Analytical Lab Technician

Found Industries•Cambridge, MA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Analytical Lab Technician is responsible for the day-to-day operation of Found Industries’ analytical laboratory, providing testing and data that support research, engineering, and process development. Working primarily with ICP, XRF, and SEM, the technician prepares and analyzes samples to characterize materials and evaluate experimental outcomes. The role owns the analytical workflow from receiving and organizing testing requests through reviewing data quality and delivering clear, traceable results to the originating scientist or engineer. This is a full-time, on-site position in Cambridge, Massachusetts, reporting to the Senior Principal Electrochemical Engineer. Found Industries offers a competitive base salary with early-stage equity.

Requirements

Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in chemistry, materials science, or a related technical field, or equivalent practical laboratory experience.
Hands-on analytical laboratory experience, including sample preparation and operation of complex material characterization equipment.
Understanding of calibration, analytical quality control, contamination prevention, and accurate laboratory documentation.
Ability to perform concentration and dilution calculations and use spreadsheets and instrument software to organize, check, and report data.
Ability to follow established procedures, work independently after training, manage competing requests, and communicate clearly with technical teams.
Experience handling chemicals safely and following laboratory safety and waste management procedures.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and/or Google Workspace tools.
Safety-conscious, proactive, and effective in a fast-paced startup environment.
Ability to work full-time on-site in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Nice To Haves

Experience with multiple core instruments and with elemental analysis or materials characterization of liquid and solid samples.
Familiarity with electronic laboratory notebooks or laboratory information management systems and routine instrument troubleshooting.
Experience supporting research, process development, or metals and materials testing, including complex or corrosive sample matrices.
Strong attention to detail, dependable follow-through, and a service-oriented approach to supporting scientists and engineers.
Curiosity, practical problem-solving skills, and willingness to learn new instruments and adapt as testing needs evolve.

Responsibilities

Manage the day-to-day analytical testing workflow, including sample intake, request tracking, scheduling, and communicating expected turnaround times.
Prepare, label, handle, and store samples according to established procedures.
Operate ICP-OES, XRF, and SEM instruments using approved methods to perform testing requested by scientists and engineers.
Perform instrument calibration and quality control checks; identify questionable results and coordinate repeat testing or escalation as needed.
Compile and deliver accurate, timely results to the original requester, clearly identifying samples, methods, units, and relevant limitations.
Maintain traceable records linking each testing request and sample to preparation details, raw data, quality checks, and final results.
Perform routine instrument care, maintain equipment logs, monitor consumables, and coordinate service needs to keep the analytical laboratory ready for testing.
Document procedures and support improvements to testing consistency, turnaround time, and reporting.
Follow laboratory safety, chemical handling, and waste management procedures.