Senior Software Engineer, Applied AI

Senior Software Engineers at Lila Sciences play a pivotal role in leading the technical design and implementation of AI systems. Their core responsibilities include creating scalable frameworks for research workflows, developing applications using large language models, and architecting ML pipelines for data management. They also collaborate across teams, optimize performance of agentic workflows, and mentor junior engineers, ensuring high code quality and effective project execution.

To qualify for the Senior Software Engineer position at Lila Sciences, candidates should have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, along with a minimum of 5 years of experience in deploying scalable software systems in production. Proficiency in cloud platforms like AWS, GCP, or Azure, understanding of containerization technologies such as Docker and Kubernetes, and experience with machine learning pipelines are essential. Effective communication and collaboration skills are also critical for success in this role.

The work environment for Senior Software Engineers at Lila Sciences is dynamic and collaborative. The company fosters a culture that values diversity of thought, enabling creative solutions in scientific research. Teams work in unstructured environments that encourage innovative thinking, collaboration among various cross-functional specialists, and open communication. Employees are empowered to bring their unique perspectives to the table, ensuring that all voices are heard and valued.

Senior Software Engineers at Lila Sciences work with a variety of cutting-edge technologies including those related to artificial intelligence such as large language models, machine learning frameworks, and modern cloud infrastructure. They also interact with tools for workflow orchestration like Temporal or Airflow, and apply DevOps best practices through infrastructure-as-code instruments like Terraform and CloudFormation to build robust, scalable ML pipelines.

Lila Sciences is committed to the professional growth of its Senior Software Engineers by fostering a culture of mentorship and knowledge sharing. Engineers are encouraged to lead projects, set best practices, and engage in continuous learning opportunities. The company values innovation and supports participation in professional development programs, giving engineers the resources they need to expand their skills and advance their careers in the applied AI space.

In answering this question, highlight specific projects where you've implemented AI systems. Discuss any frameworks or models you’ve worked with, your role in those projects, and any outcomes achieved. Emphasize how your experience aligns with the AI-driven objectives of Lila Sciences.

When discussing your collaboration strategies, provide examples of how you've effectively communicated complex ideas to different audiences, such as scientists or product teams. Share specific instances of successful collaboration that resulted in project advancements, demonstrating your teamwork skills and adaptability.

For this question, talk about your experience with code reviews, testing methodologies, and documentation processes. Explain how you implement best practices in your team and provide examples of how these practices have improved project workflows or outcomes.

Here, discuss a specific challenge you encountered in a software project. Explain the problem, the thought process behind your solution, and the technologies involved. Highlight how your approach aligns with the innovative nature of Lila Sciences and any positive impacts your solution had on the project.

In response, clarify your familiarity with platforms like AWS, GCP, or Azure and describe specific projects where you utilized cloud technologies. Discuss how cloud computing has enabled scalability and efficiency, directly relating your experience to the cloud initiatives at Lila Sciences.

Discuss your understanding of the components that contribute to efficiency in machine learning pipelines. Mention aspects such as data handling, model training, performance monitoring, and deployment. Provide insight on how you ensure optimal performance, which aligns with the goals of the Senior Software Engineer role at Lila Sciences.

Reflect on your mentoring philosophy and share specific experiences of mentoring in your career. Discuss how you help junior engineers grow their skills, foster a collaborative environment, and encourage knowledge sharing according to the culture at Lila Sciences.

Outline your experience with tools such as Airflow, Temporal, or others you've used. Provide examples of how you've implemented these tools to manage complex data workflows and the impact they had on project success, particularly in the context of Lila Sciences' focus on automation.

Discuss the resources, communities, or platforms you engage with to stay updated on AI advancements. Highlight how you integrate these developments into your work and how this continuous learning can benefit your role at Lila Sciences.

Here, share your passion for the convergence of technology and life sciences. Discuss specific aspects of applied AI that you find fascinating, like its potential to revolutionize therapeutic discovery, and articulate how that connects to your desire to contribute at Lila Sciences.