R&D Engineer – Product & Process Development

Pendar Technologies•Cambridge, MA

1d•$110,000 - $140,000•Onsite

About The Position

Pendar Technologies is seeking a hands-on scientist or engineer to bridge advanced R&D and manufacturing for its instruments used in intelligent chemical analysis. The role combines scientific fundamentals, experimental problem-solving, and work across physical science disciplines to help turn sophisticated optical instruments into reliable, manufacturable products. The engineer will develop processes, fixtures, and automated systems for production; investigate challenging technical issues; and improve product performance, reliability, quality, yield, and manufacturing efficiency. Exceptional recent PhD graduates are encouraged to apply, with opportunities to build deep product expertise and take increasing technical ownership over products and manufacturing technologies. This full-time, fully on-site position is based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It reports to the VP of Optomechanical Engineering and collaborates with R&D, manufacturing, and other engineering teams, as well as the company’s founding scientists and engineers. The salary range is $110,000–$140,000, depending on experience and qualifications.

Requirements

PhD in physics, applied physics, engineering, or a related physical science.
Strong scientific fundamentals and experimental skills, including the ability to design experiments, build and troubleshoot complex apparatus, analyze results, and solve unfamiliar technical problems.
Solid understanding of optics, mechanics, and related physical phenomena, with the ability and curiosity to learn across disciplines.
Hands-on experience with mechanical design and prototyping, such as SolidWorks, Onshape, machining, or 3D printing.
Experience with electronics, instrumentation, controls, and automation.
Proficiency in programming and quantitative data analysis using Python or similar tools.
Independence, resourcefulness, attention to detail, a strong sense of ownership, and motivation to solve difficult problems and develop technical expertise.

Responsibilities

Develop and refine product designs, assembly methods, alignment procedures, manufacturing processes, and verification methods to translate prototypes into reliable, manufacturable products.
Investigate multidisciplinary technical issues involving optics, mechanics, electronics, thermal behavior, controls, and interacting physical phenomena.
Design experiments, develop models, and apply quantitative analysis to understand and resolve technical problems.
Design, build, and improve precision fixtures, automated test and calibration stations, experimental setups, and manufacturing equipment.
Identify and address root causes of production variability, failures, and inefficiencies, including through design changes when necessary.
Improve product quality, yield, reliability, and manufacturing throughput.
Work with R&D, manufacturing, and other engineering teams from initial investigation through implementation and validation of solutions.
Develop comprehensive expertise in the instruments and manufacturing processes, taking increasing responsibility for their technical performance and improvement.