Senior Principal Engineer, Workcell Lead

Flagship Pioneering; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in scientific superintelligence seeks a Senior Principal Engineer to lead innovative automation systems across life sciences and material sciences. This role involves designing custom workcells, mentoring engineers, and developing strategic automation roadmaps. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in Python programming and experience in large-scale automation projects.

Qualifications

• Principal-level expertise in Python and automation programming.
• Experience managing teams of engineers for innovative solutions.
• Knowledge of safety and compliance standards in research automation.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and deployment of automation systems in life sciences.
• Mentor automation engineers and foster collaboration.
• Develop long-term automation roadmaps emphasizing scalability.

Skills

Python

Automation Programming

System Architecture

Problem-Solving

Education

Bachelor’s or higher degree in Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, Material Science

Tools

JIRA

Job description

Senior Principal Engineer, Workcell Lead

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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 actively reimagine how teams work together and communicate. We seek individuals with an inclusive mindset and diverse perspectives. Our teams thrive in unstructured, creative environments where all voices are valued. If this environment appeals to you, even if you only meet some of the listed qualifications, please apply.

Your Impact at Lila
Lila Sciences seeks a dynamic and experienced Team Lead and Senior Principal Automation Engineer to lead the design and deployment of innovative automation systems bridging life sciences, material sciences, and industrial automation. You will focus on creating scalable, integrated solutions combining advanced laboratory automation with custom-engineered systems. Your leadership will drive cutting-edge automation in life science laboratories and expand into physical sciences, supporting applications like drug discovery, bioengineering, and advanced material characterization.

What You'll Be Building

• Life Science Lab Automation:
• Lead technical development in life science laboratory automation, designing custom workcells.
• Develop integrated automation solutions using off-the-shelf and custom hardware for specialized research needs.
• Implement error recovery protocols and integration strategies for seamless operation of instruments like liquid handlers, analyzers, and robotic systems.
• Material and Physical Science Applications:
• Create automation solutions for material science research, including high-precision robotics and control systems.
• Collaborate across disciplines to integrate physical science instruments with custom peripherals for automated workflows.
• Innovate in custom hardware development for high-throughput experimentation.
• System Design & Development:
• Architect and oversee sophisticated automated systems integrating commercial platforms, custom components, PLCs, and SCADA technologies.
• Design workflows using Python and integrate with scheduling platforms like Overlord, Cellario, and Green Button Go.
• Establish hardware and software standards ensuring compatibility across diverse scientific disciplines.
• Team Leadership:
• Lead and mentor automation engineers, fostering innovation and excellence.
• Encourage collaboration among researchers, scientists, and engineers to develop tailored solutions.
• Strategic Planning:
• Develop long-term automation roadmaps emphasizing scalability and flexibility.
• Lead technology selection for large-scale deployments, ensuring effective hardware and software integration.
• Optimization & Continuous Improvement:
• Enhance workflows through continuous improvement methodologies.
• Implement IoT-enabled systems for real-time data monitoring and control.
• Communication & Stakeholder Engagement:
• Represent technical leadership in stakeholder and vendor communications, delivering tailored solutions for advanced research.

What You’ll Need To Succeed

• Bachelor’s or higher degree in Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, Material Science, or related fields. Certifications in automation or industrial engineering are a plus.
• Principal-level expertise in Python and automation programming, with experience in automation frameworks and device integration.
• Proven track record leading large-scale automation projects with custom and commercial solutions.
• Deep experience with laboratory automation manufacturers and custom hardware integration.
• Advanced proficiency in programming languages such as C#, JavaScript, or Visual Basic, with experience in complex system integration.
• Experience managing teams of engineers to deliver innovative automation solutions across disciplines.
• Strong system architecture and strategic thinking skills for scalable solutions.
• Expertise in real-time data workflows and IoT-enabled system optimization.
• Knowledge of safety and compliance standards in research automation environments.
• Experience with LIMS, ERP, and industrial data platforms.
• Proficiency with JIRA for project management and agile processes.
• Strong problem-solving skills for hardware/software troubleshooting across disciplines.

Working at Lila Sciences, you would have access to advanced technology in areas such as:

• AI experimental design and simulation
• Automated custom instrumentation
• Generative molecular and material design

We’re All In

Lila Sciences is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, or veteran status.

A Note to Agencies

Lila Sciences does not accept unsolicited resumes from external sources unless contacted directly by our Talent Acquisition team. Resumes submitted without a signed agreement will become property of Lila Sciences, with no referral fees owed.