Principal Software Engineer, Instrument Simulations
$204k - $272k • Cambridge, MA USA • Full-time
Posted 7mo ago
This job has been open for more than 60 days. It may no longer be actively hiring, so check with the company before putting a lot into an application.
About the job
Lila Sciences is seeking a Principal Software Engineer, Instrument Simulations to architect and lead the development of their next-generation laboratory automation platform. This role involves designing the simulation infrastructure and integration layer that connects AI-driven experimental design with physical robotic systems, enabling closed-loop scientific discovery at scale. The company is building Scientific Superintelligence™ to solve humankind's greatest challenges by combining advanced AI models with proprietary AI Science Factory™ instruments into an operating system for science that executes the entire scientific method autonomously.
Responsibilities
- Architect and implement high-fidelity simulation environments modeling laboratory instrumentation, fluidics, and robotic workflows.
- Design integration patterns between heterogeneous hardware systems for reliable and safe execution of automated experiments.
- Lead the development of APIs and interfaces for seamless interaction with automation infrastructure by scientists and AI agents.
- Maintain and establish best practices for hardware-software integration, system monitoring, and CI/CD in laboratory automation.
- Mentor engineers and potentially lead a small agile team.
Requirements
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field.
- 10+ years of software development experience, with 5+ years in a leadership role.
- Proven experience architecting and directing large-scale software projects.
- Strong proficiency in programming languages such as C++, Python, or Java.
- Strong record of implementing and advocating for engineering best practices (code reviews, testing, CI).
- Experience leading diverse engineering teams with a focus on collaboration, innovation, and efficiency.
- Excellent strategic thinking skills.
- Proven ability to mentor and develop engineering talent.
- Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills.
Benefits
- Competitive base compensation with bonus potential.
- Generous early-stage equity.
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage (U.S.).
- Employer-paid life and disability insurance (U.S.).
- Flexible time off with generous company wide holidays (U.S.).
- Paid parental leave (U.S.).
- Educational assistance program (U.S.).
- Commuter benefits, including bike share memberships (U.S.).
- Company subsidized lunch program (U.S.).
- International benefits tailored to region.