Lila Sciences · 1 hour ago
Senior II/ Staff Engineer, Hardware & Controls Engineering, Mechatronic Controls
Cambridge, MA
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$137K/yr - $218K/yr
8+ years expLila Sciences is the world’s first scientific superintelligence platform and autonomous lab for life, chemistry, and materials science. They are seeking a Mechatronics Controls Engineer to design and deliver real-time control software for custom lab instruments, focusing on embedded controls and system integration.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)Foundational AILife ScienceSoftware
Responsibilities
Lead the design and implementation of real-time control logic and specifying hardware across Embedded Linux platforms, PLCs and integrated systems, ensuring safe and reliable operation of electro-mechanical systems
Develop robust control software and firmware for custom lab instrumentation, ensuring reliable, efficient, and safe controls for motors, actuators, sensors, and other motion control systems
Develop and integrate interfaces (REST APIs and OPC UA endpoints) to bridge the gap between new and existing instrumentation, automation frameworks, and robotics control systems ensuring reliable, cross-platform interoperability
Own hardware bring-up, HW‑in‑the‑loop testing, and automation; collaborate closely with EE/ME on requirements and interfaces
Create, update, and maintain clear, comprehensive documentation for driver interfaces, APIs, and integration methods, facilitating ease of use by internal teams and end-users
Work closely with cross-functional teams, including hardware engineers, software developers, product managers, and end-users, providing technical support and resolving integration challenges promptly
Qualification
Required
Proficiency in C/C++ and Python programming languages is essential
Experience building control software for mechatronic systems, motion‑control systems, and instruments on Embedded Linux platforms
Proven debug skills (schematics, scopes/logic analyzers); drivers for common buses; motion control with servos/steppers/BLDC and encoders
Demonstrated ability in debugging and problem-solving hardware-software issues
Strong analytical thinking and a structured approach to troubleshooting and resolving complex technical problems
Excellent verbal and written communication skills to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams
Proficiency with version control systems, especially Git
8-12 years of experience with Bachelor's degree in Engineering field or related discipline
Preferred
Experience working directly with end-users (e.g., scientists, laboratory technicians), using feedback to drive product improvements
Experience developing and integrating PLC control systems especially within the Beckhoff ecosystem
Experience incorporating 2D/3D machine vision—camera/lens/lighting selection and calibration, real-time image processing, and vision‑guided motion/inspection
Familiarity with developing and designing PCBs
Familiarity developing HMI or other user interfaces (UI)
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.
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
ARIANVenturesBraidwell,Collective Global Management
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
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