Staff / Principal Automated Systems Engineer

About the role

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. The successful candidate will partner with scientists, hardware, controls, and software teams to define scope, align interfaces, and drive projects from concept through deployment, helping shape the technical direction of experimental automation in a fast‑moving research environment.

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 as machine vision and advanced sensors, to enhance automation capabilities.
• Ensure alignment of automation solutions with safety, quality, and regulatory standards.

Requirements

• 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.

Skills

• Python programming (API integration, error handling)
• CAD design and rapid prototyping (3D printing)
• Hardware systems: electrical wiring, sensors, liquid/gas plumbing, PID controllers
• Machine vision applications
• Robotics control algorithms
• AI‑driven decision‑making for research automation

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Employer‑paid life and disability insurance
• Flexible time off with generous company‑wide holidays
• Paid parental leave
• Educational assistance program