Director, Instrument Development Acceleration

Lila Sciences • Cambridge, MA

3d

About The Position

Lila Sciences is seeking a relentless executor and strategic operator to spearhead our Instrument Development initiatives and lead our Virtual Lab Team. As the Director of Instrument Development Acceleration, you will be responsible for getting instruments online, fast, reliably, and at scale. The role is for someone who thrives in high-throughput environments and measures success in instruments shipped.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field. Ph.D. is a plus but not required.
• At least 10 years in engineering or technical leadership, with a proven record of delivering complex systems at scale and on time.
• Strong hands-on coding ability in C++, Python, or Java, with deep experience in hardware-software integration.
• Proven ability to lead complex systems integration across software, hardware, and robotic platforms.
• A problem-solver who makes decisions with imperfect information and keeps moving.
• Clear, direct communicator who can align engineers and stakeholders without unnecessary overhead.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with agile or lean development methodologies in high-throughput environments.
• Hands-on knowledge of AI, robotics, and simulation technologies as applied to laboratory instrumentation and automation.
• Experience with system monitoring, performance optimization, and QA in hardware-software environments.
• Track record of scaling teams and processes during periods of rapid growth.

Responsibilities

• Set clear expectations, remove obstacles quickly, and keep the team focused on delivery over deliberation.
• Own the rapid design and development of laboratory instruments across the full lifecycle, from concept to operational in the lab, at high volume.
• Architect and implement integration frameworks connecting virtual laboratory environments with physical instrumentation and robotic systems.
• Maintain rigorous hardware-software integration standards, system performance benchmarks, and quality assurance processes without letting them become bottlenecks.
• Make pragmatic technical decisions across software, hardware, and systems integration that keep momentum, escalating only what truly needs escalation.
• Work tightly with AI researchers, software engineers, and robotics teams to drive fast, efficient system integration and deployment.
• Communicate clearly and concisely on status, blockers, and decisions to stakeholders at all levels.
• Build and refine lean development practices that prioritize speed, system reliability, and repeatable quality assurance.

Benefits

• competitive base compensation with bonus potential
• generous early-stage equity
• 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
• a company subsidized lunch program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director