Lab Automation Engineer

General Description

We are seeking a motivated and organized Chemist/Physicist/Engineer to join a multi-disciplinary team of scientists and engineers in support of developing novel materials and systems relevant to the automotive, aerospace and defense industries. Perform cutting-edge R&D and build systems to automate experiments under the supervision of staff scientists within the areas of materials engineering, physical/inorganic chemistry, and electrochemistry.

• Work with chemists, physicists, and engineers to understand their experimental needs and design equipment to allow them to perform experiments and material processing.
• Design, build, and operate demonstration systems and experimental apparatus for measuring processes and the effect of materials in systems.
• Example experimental systems include proxy test setups to mimic aerospace and automotive conditions/environments at the lab scale. These apparatuses may control fluid flow, electrochemical processes, high temperature processing, and material joining.
• Perform experiments, collect data, validate data, and perform data analysis from experiments using complex experimental equipment.
• Manage upgrades of laboratories with HRL facilities. Such as acting as the custodian of equipment such as glove boxes, furnaces, and possibly electron microscopes. Perform troubleshooting when broken and call for external maintenance as needed.

• Calibrate and validate both commercial and home-built experimental equipment.
• Functional use of Solid Works or other CAD software.
• Must be able to work well in a dynamic team environment with several ongoing projects at once and possess excellent communication skills.
• Experience working in a wet chemistry lab; formulation and compounding of materials and paints is a plus.
• Functional use of Python, LabVIEW, or another programming language to automate experiments and control data collection is a plus.

BS or MS degree in chemistry, physics, or engineering.

• Must be capable of performing extended analysis at computer workstations.
• Must be able to work safely in electrical testing and wet chemistry laboratories.

• U.S. Citizenship with ability to obtain and maintain a US Government security clearance.

The base salary range for this full-time position is $105,700 - $132,200 + bonus + benefits.

Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for the position. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range during the hiring process.

Please note that the compensation details listed reflect the base salary only, and do not include potential bonus or benefits.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA employer M/F/D/V. We maintain a drug‑free workplace and perform pre‑employment substance abuse testing.