Project Scientist - Automation Engineer

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory•Berkeley, CA

6d•$106,400 - $123,200•Onsite

About The Position

Berkeley Lab’s Energy Geosciences Division seeks a Project Scientist - Automation Engineer to lead automation development for REACT, an AI-driven materials chemistry laboratory that includes the ARC and HIPASS platforms. You will design and integrate scientific instruments, robotic workflows, embedded controls, and software that enable autonomous experimentation in mineral processing, materials synthesis, and chemical research. METALLIC is a multidisciplinary, multi-institutional program advancing technologies to strengthen the domestic supply of critical minerals and materials for clean energy. In this role, you will collaborate with experts across science, engineering, robotics, and data science to accelerate discovery and processing while reducing waste and improving supply chain resilience.

Requirements

Ph.D in a Science or Engineering discipline (such as Chemistry, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field).
At least 3 years of demonstrated experience as a core hardware and automation engineer for autonomous or self-driving laboratory systems, with direct involvement in end-to-end system design.
Proven track record of inventing and building custom scientific instruments and robotic equipment for autonomous research workflows.
Hands-on experience designing and constructing electrical control panels in accordance with UL and/or IEC standards; Qualified Electrical Worker (QEW) certification or equivalent required.
Proficiency in embedded systems development using microcontrollers (Arduino, ATmega328p, ESP32, or Raspberry Pi, etc.) and PLC programming (Ladder logic, C, C++, etc.).
Strong software development skills in Python and C++ for laboratory automation, including experience developing multi-threaded GUIs.
Experience integrating collaborative robots (cobots) with custom-built hardware for automated material handling, dosing, sampling, and characterization.
Demonstrated experience with PCB design (Proteus, Eagle, etc.) and custom hardware fabrication, including 3D printing.
Proficiency in 3D CAD modeling using tools such as SolidWorks, Autodesk Fusion 360, or Creo Parametric.
Strong track record of successful engineering deployments and excellent documentation practices for user-facing systems.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams spanning chemistry, geosciences, materials science, robotics, and AI/ML.

Nice To Haves

Direct, hands-on experience building and operating autonomous laboratories for chemistry or materials discovery.
Experience with AI-driven closed-loop experimentation, including integration of hardware systems with AI agents or reinforcement learning pipelines.
Experience with autonomous sample preparation systems for electron microscopy (SEM/TEM).
Familiarity with thermodynamic measurement techniques such as calorimetry, thermogravimetry, or dilatometry.
Experience with patent application processes, intellectual property development, technology transfer, and commercial licensing of scientific instrumentation.
Experience mentoring students or early-career researchers in a national laboratory or academic setting.

Responsibilities

Design, build, and integrate custom scientific instruments and robotic systems for autonomous materials and chemistry workflows, including sample handling, reaction processing, and characterization.
Develop electrical control systems for safe, reliable operation of high-temperature, cryogenic, and aqueous reaction environments.
Develop embedded software, firmware, and user interfaces for instrumentation, robotics, sensors, and data acquisition.
Integrate collaborative robots with custom hardware to enable end-to-end autonomous experimentation.
Partner with scientists, AI/ML researchers, and software engineers to translate scientific requirements into automated, AI-driven laboratory systems.
Design fault-tolerant hardware and software with a focus on chemical, thermal, and robotic safety.
Define technical specifications and provide engineering guidance to external equipment vendors.
Support procurement activities by developing statements of work, evaluating vendor proposals, conducting design reviews, and verifying delivered equipment against technical requirements.
Promote reusable engineering solutions and knowledge sharing across autonomous laboratory projects at Berkeley Lab and partner institutions.
Contribute to technical reports, patent applications, and technology transfer activities.
Mentor junior researchers and students, supporting their professional development.