Staff/Principal Automated Systems Engineer (AI)

TL;DR

Staff/Principal Automated Systems Engineer (AI): Design, develop, and implement automation solutions across a broad range of laboratory workflows with an accent on building scalable, high-throughput automated workcells. Focus on integrating emerging technologies like machine vision and AI-driven decision-making in research automation.

Location: Cambridge, MA, USA

Salary: $163,400 - $228,000 USD per year

Company

hirify.global is the world’s first scientific superintelligence platform and autonomous lab for life, chemistry, and materials science, pioneering a new age of boundless discovery by building the capabilities to apply AI to every aspect of the scientific method.

What you will do

• Contribute to hands-on development, testing, and implementation of automated workflows in the lab.
• Develop scalable automated solutions for synthesis and characterization workflows, supporting a variety of material systems.
• Define and document standardized laboratory workflows, operating procedures, and system architectures to support reproducibility and scale.
• Lead and participate in equipment- and system-level FMEAs to improve robustness and operational safety.
• Assist in the troubleshooting and optimization of automated systems for throughput, reliability, and adaptability across diverse workflows.
• Translate scientific objectives into well-scoped technical requirements and automation architectures.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong hands-on experience developing and scaling automated workflows in laboratory or industrial settings.
• Understanding of Python programming, including API integration and error handling.
• Understanding of CAD design and rapid prototyping, including 3D printing.
• Hands-on experience with hardware systems, including electrical wiring, sensors, liquid/gas plumbing, and PID controllers.
• Strong critical thinking skills, attention to detail, and ability to work collaboratively in a dynamic environment.

Nice to have

• Familiarity with advanced experimental systems, including vacuum, laser, furnace, and electrochemical experimentation.
• Knowledge of machine vision applications and robotics control algorithms.
• Proven ability to integrate hardware and controls systems with automation workflows.
• Understanding of AI-driven decision-making in research automation.
• Prior experience leading technical teams in a fast-paced R&D environment.

Culture & Benefits

• Access to advanced technology in AI experimental design and simulation.
• Access to advanced technology in automated custom instrumentation.
• Access to advanced technology in generative molecular and material design.