Staff / Principal Automated Systems Engineer

Lila Sciences; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 163,400 - 228,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits program

Flexible time off

Paid parental leave

Educational assistance program

Subsidized lunch program

Job summary

Lila Sciences in Cambridge, MA is looking for a Staff / Principal Automated Systems Engineer to design and implement automation solutions for laboratory workflows. This hands-on role requires collaboration across scientific and engineering teams to build high-throughput automated workcells.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, or Engineering, along with proven experience in developing automated workflows and strong communication skills. Competitive compensation with benefits including medical coverage and equity options is offered.

Qualifications

• Strong hands-on experience developing automated workflows in laboratory or industrial settings.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to convey technical concepts.
• Proven ability to integrate hardware and controls systems with automation workflows.

Responsibilities

• Develop scalable automated solutions for laboratory workflows.
• Lead troubleshooting and optimization of automated systems for improved reliability.
• Act between science, hardware, controls, and software teams ensuring cohesive solutions.

Skills

Python programming

Laboratory automation

Electrical wiring

3D printing

Cad design

Machine vision applications

Robotics control algorithms

Education

Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Engineering, or a related field

Job description

Staff / Principal Automated Systems Engineer

Cambridge, MA USA

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.

What You’ll Be Building

Technical Responsibilities

• Actively contribute to hands‑on development, testing, and implementation of automated workflows in the lab.
• Develop scalable automated solutions for synthesis and characterization workflows, supporting a variety of material systems such as porous materials, catalysts, coatings, and advanced composites.
• Define and document standardized laboratory workflows, operating procedures, and system architectures to support reproducibility and scale.
• Lead and participate in equipment‑ and system‑level FMEAs to improve robustness and operational safety.
• Assist in the troubleshooting and optimization of automated systems for throughput, reliability, and adaptability across diverse workflows.
• Design failure detection methods and maintain laboratory automation systems to ensure robust operations.
• Translate scientific objectives into well‑scoped technical requirements and automation architectures.
• Act as a connective tissue between science, hardware, controls, and software—ensuring interfaces are clear and solutions are cohesive.
• Explore and integrate emerging technologies, such machine vision, and advanced sensors, to enhance automation capabilities.
• Ensure alignment of automation solutions with safety, quality, and regulatory standards.

What You’ll Need to Succeed

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong hands‑on experience developing and scaling automated workflows in laboratory or industrial settings.
• Understanding of Python programming, including API integration and error handling.
• Understanding of CAD design and rapid prototyping, including 3D printing.
• Hands‑on experience with hardware systems, including electrical wiring, sensors, liquid/gas plumbing, and PID controllers.
• Strong critical thinking skills, attention to detail, and ability to work collaboratively in a dynamic environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to convey technical concepts clearly to diverse audiences.
• Familiarity with advanced experimental systems, including vacuum, laser, furnace, and electrochemical experimentation.
• Knowledge of machine vision applications and robotics control algorithms.
• Proven ability to integrate hardware and controls systems with automation workflows.
• Understanding of AI‑driven decision‑making in research automation.
• Prior experience leading technical teams in a fast‑paced R&D environment.

Bonus Points For

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

Compensation

We offer competitive base compensation with bonus potential and generous early‑stage equity. Your final offer will reflect your background, expertise, and expected impact.

U.S. Benefits

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

Full‑time employees outside the U.S. receive a comprehensive benefits program tailored to their region. USD salary ranges apply only to U.S.-based positions; international salaries are set to local market.

Expected Base Salary Range

$163,400 - $228,000 USD

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Lila Sciences is committed 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.