Senior Automation Engineer, Workcell

Flagship Pioneering; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Join an innovative company at the forefront of scientific discovery as a Senior Automation Engineer. In this dynamic role, you will design and implement automation systems that enhance laboratory workflows, collaborating with diverse teams to integrate cutting-edge technology. Your expertise in Python programming and problem-solving will be crucial as you develop custom workcells and optimize automation processes. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking advancements in human health and sustainability while working in a creative and inclusive environment that values diverse perspectives.

Qualifications

• 4-6+ years of experience in life science automation environments.
• Proficiency in Python and familiarity with automation frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop automation systems to streamline laboratory workflows.
• Collaborate with teams to integrate software, hardware, and controls.

Skills

Python Programming

Problem-Solving

Communication

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Biology

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Material Science

Tools

JIRA

Job description

About Lila Sciences

Lila Sciences is the world’s first scientific superintelligence platform and autonomous lab for life, chemistry, and materials science. We are pioneering a new age of boundless discovery by building the capabilities to apply AI to every aspect of the scientific method. We are introducing scientific superintelligence to solve humankind's greatest challenges, enabling scientists to bring forth solutions in human health, climate, and sustainability at a pace and scale never experienced before. Learn more about this mission at www.lila.ai

At Lila, we are uniquely cross-functional and collaborative. We are actively reimagining the way teams work together and communicate. Therefore, we seek individuals with an inclusive mindset and a diversity of thought. Our teams thrive in unstructured and creative environments. All voices are heard because we know that experience comes in many forms, skills are transferable, and passion goes a long way.

If this sounds like an environment you’d love to work in, even if you only have some of the experience listed below, please apply.

Your Impact at Lila

As an Senior Automation Engineer at Lila Sciences, you’ll help design, develop, and deploy automation systems that streamline laboratory workflows. You will work on building custom workcells and automated processes, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to integrate software, hardware, and controls in a dynamic research environment.

️What You'll Be Building

• Workcell Development & Automation:
• Assist in designing and constructing custom workcells that integrate off-the-shelf components with tailored hardware solutions.
• Develop automated workflows using Python to control lab instruments and manage data acquisition.
• Systems Integration & Optimization:
• Collaborate with hardware, controls, and software teams to integrate and optimize automation systems.
• Help troubleshoot issues and implement improvements to boost efficiency and reliability.
• Project Coordination & Communication:
• Use project management tools (e.g., JIRA) to track progress and ensure project milestones are met.
• Engage with both technical and non-technical stakeholders to facilitate clear communication and alignment.
• Innovation & Continuous Learning:
• Stay current with emerging automation technologies and propose creative solutions to advance our workcell designs.
• Contribute to process improvements and share insights with the team to foster a culture of continuous improvement.

What You’ll Need to Succeed

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, Material Science, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience)
• Experience: 4-6+ years of hands-on experience in life science automation environments
• Technical Skills:
  • Proficiency in Python programming; familiarity with automation frameworks and API integration is a plus.
  • Basic understanding of hardware systems, instrumentation, and custom engineering.
• Soft Skills:
  • Strong problem-solving skills and keen attention to detail.
  • Excellent communication and collaboration abilities.
  • A proactive, team-oriented mindset with a commitment to learning in a fast-paced, innovative setting.

Bonus Points For

• Hands-on experience in advanced automation settings.
• We are also interested in individuals with transferrable expertise from environments such as semiconductor manufacturing, modern logistics automation, or Manufacturing 4.0. This diverse background provides a strong foundation for developing innovative workcell solutions.

We’re All In

Lila Sciences iscommitted to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status.

A Note to Agencies

Lila Sciences does not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than candidates. The submission of unsolicited resumes by recruitment or staffing agencies to Lila Sciences or its employees is strictly prohibited unless contacted directly by Lila Science’s internal Talent Acquisition team. Any resume submitted by an agency in the absence of a signed agreement will automatically become the property of Lila Sciences, and Lila Sciences will not owe any referral or other fees with respect thereto.