Principal Software Engineer, Instrument Simulations

About the role

Lila Sciences is searching for a Principal Software Engineer, Instrument Simulations to define and lead the development of a laboratory automation platform capable of connecting AI-driven experiment design with physical robotic execution. This position centers on constructing a simulation infrastructure and integration layer that enables closed-loop scientific discovery at significant scale. The role requires deep architectural responsibility and direct influence on how intelligent systems interact with real laboratory hardware.

The successful candidate will own the design of high-fidelity digital twins for laboratory instruments and robotic process flows. These simulations must accurately reflect the behavior and constraints of physical systems to ensure reliable translation of AI-generated hypotheses into executable protocols. You will create integration patterns that safely coordinate heterogeneous hardware components, ensuring that automated experiments run without error or interference. This work demands rigorous attention to timing, state management, and environmental variables inherent in scientific settings.

A core part of this position involves establishing API contracts and communication interfaces. These contracts will allow scientists and autonomous AI agents to describe experimental goals and receive simulated feedback. The interfaces must abstract complexity while providing the precision required for advanced laboratory procedures. You will define the boundaries between user intent and system behavior, ensuring that traceability is maintained throughout every execution.

You will also champion engineering practices specific to critical laboratory environments. This includes implementing robust observability, testing strategies, and deployment pipelines that account for the consequences of failure in automated science. The standards you establish will guide simulation components across the organization and influence long-term platform reliability. You will advocate for practices such as thorough code reviews, comprehensive automated testing, and strict continuous integration disciplines.

Leading a small engineering team is central to this role. You will mentor engineers and foster an environment focused on durability, maintainability, and continuous learning. Your technical direction will help the team build reusable infrastructure that supports rapid experimentation without compromising data integrity or system stability. You will balance innovation with the practical constraints of real-world laboratory operations.

This position requires a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field. A background that clearly demonstrates technical leadership is essential for success. You must bring 10 plus years of software development experience, including 5 plus years guiding engineering initiatives and managing complex projects. Your history should include architecting and directing large-scale software systems that remain reliable and maintainable over extended periods.

You must write clean code in C++, Python, or Java and actively help set language standards across teams. Your ability to translate strategic goals into technical execution will determine the platform's success. You will work closely with cross-functional experts, including biologists and laboratory specialists, to ensure simulation fidelity aligns with real-world constraints. This collaboration is vital for validating models and ensuring that digital twins behave like their physical counterparts.

Previous experience in laboratory automation, scientific instrumentation, or related simulation domains is highly valuable. A record of shipping complex systems in fast-moving, data-intensive environments demonstrates your capacity to thrive in this role. Published work or presentations concerning leadership in simulation, automation, or software craftsmanship will further strengthen your application.

The position is based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and operates on a full-time basis. Compensation includes a base salary in the range of USD 180,000 to USD 220,000 per year, along with equity and benefits details provided during the offer stage. U.S. full-time employees receive a comprehensive benefits program, including medical, dental, and vision coverage; employer-paid life and disability insurance; flexible time off; paid parental leave; educational assistance; commuter benefits such as bike share memberships; and a company subsidized lunch program. International employees receive region-specific benefits and salary packages.

What you'll do

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