periodic-labs
Research Engineer, Lab Automation
$200K
Menlo Park, CA · On-site · Full-time · Posted Aug 15, 2026
- Education
- PhD in Materials Science, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent research experience); minimum education is PhD or equivalent combination of education and hands-on research experience.
- Visa sponsorship
- Yes, we sponsor visas.
About the job
Build automated thin-film research workflows by translating scientific goals into instrument setups, hardware requirements, and reliable data-collection processes.
What you'll do
- Translate scientists’ experimental goals into hardware and workflow requirements; evaluate and configure deposition and characterization equipment.
- Design and prototype workflows linking thin-film deposition, characterization, and data collection; help define and test instrument integration.
- Troubleshoot instruments and workflows, and collaborate with AI and data scientists on experimental data formats.
What they ask for
- Hands-on thin-film lab experience, including film deposition and characterization.
- Strong working knowledge of deposition equipment and supporting hardware, including vacuum systems, gas handling, and temperature control.
- Ability to translate scientific intent into clear technical requirements and communicate with scientists and engineers.
- Python skills for instrument interaction, experimental data manipulation, and automation workflow prototyping.
Nice to have
- Experience integrating or retrofitting instruments, controllers, or sensors for automation.
- Experience with closed-loop experimentation or lab data systems such as electronic lab notebooks or LIMS.
Pay
$200,000-$250, USD base salary
Tools
Python, vacuum systems, gas handling, temperature control, electronic lab notebooks, LIMS
AI focus
Collaborate with AI and data scientists to capture experimental conditions and results in formats that support analysis and planning.
Model-written summary · the original posting is authoritative