Associate Engineer, Materials & Lab Automation

Socket.dev; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 68,000 - 101,000; Full time

Job summary

Lila Sciences in Cambridge, MA is seeking an Associate Engineer / Engineer I to join our fast-paced Research Operations team. You’ll work hands-on with formulation characterization using rheology, chemistry, and mechanical testing, while gaining exposure to advanced laboratory automation and scalable processes.

You will collaborate with scientists to run experiments across shifts, prepare reagents, follow SOPs, and record data with meticulous attention to detail.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Physics, Chemical/Materials Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent laboratory experience).
• 1 year of experience with bench top and wet lab environments in an industrial setting performing characterization, mechanical testing (must have peel and shear experience), pipetting, chemical handling, and solution and sample preparation
• Hands-on experience characterizing, synthesizing, and testing materials such as coatings, solutions, adhesives, paints, and elastic materials
• Experience working and disposing of acids and bases, synthesis in fume hoods, and handling powders
• Experience working in high-throughput production environments with a focus on scalability, efficiency, and accuracy
• Curiosity to learn new skills and techniques relevant to materials science
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills

Responsibilities

• Characterize formulations rheologically, thermally, and chemically; perform mechanical tests on polymer specimens.
• Perform wet-lab material characterization and formulation of coatings, solutions, adhesives, paints, and elastic materials
• Prepare reagents, solutions, test specimens, and consumables for seamless shift experiments
• Follow detailed SOPs to ensure accuracy, reproducibility, and throughput
• Monitor workflow performance, troubleshoot common issues, and elevate when necessary to ensure continuity between shifts
• Record, organize, and maintain experimental data with high attention to detail
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and streamline processes across shift operations
• Flag unusual features or results for scientist review
• Collaborate with scientists and engineers to support diverse projects across life sciences and physical sciences

Skills

Peel and shear testing

Bench top & wet lab experience

Materials synthesis & characterization

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Physics, Chemical/Materials Engineering, or a related field

Job description

Lila Sciences in Cambridge, MA is seeking an Associate Engineer / Engineer I to join our fast-paced Research Operations team. You’ll work hands-on with formulation characterization using rheology, chemistry, and mechanical testing, while gaining exposure to advanced laboratory automation and scalable processes.

You will collaborate with scientists to run experiments across shifts, prepare reagents, follow SOPs, and record data with meticulous attention to detail.