Lila Sciences · 2 hours ago
Senior Automated Systems Engineer
Cambridge, MA
Full-time
Onsite
Mid, Senior Level
$119K/yr - $182K/yrLila Sciences is seeking a highly skilled Automated Systems Engineer to design, develop, and implement automation solutions across a broad range of laboratory workflows. This role is critical in building scalable automated workcells and requires collaboration with various teams to drive projects from concept through deployment.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)Foundational AILife ScienceSoftware
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
Qualification
Required
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
Preferred
AI experimental design and simulation
Automated custom instrumentation
Generative molecular and material design
Benefits
Bonus potential
Generous early equity
Company
Lila Sciences
Lila Sciences creates a scientific superintelligence platform and autonomous labs for life sciences, chemistry, and materials science. It is a sub-organization of Flagship Pioneering.
Founded in 2023
201-500 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Lila Sciences has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (8)
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageTotal Funding
$550.67MKey Investors
ARIANVenturesFlagship Pioneering
2026-01-20Grant· $0.67M
2025-10-14Series A· $115M
2025-09-14Series A· $235M
Recent News
MIT Technology Review
2026-01-22
2026-01-03
2025-12-17
Company data provided by crunchbase