Mechatronics Engineer (Controls Focus)

🚀 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 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.

🌟 Your Impact at Lila

Lila Sciences is seeking a Senior Mechatronics Engineer to join our Hardware & Controls Engineering team. You'll design and engineer components for bench-scale robotics, mechanical systems, and automation while working closely with experimental scientists, AI/ML scientists, and software/controls engineers across both life science and physical science applications. This role offers hands-on experience in CAD design, analysis, prototyping, programming, assembly, and testing.

🛠️ What You'll Be Building

• Rapidly design, iterate, and assemble proof-of-concept and demo electromechanical systems for novel lab automation solutions in both life science and physical science domains.
• Integrate third-party APIs into existing systems to enhance functionality and streamline operations.
• Develop custom drivers for integrating specific equipment into automation ecosystem.
• Utilize Python scripting to automate tasks and improve system functionalities.
• Handle JSON payloads for data exchange between systems and external applications.
• Design and implement intuitive HMIs, focusing on user-friendly interfaces and efficient operation.
• Proactively collaborate with mechanical, robotic, and scientific teams to ensure rapid, functional integration of mechanical designs under tight timelines.
• Drive automation of manual research processes with a focus on scalability, reliability, and safety.
• Select instruments and controllers based on a deep practical understanding of component sourcing and rapid procurement.
• Work with external partners and shops to facilitate fast-turnaround fabrication and assembly of prototypes.

🧰 What You’ll Need to Succeed

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Robotics Engineering, or a closely related field.
• 4-8 years of industry experience (title/level commensurate with expertise), with a proven track record of hands-on R&D, prototyping, advanced development or rapid hardware innovation.
• Advanced proficiency in a variety of programming languages and ability to work with SQL databases.
• Strong electro-mechanical prototyping and hands-on build skills: wiring, soldering, hand tools, benchtop testing, and troubleshooting.
• Experience with microcontroller-based systems (e.g., Arduino, Raspberry Pi, PLCs, including programming and integrating sensors, actuators, motors.)
• Familiarity with pneumatic, fluidic, and thermal system design in an R&D context.
• Resourceful “builder” and creative problem-solver—able to work effectively with incomplete requirements, ambiguous goals, and evolving project constraints.
• Ability to rapidly learn new tools, experiment with novel approaches, and deliver working systems under demanding timelines.
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills, with a willingness to work side-by-side with cross-functional teams.
• High attention to detail and commitment to safety—even in rapid, iterative environments.
• Distill complex requirements from cross functional teams to deliver MVP solutions to enable high throughput science.

✨ Bonus Points For

• Experience in fast-paced or startup R&D environments, especially moving from concept to working prototype.
• Advanced skills in integrating hardware with electronics and software (Arduino, Raspberry Pi, simple PLCs, or automation controllers) for proof-of-concept.
• Experience specifying, sourcing, and adapting commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) automation components.
• Knowledge of robotics programming and automation frameworks.
• Familiarity with experimental setups, test & measurement protocols, and rapid documentation tools (e.g., digital wikis, Kanban).
• Experience in the integration of IoT devices within industrial and labratory settings.

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

• 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, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status.

🤝 A Note to Agencies

Lila Sciences does not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than candidates. The submission of unsolicited resumes by recruitment or staffing agencies to Lila Sciences or its employees is strictly prohibited unless contacted directly by Lila Science’s internal Talent Acquisition team. Any resume submitted by an agency in the absence of a signed agreement will automatically become the property of Lila Sciences, and Lila Sciences will not owe any referral or other fees with respect thereto.