Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

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, 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 creative and skilled Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to join our automation team. This role involves designing components and systems for cutting-edge materials and biologics research instrumentation while working closely with our software and robotics engineering efforts.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and implement bench-scale robotics and mechanical systems for automated materials research.
• Design pneumatic, electro-mechanical optical and other solutions to drive innovation and capability in robotic workcells.
• Collaborate on robotic, software, and mechanical engineering solutions for integrated automated instruments.
• Experience working with various material movement solutions.
• Lead systems design and integration efforts within the hardware engineering team with a focus on DFM & DFA.
• Establish guidelines with the physical and life sciences team for mechanical systems, sample handling, and equipment safety.
• Develop mechanical structures to support electronic sensors and detectors.
• Utilize 3D printing, laser scribing, and other manufacturing techniques to rapidly prototype and derisk system design.
• Coordinate the fabrication of custom components with external vendors.
• Assess safety and quality of laboratory automation with a focus on mechanical integrity.
• Guide the transition of workflows from manual processes to human-in-the-loop automation to autonomous experimentation.
• Work across multiple instruments and experiment workflows to develop an ecosystem of automated instruments.
• Create detailed 3D models & engineering drawings using CAD software. SolidWorks & GD&T experience preferred.
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance team & system performance.
• Collaborate with scientists and researchers to identify automation needs and develop innovative solutions to facilitate experimental procedures.
• Modify and adapt existing laboratory equipment for new research applications.
• Provide technical support to research teams on the integration & use of automated technologies, including training & workshops on the use of new equipment.
• Lead R&D engineering projects, coordinating efforts with interdisciplinary teams to ensure goals are met within timeframes and budgets.

Qualifications:

• Experience in designing bench-scale robotics and mechanical systems (5+ years preferred).
• Experience working with major robotics brands such as Festo, Kuka, Universal Robotics or equivalent.
• Experience implementing and operating within product data management systems such as PDM Vault.
• Skilled in integrating mechanical and electronic components.
• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong independent thinker with a keen attention to detail.
• Excellent communication skills for conveying complex technical information.
• Knowledge of system integration and mechanical assembly processes.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with small parts manipulation and solid-state materials research.
• Proficiency in structural, thermal &/or fluid analytical tools (FEA, CFD, ANSYS, etc.)
• Strong understanding of robotics, pneumatics, hydraulics & control systems.
• Experience in managing projects from conception through implementation.
• Ability to work independently & collaboratively in a team environment.
• Ability to effectively convey technical information to non-technical stakeholders.
• Ability to gather and understand complex scientific information & convert it to robust technical requirements.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities with experience in mentoring & training junior engineers, fostering a collaborative & growth-oriented work environment.

Working at Lila Sciences, 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.