Co-op, Mechatronics Engineer

About the Role

• Co-op, Mechatronics Engineer role at Lila Sciences, joining the Hardware & Controls Engineering team.
• January through May term.
• Hands-on engineering role focused on building real hardware in a fast-moving R&D environment.
• Work on systems for autonomous science, including automated workcells, custom instrumentation, sensing hardware, motion systems, and integrated lab equipment.
• Opportunity to gain practical experience across the full mechatronics stack, from concept and CAD through build, test, and iteration.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and build mechanical and electromechanical components for automated lab systems.
• Support integration of sensors, actuators, motion systems, and control hardware.
• Create CAD models, drawings, prototypes, fixtures, and test setups.
• Assemble, debug, and iterate on hardware for workcells and custom instrumentation.
• Run tests, document results, and communicate design changes clearly.
• Collaborate with engineers and scientists to translate lab workflows into reliable systems.
• Contribute to improvements that increase system reliability, usability, and maintainability.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, or a related field (currently pursuing a degree).
• Experience with CAD design, prototyping, fabrication, or hands-on engineering projects.
• Foundational understanding of mechanical systems, electrical systems, sensors, actuators, or controls.
• Comfortable building, testing, debugging, and documenting physical systems.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Clear communication skills and ability to collaborate across engineering and scientific teams.
• Curiosity about lab automation, instrumentation, robotics, or autonomous science.

Bonus Points

• Experience with SolidWorks or another parametric CAD tool.
• Exposure to electrical wiring, instrumentation, controls, or data acquisition systems.
• Experience with robotics, lab automation, industrial automation, or motion systems.
• Familiarity with 3D printing, machining, sheet metal, or rapid prototyping methods.
• Previous internship, co-op, lab, project team, or R&D experience.