Mechanical Engineer, Lab Automation & Materials Systems
Overview
You will own the mechanical design and build of integrated lab systems that scale materials synthesis and characterization at Periodic Labs. You'll turn vague, early-stage problems from scientists into clear requirements and build-ready hardware, working alongside AI agents and multidisciplinary teams. This role spans concept through fabrication, assembly, and operational bring-up, with hands-on building and vendor management. You'll define engineering culture here: deep, ambitious, and tightly coupled to scientific work at a fast-growing AI and physical sciences company.
What You'll Do8
- 1Design and build lab automation systems and instrumentation from concept through installation, owning mechanical design end to end.
- 2Translate vague, early-stage scientific needs into clear engineering specifications and hardware solutions.
- 3Layout and design core lab systems including gloveboxes, furnaces, presses, deposition equipment, and consumables.
- 4Program and troubleshoot robots integrated into lab workflows, customizing machines to fit evolving scientific needs.
- 5Produce CAD, mechanical drawings, and documentation with GD&T to support in-house builds and subcontracted manufacturing.
- 6Assemble hardware hands-on and manage subcontracted manufacturing across machining, additive, sheet metal, and welding.
- 7Apply a strong safety mindset throughout design and build, with attention to engineering and process controls.
- 8Engage directly with scientists and technicians to uncover real workflow needs and convert them into effective hardware.
Requirements8
- 12+ years of mechanical design experience with hands-on and vendor-facing manufacturing exposure (machining, additive, sheet metal, welding).
- 2Proficiency in CAD (Onshape or equivalent) and hand calculations.
- 3Demonstrated ability to write clear requirements and own projects from concept to completion.
- 4Experience assembling and building physical hardware, not just designing it on paper.
- 5Comfort working closely with scientists and technicians to translate workflow needs into engineering requirements.
- 6Experience programming and controlling robots or other automated lab systems.
- 7Experience working in software repos with agentic collaboration.
- 8Experience dispensing challenging materials, measurement and test experience, or design for high-temperature service.
Salary Insight
$200 - $300k per year
Location
Required Skills
Similar open positions
Explore active roles that match your skills and interests.
Periodic-Labs
VerifiedI&C Technician | Electrical CAD | Periodic Labs
You will own electrical instrumentation and controls support at Periodic Labs, a startup building an autonomous lab for high-throughput materials discovery. You'll build and manage complex electrical CAD assemblies in AutoCAD, wire low-voltage 24VDC control enclosures, and integrate MFCs, thermocouples, and EtherCAT fieldbuses. Your work directly enables superconducting materials research with cryogenic systems. Unlike traditional lab tech roles, you'll influence lab design and automation strategy from day one.
Clera
VerifiedMechanical Engineer, Robotics & Autonomous Systems
Own mechanical systems for harsh-environment autonomous robots at a lean robotics startup, from concept through production. Design and test platforms that survive extreme temperatures, corrosion, and water exposure. Join a nimble team of aerospace and defense veterans, directly shaping fielded robots. SolidWorks and ANSYS drive your design work, with hands-on assembly and troubleshooting. This role offers end-to-end ownership and direct impact on emergency response, industrial, and defense deployments.
Actalent
VerifiedMechanical Engineer at Actalent - Large Format Robotic 3D Printing Equipment
Lead the design and engineering lifecycle of complex mechanical assemblies for large-format robotic 3D printing construction equipment. Own cross-functional design reviews and select COTS components to optimize performance. Drive verification and validation plans while collaborating with manufacturing teams. Manage documentation in PDM/PLM systems and provide field deployment support. Apply AI-driven tools for candidate assessment while adhering to strict compliance and safety standards.
Reframesystems
VerifiedMechanical Engineer Co-op, Robotics & Physical AI
You will own mechanical design and prototyping for Reframe Systems' microfactory, delivering high-performance housing with Physical AI and robotics. You'll join a cross-disciplinary team of engineers, architects, and software developers, rotating across active projects that shape factory workcells, fixtures, and tooling. This role is hands-on: you'll cut, weld, and machine your own parts, iterating from rough sketch to production-ready hardware in days, not weeks. What sets this apart is the full-loop ownership: design it, build it, test it, fix it, and ship it.
Motion Recruitment Partners, LLC
VerifiedSenior Mechanical Design Engineer Robotics
Lead design of next generation warehouse automation systems at a fast growing VC backed robotics company. Develop AI powered robotic solutions enhancing safety and efficiency across complex warehouse environments. Seeking mechanical engineer to own projects at scale.
Actalent
VerifiedLead Automation Engineer
We are seeking a Lead Automation Engineer to lead the design integration and optimization of factory-wide automation systems supporting high-volume optical module manufacturing. This role provides technical leadership for AGVs OHT systems robotics and smart inventory solutions. Responsibilities include leading planning commissioning and optimization of automation systems integrating with MES WMS SECS/GEM and E84. Managing automation vendors through design FAT/SAT installation qualification and performance improvement. Troubleshooting complex mechanical electrical controls software and communication issues. Optimizing cleanroom automation layouts material flow traffic routing and manufacturing efficiency. Creating and maintaining SOPs engineering standards equipment documentation and troubleshooting guides. Providing technical leadership mentoring and training to engineering and maintenance teams. Supporting new product introductions factory expansions and critical production events.