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.
You will:
Hardware Design & Integration: Design, build, and integrate custom scientific instruments and robotic systems for autonomous materials and chemistry workflows, including sample handling, reaction processing, and characterization.
Control Systems: Develop electrical control systems for safe, reliable operation of high-temperature, cryogenic, and aqueous reaction environments.
Software Development: Develop embedded software, firmware, and user interfaces for instrumentation, robotics, sensors, and data acquisition.
Robotics: Integrate collaborative robots with custom hardware to enable end-to-end autonomous experimentation.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with scientists, AI/ML researchers, and software engineers to translate scientific requirements into automated, AI-driven laboratory systems.
Safety & Compliance: Design fault-tolerant hardware and software with a focus on chemical, thermal, and robotic safety.
Vendor Management: 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.
Additional Responsibilities as needed:
Contribute to technical reports, patent applications, and technology transfer activities.
Mentor junior researchers and students, supporting their professional development.
We are looking for:
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.
Desired skills/knowledge:
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.
Additional information:
Appointment type: This is a full-time, 2 year, term appointment that may be renewed to a maximum of five years.
Salary range:
The expected salary for this position is $106,400 - $123,200, which fits into the full salary of $101,400 - $231,000 depending upon the candidate’s skills, knowledge, and abilities. This includes education, certifications, and years of experience.
Background check:
This position is subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
Work modality: Work will be primarily performed at: Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. A REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification is required to access Berkeley Lab sites (for more information click here ).
Union Represented: This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes.
Equal Employment Opportunity Employer:
The foundation of Berkeley Lab is our Stewardship Values: Team Science, Service, Trust, Innovation, and Respect; and we strive to build community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We heartily welcome applications from all who could contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, excellence, and professionalism. In support of our rich global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories under State and Federal law.
Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer. For additional information, click here.
