We're starting to be good at (1) using machine learning to "learn" designs for components much faster than naive-genetical-algorithms (aka "evolution"), and this will only get better as ML improves, and (2) we're getting better and better at simulating-in-software biological-like processes (and quantum computing will help with this). So we are pretty much in shape to vaaaaaastly outpower 3bn years of evolution.
A virtual + physical nanobots-evolution-gym where AI agents evolve and compete at creating better and better self-replicating nano-machines will give you the nightmare scenario easily...
Basically anything related to the combo of "ML + nanotech" should be carefully watched and monitored!
(And if you're willing to not start from scratch but instead use existing bio-building-blocks like viruses and bacteria, and don't have as high goals as "consuming all matter on earth" and instead you settle for "most multi-cellular living matter" then technically we already have the capabilities. You probably know what I mean.)