Senior/Principal Engineer, Control Systems Design

Company Summary

Lila Sciences is a privately held, early-stage technology company pioneering the application of artificial intelligence to transform every aspect of the scientific method. Lila is backed by Flagship Pioneering, which brings the courage, long-term vision, and resources needed to realize unreasonable results. Join our mission-driven team and contribute to the future of science.

Our Life Sciences effort is leveraging AI and high-throughput automation for valuable therapeutic discovery and development across biological modalities.

At Lila Sciences, 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.

The Role:

Lila is seeking a seasoned Principal Automation Engineer to lead the design and development of control systems for automated scientific equipment. This role involves architecting advanced control systems, integrating robotics and PLC technologies, and driving strategic initiatives to enhance laboratory automation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Control System Design: Architect and implement sophisticated control systems utilizing PLC, DCS, and SCADA technologies to optimize laboratory workflows.
• Robotics Integration: Integrate advanced robotics into automation systems, ensuring interoperability and seamless operation within existing frameworks.
• Software Integration: Collaborate with software teams to integrate control systems with broader IT infrastructure, leveraging REST APIs, Python, and React.
• Technical Documentation: Develop comprehensive engineering documentation including P&ID diagrams, wiring schematics, control narratives, and instrument inventories.
• Project Management: Lead complex automation projects, defining scope, setting milestones, and ensuring on-time and on-budget delivery.
• System Architecture: Develop and optimize control system architecture, considering future scalability and integration with emerging technologies.
• Calibration and Testing: Oversee calibration, testing, and validation of control systems to meet strict performance and safety standards.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all control systems comply with relevant regulations and industry best practices, including GMP, ISO, and FDA standards.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Interface with subject matter experts (SMEs) and cross-functional internal customers to gather requirements, understand challenges, and deliver tailored automation solutions.
• Mentorship: Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers, fostering a collaborative and innovative team environment.
• Continuous Improvement: Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance system reliability and operational efficiency.

Qualifications:

• 8+ years of experience in designing and implementing complex control systems for automated laboratory environments.
• Extensive knowledge of PLCs, HMI, SCADA, and related automation software and hardware.
• Experience with REST APIs, and proficiency in programming languages such as Python and frameworks like React.
• Strong proficiency in creating detailed engineering documents and schematics using tools like AutoCAD, SolidWorks Electrical, or similar.
• Proven experience with robotics integration and programming using languages such as Python, C++, or structured text for PLCs.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for engaging with SMEs and internal stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail and a commitment to excellence.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience in a scientific, R&D, or pharmaceutical environment with a focus on laboratory automation.
• Familiarity with Industry 4.0 concepts and IoT integration for smart laboratory solutions.

Working at FL97, you would have access to advanced technology in the areas of: 

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

About Flagship

Flagship Pioneering is a platform innovation company that invents and builds platform companies, each with the potential for multiple products that transform human health or sustainability. Since its launch in 2000, Flagship has originated and fostered more than 100 scientific ventures, resulting in more than $90 billion in aggregate value. Many of the companies Flagship has founded have addressed humanity’s most urgent challenges: vaccinating billions of people against COVID-19, curing intractable diseases, improving human health, preempting illness, and feeding the world by improving the resiliency and sustainability of agriculture.  Flagship has been recognized twice on FORTUNE’s “Change the World” list, an annual ranking of companies that have made a positive social and environmental impact through activities that are part of their core business strategies, and has been twice named to Fast Company’s annual list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies. Learn more about Flagship at www.flagshippioneering.com.

Flagship Pioneering and our ecosystem companies are 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.

At Flagship, we recognize there is no perfect candidate. If you have some of the experience listed above but not all, please apply anyway. Experience comes in many forms, skills are transferable, and passion goes a long way. We are dedicated to building diverse and inclusive teams and look forward to learning more about your unique background.