Co-Op, Automated Systems Engineer (AI)

Location: On-site in Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States; full-time co-op term typically lasting 4 to 6 months.

Company

hirify.global is building AI-driven scientific automation systems and AI Science Factory instruments to execute scientific workflows autonomously across medicine, materials, and energy.

What you will do

• Support cross-functional requirements gathering, project documentation, and execution using established templates and guidelines.
• Convert manual scientific protocols into automation concept designs through process mapping, timing analysis, and identification of automation candidates.
• Research and evaluate instruments and emerging technologies for physical integration and fit with scientific workflows.
• Contribute to concept designs, system architecture diagrams, and interface definitions for workcell- and instrument-level projects.
• Maintain the federated factory layout model, including layout drawings and 3D models that account for robotics envelopes, human ergonomics, and hazard zones.
• Support feasibility assessments and document laboratory automation best practices and lessons learned while integrating instruments and troubleshooting live experimental systems.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled in a Bachelor's or Master's program in Biomedical, Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, Robotics, or Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, or a related field.
• Available for a full-time co-op term, typically 4 to 6 months, on-site in Cambridge.
• Working knowledge of Python through coursework, projects, or prior internships.
• Curiosity, attention to detail, willingness to ask questions, and ability to work through unfamiliar problems.
• Clear communication and comfort working with people from different technical backgrounds.

Nice to have

• Wet-lab exposure through coursework, undergraduate research, or prior work involving pipetting, sample handling, or assay work.
• Familiarity with CAD and experience with rapid prototyping or 3D printing.
• Experience with automated liquid handlers such as Hamilton, Tecan, or Opentrons, or with robotic arms.
• Coursework or project experience with control systems, PID loops, or microcontrollers.
• Prior robotics competition, research laboratory, or iGEM-style team experience.

Culture & Benefits

• Hands-on lab-floor work with engineers and scientists on real workcells being deployed.
• Pairing with a day-to-day mentor and reporting to a senior manager on the Automated Systems Engineering team.
• Exposure to machine vision, advanced sensors, automated scheduling software, and AI-driven experimental design.
• Work guided by the values of truth, trust, curiosity, grit, and velocity.
• Equal employment opportunity regardless of the protected characteristics listed in the posting.