Engineering Technician

unchainedlabs; Pleasanton (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Unchained Labs is seeking an Engineering Technician to join a dynamic, fast-paced team of scientists, software, and hardware engineers. You will lead testing on one product line from start to finish, evaluating prototypes and validating next-generation software while working hands-on with a range of instruments from compact to large workflow systems.

You will develop test methods, analyze results, and propose design improvements, with a focus on reliable, rock-solid products that reach the lab

Qualifications

• 1 to 3 years engineering experience.
• Experience using CAD and PDM systems.
• Experience with machine shop equipment and tools.
• Experience with wiring and soldering.
• Experience in integration of electronics with mechanical systems.
• Experience with life science tools is a plus.
• Firmware, software, or script writing is a plus.
• Excellent documentation, organizational, teamwork, troubleshooting, problem solving, and communication skills.
• Be flexible and ready when the going gets tough to help us meet customer needs.

Responsibilities

• Apply engineering principles and independent judgment to develop and evaluate prototypes supporting next-generation products across the organization.
• Develop test methods, experimental plans, and acceptance criteria to evaluate prototype performance and reliability.
• Analyze test results, investigate complex technical failures, and recommend design or process changes based on engineering findings.
• Design and improve prototype fixtures, tooling, and assembly methods to address product development challenges.
• Evaluate engineering lab and prototype shop capabilities; recommend equipment, methods, and process improvements to support development priorities.
• Create engineering documentation, including test protocols, technical reports, design recommendations, and supporting analyses.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to evaluate technical alternatives and resolve product development issues.
• Perform prototype assembly, modifications, and testing in support of assigned engineering investigations.

Skills

CAD

PDM systems

Machining tools

Wiring and soldering

Electronics integration

Life science tools

Firmware scripting

Documentation

Collaboration

Troubleshooting

Tools

CAD

PDM

Machining tools

Job description

Job Description: Engineering Technician

The Top Line

Here's the deal. We're all about helping researchers break free from tools that just don't cut it. Unleashing problem tackling products that make a huge difference in the real science our customers do every day. And we're growing! This is your chance to join an awesome, growing and fast-paced group developing unbelievably cool life science products! We thrive on moving fast, taking risks and persevering through failure. We embrace the unknown and we are happy to make mistakes. We are there for each other and we crave diversity because we know that building a truly diverse tribe will make us better at everything.

The Job

Join a cool, fun team as we work together with top-notch scientists, software developers, and hardware engineers to build next-generation science tools. Stand out amongst your peers by leading the testing efforts on one of the product lines from start to finish. Get a great opportunity to play with small size analytical instruments to large size workflow instruments while verifying and validating next generation software. We dig in and test hard, ensuring rock-solid stability before products reach the lab. If you love the joy of the hunt, come join the effort to root out anything standing in the way of releasing a first-class product.

Responsibilities

• Apply engineering principles and independent judgment to develop and evaluate prototypes supporting next-generation products across the organization.
• Develop test methods, experimental plans, and acceptance criteria to evaluate prototype performance and reliability.
• Analyze test results, investigate complex technical failures, and recommend design or process changes based on engineering findings.
• Design and improve prototype fixtures, tooling, and assembly methods to address product development challenges.
• Evaluate engineering lab and prototype shop capabilities; recommend equipment, methods, and process improvements to support development priorities.
• Create engineering documentation, including test protocols, technical reports, design recommendations, and supporting analyses.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to evaluate technical alternatives and resolve product development issues.
• Perform prototype assembly, modifications, and testing in support of assigned engineering investigations.

Unchained Labs supports a flexible work schedule. This role requires an on-site presence at our Pleasanton office most days to support laboratory and prototype development activities.

Qualifications

• 1 to 3 years of relevant engineering experience
• Experience using CAD & familiarity with using PDM systems
• Experience with machine shop equipment and tools
• Experience with wiring & soldering
• Experience in integration of electronics with mechanical systems
• Experience working on life science tools is a plus
• Experience with firmware, software, or script writing is a plus
• Excellent documentation, organizational, teamwork, troubleshooting, problem solving, and communication skills
• Be flexible and ready when the going gets tough to help us do whatever needs to get done to meet our customer's needs

Compensation

The US base salary range for this full-time position is $70,000 - $80,000. This salary range is an estimate, and the actual base salary may vary based on the Company's compensation practices. This role is also eligible for our annual bonus, comprehensive health and retirement benefit programs.

US Jobs must have pay transparency on all JD's

US pay range $70,000 - $80,000 USD