Principal Software Engineer, Instrument Simulations

Principal Software Engineer, Instrument Simulations

Cambridge, MA USA

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.

Compensation We offer competitive base compensation with bonus potential and generous early-stage equity. Your final offer will reflect your background, expertise, and expected impact. U.S. Benefits. Full-time U.S. employees receive a comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental, and vision coverage; employer-paid life and disability insurance; flexible time off with generous company wide holidays; paid parental leave; an educational assistance program; commuter benefits, including bike share memberships for office based employees; and a company subsidized lunch program. International Benefits. Full-time employees outside the U.S. receive a comprehensive benefits program tailored to their region. USD salary ranges apply only to U.S.-based positions; international salaries are set to local market.

Expected Base Salary Range

$204,000 - $270,000 USD

Lila Sciences is building Scientific Superintelligence™ to solve humankind's greatest challenges. We believe science is the most inspiring frontier for AI. Rather than hard-coding expert knowledge into tools, LILA builds systems that can learn for themselves.

LILA combines advanced AI models with proprietary AI Science Factory™ instruments into an operating system for science that executes the entire scientific method autonomously, accelerating discovery at unprecedented speed, scale, and impact across medicine, materials, and energy. Learn more at

Guided by our core values of truth, trust, curiosity, grit, and velocity, we move with startup speed while tackling problems of historic importance. If this sounds like an environment you'd love to work in, even if you don't meet every qualification listed above, we encourage you to apply.

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.

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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.