R&D Engineer – Product & Process Development

Pendar Technologies•Cambridge, MA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Pendar Technologies is seeking a hands-on scientist or engineer to bridge advanced research and development with manufacturing. The role applies scientific fundamentals, experimental ingenuity, and multidisciplinary problem-solving to transform sophisticated optical instruments into reliable, manufacturable products. The engineer will develop production processes, fixtures, and automated systems, and drive improvements in product performance, reliability, and manufacturing efficiency. The position is suited to candidates with deep technical curiosity who want to build expertise and take increasing ownership of products and manufacturing technologies. Exceptional recent PhD graduates are encouraged to apply. The role is fully on-site in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and reports to the VP of Optomechanical Engineering. It involves close collaboration with R&D and manufacturing teams and Pendar's founding scientists and engineers.

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, as well as 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 and responsibility over time.

Responsibilities

Develop and refine product designs, assembly methods, alignment procedures, manufacturing processes, and verification methods to translate complex 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 resolve them.
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 deep expertise in the instruments and manufacturing processes, taking on increasing responsibility for their technical performance and continued improvement.