Controls Engineer (Level Flexible)

🚀 About Lila Sciences

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    

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.

🌟 Your Impact at Lila

Lila Sciences is seeking a motivated Controls Engineer to join our team. We have multiple openings spanning Engineer II – Principal Engineer level. Level will be based on experience and expertise.

In this role, you will contribute to the design and development of control systems for automated scientific equipment. You'll work on integrating robotics and control technologies to enhance our laboratory automation efforts.

🛠️ What You'll Be Building

• Control System Support
• Assist in designing and implementing control systems using PLC and SCADA technologies to optimize laboratory workflows. Beckhoff PLCs, TwinCAT 3 and Ignition SCADA are preferred.
• Support the integration of robotics into automation systems, ensuring smooth operation within existing frameworks.
• Assist in the integration of 3rd party equipment and vendor software, and development of wrappers to allow in-house software to smoothly utilize said equipment
• Design of safety systems with PLCs and high power design

• Software Collaboration
• Work with software teams to integrate control systems with our IT infrastructure using programming languages like Python and C#.
• Help develop engineering documentation such as P&ID diagrams, wiring schematics, and control narratives.

• System Testing and Maintenance
• Participate in the calibration, testing, and validation of control systems to meet performance and safety standards.
• Ensure control systems comply with relevant regulations and industry best practices.

• Cross-Functional Teamwork
• Collaborate with subject matter experts and internal teams to gather requirements and understand automation challenges.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives to enhance system reliability and efficiency.

🧰 What You’ll Need to Succeed

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Engineering or a related field.
• 2-10+ years of experience in designing or supporting control systems in laboratory or industrial environments.
• Knowledge of Beckhoff PLCs, HMI, SCADA, and related automation software and hardware and OPC-UA.
• Basic programming skills in Python, C#
• Experience with creating engineering documents and schematics using tools like SolidWorks or similar.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills for working with cross-functional teams.

✨ Bonus Points For

• Familiarity with robotics integration and programming.
• Familiarity with ROS/ROS2 (Robotics Operating System)
• Experience in a scientific, R&D, or pharmaceutical environment focused on laboratory automation.
• Understanding of industry regulations such as GMP, ISO, ANSI or FDA standards.
• Familiarity with QA/QC and data management and pipelines at an industrial scale
• Familiarity with RESTful APIs is a plus – fastAPI or ASP.NET Core
• Familiarity with semiconductor manufacturing PLC processes
• Familiarity with alternate control schemas and frameworks, such as those used in the injection molding industry
• Familiarity with Industry 4.0 and modular plant design
• Background with custom PCB design

🌈 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.

🤝 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.