Associate Engineer, ResOps, Characterization

Your Impact at LILA We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Associate Engineer to join our high-throughput Research Operations team. In this role, you will focus on materials characterization of materials using spectroscopy and microscopy techniques You will gain hands-on experience with state-of-the-art automation technologies while contributing directly to projects that drive our company’s growth. This is an excellent opportunity for candidates excited to learn engineering principles, work with advanced laboratory automation, and develop a strong foundation in scientific operations in a dynamic environment. What You'll Be Building Perform materials characterization techniques including SEMXRF, XRD, Optical Microscopy, Nanoindentation, and Profilometer Prepare reagents, solutions/electrolytes , samples, and consumables to ensure seamless continuation of experiments across shifts Follow detailed standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure accuracy, reproducibility, and throughput Monitor workflow performance, troubleshoot common issues, and escalate when necessary to ensure continuity between shifts Record, organize, and maintain experimental data with high attention to detail Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and streamline processes across shift operations Flag unusual features or results for scientist review Collaborate with scientists and engineers to support diverse projects across life sciences and physical sciences What You’ll Need to Succeed Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Physics, Chemical/Materials Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent laboratory experience) Attention to detail and strong organizational skills Basic understanding of electron microscopy principles Hands-on SEM experience (academic or industry). EDS experience is nice to have. Experience with sample preparation techniques: sputter coating Bonus Points For Familiarity with surface characterization techniques methods: XRF, optical microscope, XRF, XRD, nanoindentor, profilometer. Experience working in high-throughput production environments with a focus on scalability, efficiency, and accuracy Basic engineering skills for troubleshooting characterization tools for microscopes, x rays, and lasers Familiarity with automated workflows and techniques to operate and generate custom scripts 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 $68,000 $78,000 USD About LILA 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 www.lila.ai. 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' ... (truncated, view full listing at source)