Hardware Engineer (Lab Engineer)

Job Title: Hardware Engineer (Lab Engineer)

Location: Mountain View CA (Hybrid – Tue, Wed, Thur Onsite for 3 days)

Duration: 6 months contract

We are seeking a versatile and proactive Lab Engineer to join our team on a temporary basis.

This role is ideal for a hands-on engineer who thrives in a multidisciplinary environment and enjoys the challenge of moving between optics, electronics, software, and mechanical systems.

You will play a critical role in supporting our team by bridging the gap between theoretical design and physical testing.

Key Responsibilities

• Test Integration: Design, assemble, and troubleshoot lab setups involving lasers, sensors, and optomechanical components.
• Data Acquisition: Write and maintain custom code (Python, Aerotech Aeroscript, MATLAB, or LabVIEW) to automate engineering tests and streamline data collection.
• Calibration & Maintenance: Perform routine calibration of high-precision test systems to ensure data integrity.
• Execution & Analysis: Conduct Design of Experiments (DOE), collect data, and perform analysis.
• Documentation: Author detailed test reports and prepare presentations for the broader engineering team.
• Multidisciplinary Support: Provide technical assistance across various projects, balancing priorities while working independently.

Required Qualifications

• Education: B.S. in Physics, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Software Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 3 years work experience, including demonstrated laboratory experience in:
• Optics & Lasers: Handling optical components, optical imaging systems, laser physics, and laser safety protocols.
• Mechatronics: Setting up necessary embedded systems (e.g. microcontrollers, PLCs, linux computers) and integration of actuators & sensors for experiment control and data acquisition.
• Optomechanics: Precise mounting and alignment of optical elements.
• Software: Experience writing scripts and simple programs in LabView, Python, Matlab, and/or C (for embedded systems such as microcontrollers) for data acquisition, sensor & actuator control, and data analysis.

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Clean Room Operations: Familiarity with working in a clean, controlled environment (ISO class 5/6/7).
• Design of Experiments (DOE): Experience in structured statistical approaches to testing.
• Advanced Mechatronics: Experience with motion control systems and precision stages.

Russell Tobin offers eligible employee’s comprehensive healthcare coverage (medical, dental, and vision plans), supplemental coverage (accident insurance, critical illness insurance and hospital indemnity), 401(k)-retirement savings, life & disability insurance, an employee assistance program, legal support, auto, home insurance, pet insurance and employee discounts with preferred vendors.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Russell Tobin is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of the race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, reproductive health decision making, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Fair Chance Employment

Russell Tobin is a Fair Chance employer. We consider all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with applicable state and local Fair Chance laws and ordinances, including, the California Fair Chance Act and all applicable local Fair Chance ordinances.

Accommodations

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, or to perform the essential functions of this role, please contact us.

Only applicable for San Francisco Candidates: Under the San Francisco Lactation in the Workplace Ordinance, we will provide written notice of lactation accommodation rights, and this notice will automatically be given upon hiring, any inquiry of parental leave or lactation accommodation.