(Jr.) R&D Hardware Engineer

Laminar; Somerville (MA); On-site; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare coverage

Flexible PTO

401(k) with employer matching

Transportation benefit

Health and wellness benefit

Job summary

An innovative cleantech startup in Somerville, MA is seeking an entry-level Hardware Engineer to join their dynamic team. The role involves designing prototype PCBs, developing test strategies, and integrating sensors into existing systems. Ideal candidates have a background in electronics design and programming skills in Python, C, or C++. This position offers equity, a robust benefits package, and opportunities for professional growth within an inclusive and creative work environment.

Qualifications

• 1-5 years entry level experience in electronics design, mechanical design, and data analysis.
• Ability to read and debug electrical schematics.
• Clear, efficient, and respectful communicator.

Responsibilities

• Design prototype PCBs from commercially available and custom sensors using KiCAD.
• Develop test strategies alongside the Laminar Data Analysis team.
• Assemble complex PCBAs using reflow soldering techniques.

Skills

Electronics design

Mechanical design

Data analysis

PCB SMD and THT soldering

Basic coding (Python, C, C++)

Tools

KiCAD

Solidworks

Zephyr RTOS

Job description

Our pay ranges are established per Pave Compensation Software. We’re also proud to offer equity in our fast-growing startup and one of the most comprehensive benefits packages among startups at our stage. Laminar pays 100% of the individual health insurance premium for HMO medical, vision, and dental, offers flexible PTO, a $90/month transportation benefit, a $65/month health and wellness benefit, FSA, 12 company-paid holidays, an employer-matching 401(k) (unheard of at this stage!), and Greentown Labs membership, among other valuable resources. (*subject to change)

At Laminar (formerly H2Ok Innovations), we're leading the charge in cleantech innovation, reshaping process industrials and manufacturing to drive operational efficiency and sustainability for our world’s most foundational industries. Powered by our Laminar AI Co-pilot models and state-of-the-art sensors, our solutions optimize facility performance across various processes, including process manufacturing, production, water management, energy reduction, and waste minimization. Based at Greentown Labs, North America's premier cleantech innovation community, we're a woman-founded startup backed by renowned investors like Greycroft, Construct Capital, 2048 Ventures, and Flybridge Capital. Our groundbreaking technologies have earned accolades and adoption from industry giants like Unilever, The Coca‑Cola Company, ABinBev, and Mitsubishi Electric. We're committed to unlocking untapped data for our customers, empowering them to gain a competitive edge and create Industry 4.0.

Transforming our most foundational sectors of society is hard. Very hard. But we’re building an empire. And empire building is not easy. It’s deeply fulfilling, and you will learn and grow tremendously while driving sustainable impact globally with some of the largest players that make everything we eat, use, and wear. Our culture is to foster extraordinary growth within our teammates. We believe in autonomy, ownership, empowerment, demanding excellence, being mission‑driven. We believe in creativity, authenticity, and extraordinary growth. We’re looking for relentless, ambitious, creative, and exceptional people to join our team and build the factory of the future.

We’re seeking an entry level Hardware Engineer whose work will focus on new system Research and Development. You will work closely with Senior Engineers across both the Hardware and Embedded Systems teams to rapidly evaluate new technologies, test performance of sensing systems, and integrate them into field prototypes. This role will perform PCB design, assembly and testing along with basic firmware development. We value a self‑sufficient, hands‑on engineer who isn’t afraid to ask questions and learns new skills quickly. Your work will directly impact our hardware product design, improve prototype iteration speed, and help Laminar to save more resources every day.

What You Will Do

• Design protype PCBs from commercially available and custom sensors using KiCAD, Solidworks, and simulation softwares such as PSPICE
• Develop and implement test strategies alongside the Laminar Data Analysis team. Collect and present this data in informal and formal reviews to allow for rapid analysis and sensor comparisons.
• Assemble complex PCBAs using reflow soldering techniques. Rework non-functional units and perform modifications as needed during board bringup.
• Work closely with Hardware and Operations teams to improve component accounting and tracking
• Integrate sensors to established testing platform using Zephyr RTOS
• Bring new ideas and creatively pursue new approaches to product sensing to solve critical problems for our clients.
• Contribute to the overall hardware team by providing design, assembly, and debug assistance on multiple projects
• Travel Requirement:Travel to customer sites to get hands on experience (10%)

About You

• 1-5 years (entry level) experience in electronics design, mechanical design, and data analysis
• Electronics experience: PCB SMD and THT soldering, rework, troubleshooting, oscilloscope use, digital signal analysis
• Ability to read and debug electrical schematics
• Basic coding experience: Python, C, C++
• Generalist mindset: comfortable working with all parts of electromechanical assemblies, data logging, as well as system‑level topics
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
• Clear, efficient, and respectful communicator, good at balancing multiple projects and shifting priorities

Preferred

• Extensive project or work experience in electronics design, chemical process engineering or
• Experience working with PCB contract manufacturers, machine shops both domestic and international
• PCB design experience with microcontrollers, industrial communications protocols and analog electronics combined
• Significant prior experience navigating the balance between “move fast and break things, but not the important things”
• Experience with Zephyr RTOS
• Direct impact on product and culture.
• Comprehensive benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Disability, Transportation benefit, Health and Wellness benefit, and more.
• 401k plan with employer matching
• Equity
• Competitive salary and bonus opportunities.
• Dynamic and inclusive work environment.
• Opportunities for growth and professional development.
• Access to Greentown Labs' extensive network of cleantech startups.

Why Laminar (formerly H2Ok Innovations)?

Impact: Work on cutting‑edge AI and sensor tech that’s already transforming how factories use water, energy, and chemicals. Join a tight‑knit, ambitious team where your contributions can reshape the industry.

Growth: Join a fast‑growing startup where you’ll have the opportunity to shape our content strategy. We value fostering extraordinary growth in our teammates.

Innovative Culture: Work in a high‑performance environment that values empowerment, creativity, ownership, autonomy, innovation, excellence, passion, and continuous growth.

Sustainability Focus: Play a key role in promoting sustainability and Industry 4.0 advancements in manufacturing.

Build the intelligence layer powering the next generation of industrial efficiency – with a team that moves fast and delivers real impact.

Our Interview Process

1. Phone screen with Laminar Head of Ops or Recruiter (15-20 minutes)

2. Intro call with Hiring Manager (30 minutes)

3. On‑site interview, including short tour of GTL, overview of tech, and interview/presentation with the Hiring Manager and a few team members. Depending on the role, a skills exercise that should take no longer than an hour to prep, would be sent ahead of time. We record your skills exercise to share with any team members who could not join the interview and/or with Founder's ahead of their Founder's Interview. If you are not local, we can conduct this virtually.

4. Finalists for Full‑Time positions will have a Founder’s Interview in‑person

Final steps:

Two professional references are requested, ideally one from your current organization and one who served as your Manager

If an Offer Letter is extended, a Background check is conducted

A recent study from LinkedIn showed that most women apply to jobs only when they meet 100% of the requirements, whereas men will hit the apply button if they hit 60%. Laminar (formerly H2Ok) is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. So, to the women and nonbinary folks out there feeling unsure if you're a perfect fit, we strongly encourage you to apply! If you're ready to play a key role in scaling a game‑changing company that’s transforming the industrial sector and advancing sustainability, we want to hear from you!

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