Associate R&D Engineer
About The Position
Transaera is a fast-growing, VC-backed startup, dedicated to redefining the future of air conditioning with cutting-edge, sustainable solutions. Based in Somerville, MA, we’re tackling one of the planet’s most pressing challenges: making cooling more efficient, affordable, and environmentally friendly. At Transaera, you’ll join a passionate team of engineers, scientists, and visionaries committed to creating a cooler, greener future. Everyone here owns outcomes, not just tasks. If you want to build something from scratch and leave your mark on a growing company, you'll fit right in. Learn more about our revolutionary work at www.transaera.com . The Role Transaera is seeking an Associate Test Engineer to support the day-to-day operation of the custom test rigs that power our R&D program. In this hands-on role, you will operate multiple test systems, improve their reliability and efficiency, analyze performance data, and provide recommendations based on your findings. Because our test rigs are designed and built in-house, we are looking for someone who is proactive, resourceful, and comfortable working independently. This is an entry-level opportunity, but candidates should have demonstrated experience with hands-on experimentation and problem-solving. We're especially interested in individuals who: Are excited about the future of climate technology. Thrive in a fast-paced, growing startup environment. Take initiative, solve problems proactively, and are not afraid to ask questions.
Requirements
- BS in mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, physics, or a related field. Recent graduates welcome.
- Hands-on experience with custom or instrumented test setups from a research lab, co-op, internship, or engineering project team.
- Experience carrying experiments from design through execution and analysis of your own data (Python, MATLAB, or Excel).
- Demonstrated ability to work independently: troubleshoot unexpected results, identify root causes, and resolve issues before escalating.
- Strong attention to detail in record-keeping and documentation.
- Comfortable with hand tools, basic wiring, and daily hands-on lab work.
Nice To Haves
- Parametric CAD (SolidWorks, Onshape, or Fusion 360) and rapid prototyping experience such as 3D printing.
- Coursework or applied background in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or heat and mass transfer; psychrometrics a plus.
- Data acquisition experience: LabVIEW/NI hardware, Arduino or Raspberry Pi instrumentation, sensor selection and integration.
- Prior experience at a startup or in a small-team environment.
Responsibilities
- Operating custom test rigs including sample preparation, test execution, teardown, and reporting of results.
- Improving rig reliability, calibration, throughput, and data collection, including automating routine measurements where practical.
- Analyzing test data, identifying trends and anomalies, and presenting conclusions and recommendations to the engineering team.
- Monitoring results as they are generated, investigating and resolving anomalies as they arise, and communicating findings and corrective actions.
- Maintaining calibration schedules, standard operating procedures, and test documentation.
- Supporting prototype builds and materials trials alongside the chemistry and manufacturing teams.
- Contributing to fixture and rig design and fabrication (CAD, 3D printing) as opportunities arise.
Benefits
- Competitive salary + meaningful equity in a VC-backed company
- Work directly with founders, executives and have a real seat at the table
- Mission-driven work to help bring about a revolution in HVAC technology
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
