Analytical Lab Technician

Found Industries•Cambridge, MA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Found Industries is a Cambridge, Massachusetts-based industrial technology company developing technologies to recover critical materials from industrial processing streams and convert aluminum into fuel for industrial heat and power. The Analytical Lab Technician is responsible for day-to-day operation of the analytical laboratory and provides 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 checking data quality and delivering clear, traceable results to the requesting scientist or engineer. The position is full-time and on-site in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and reports to the Senior Principal Electrochemical Engineer.

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 approach and effectiveness 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 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 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 to conduct requested testing using approved methods.
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 requester, identifying samples, methods, units, and relevant limitations.
Maintain traceable records connecting testing requests and samples 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 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.