Senior II/Staff Mechatronics Engineer

About the role

Lila Sciences is seeking a Senior II/Staff Mechatronics Engineer to join our Advanced Engineering Team to design, develop, and optimize early-stage electromechanical systems, robotics subassemblies and lab instrumentation. This role works directly with scientists to bring new ideas and concepts to reality by bridging hardware, software, electrical, and controls. You will own the full lifecycle of mechatronic solutions from initial concept through deployment in demanding scientific environments. The position emphasizes rapid iteration, hands-on experimentation, and close partnership with multidisciplinary teams to solve complex technical challenges. You will translate scientific requirements into robust mechanical, electrical, and control system implementations. Your work will directly enable advances in scientific research and instrumentation capabilities.

Key facts

What you'll do

Develop novel mechatronic solutions for scientific and robotic applications including mechanical design, electrical design, and control software.

Work closely with cross-functional teams, including mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, software developers, product managers, and end-users, providing technical support and resolving integration challenges promptly.

Perform rapid proof-of-concept development using prototyping methods such as 3D printing, machining, modifying commercial off-the-shelf items, and repurposing parts from obsolete or decommissioned systems.

Execute rigorous testing, debugging, and troubleshooting of systems and subassemblies to capture experiment data, performance metrics, or inform future design iterations.

Create, update, and maintain clear, comprehensive design documentation including technical drawings, integration methods, test plans and reports, facilitating ease of use by internal teams and end-users.

Design solutions to integrate custom or existing off-the-shelf components with existing automation frameworks and robotics control systems, ensuring compatibility and stability across multiple platforms.

Specify, select, and integrate sensors, motors, drives, and associated electrical/electronic hardware, including analog signal types such as 4-20mA and 0-10V as well as discrete I/O.

Thrive and operate effectively in a hands-on prototype heavy environment while maintaining attention to detail and quality standards.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Mechatronics or other related Engineering.

6-10 years of relevant experience in mechatronics, robotics, or instrumentation development.

Strong collaboration skills and demonstrated experience working directly with end users to understand requirements and deliver solutions.

High proficiency with C/C++ and Python for control systems and automation tasks.

Proficiency with microcontrollers including STM32, Arduino, and Raspberry Pi for embedded control applications.

Proficiency with CAD software such as SolidWorks, Creo, or Siemens NX for mechanical design and documentation.

Strong experience with rapid prototyping techniques and methods to accelerate design validation.

Expertise specifying and integrating sensors, motors, drives, and associated electrical/electronic hardware, including analog signal types (4-20mA, 0-10V) and discrete I/O.

Ability to work comfortably in a fast-paced, prototype-heavy environment where requirements evolve quickly.

Strong troubleshooting and debugging skills to diagnose issues in hardware, firmware, and system integration.

Proficiency with version control systems, especially SolidWorks PDM and GitHub, to manage design files and software code.

Experience with embedded communication protocols including UART/Serial, SPI, I2C, and CAN for system integration.

Nice to have

Experience designing and fabricating custom PCBs to accelerate prototype development and reduce iteration time.

Experience or familiarity with PLC based systems for industrial control applications.

Familiarity with industrial communication protocols such as EtherNet/IP, RS-232, OPC/UA, and MQTT for system connectivity.

Experience with vacuum systems including High Vacuum and Ultra-High Vacuum or optical systems commonly used in scientific instruments.

Experience in semi-conductor manufacturing processes or equipment relevant to advanced fabrication environments.

Practical notes

This role is full-time and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.

Travel is not expected as part of this role.

Visa sponsorship may be considered for qualified candidates.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.