $118,800 - $182,400 USD.
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.