Principal Software Engineer, Instrument Simulations

Location: Cambridge, MA USA

Department: Software

Your Impact at Lila

Lila Sciences is seeking a Principal Software Engineer, Instrument Simulations to architect and lead the development of our next-generation laboratory automation platform. In this role, you'll be responsible for designing the simulation infrastructure and integration layer that connects AI-driven experimental design with physical robotic systems, enabling closed-loop scientific discovery at unprecedented scale.

What You'll Be Building

• Architect and implement high-fidelity simulation environments that model complex laboratory instrumentation, fluidics, and robotic workflows
• Design robust integration patterns between heterogeneous hardware systems, ensuring reliable and safe execution of fully automated experiments
• Lead the development of APIs and interfaces that enable scientists and AI agents to seamlessly interact with sophisticated automation infrastructure
• Maintain and help establish best practices for hardware-software integration, system monitoring, and CI/CD in laboratory automation contexts for all newly developed systems
• Mentor engineers, likely leading a small agile team

What You’ll Need to Succeed

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field: Background that supports technical and leadership capabilities.
• 10+ years of software development experience, including 5+ years in a leadership role: Demonstrates ability to lead and manage complex projects and engineering teams.
• Proven experience in architecting and directing large-scale software projects: Skilled in designing and leading the development of scalable, reliable, and maintainable systems.
• Strong proficiency in programming languages such as C++, Python, or Java: Capable of setting technical standards and guiding development practices.
• Strong record of implementing and advocating for engineering best practices such as code reviews, testing, and continuous integration.
• Experience in leading diverse engineering teams with a focus on collaboration, innovation, and efficiency.
• Excellent strategic thinking skills, with the ability to understand and align team efforts with organizational goals.
• Proven ability to mentor and develop engineering talent, fostering an environment of growth and continuous learning.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills: Effectively engage with stakeholders at all levels, from developers to senior executives.

Bonus Points For

• Ph.D. in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field
• Experience in leading the development of laboratory automation systems or scientific instrumentation
• Experience with organizational change management and fostering innovation in large technical programs.
• Track record of successful project delivery in agile environments, optimizing team workflows and balancing priorities.
• Published work or presentations that highlight contributions to the field of software engineering and leadership in simulation or automation systems.

About Lila

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

If this sounds like an environment you’d love to work in, even if you only have some of the experience listed below, we encourage you to apply.

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.

Information you provide during your application process will be handled in accordance with our Candidate Privacy Policy.

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.