Quality Engineer, Analytical Development & Quality Control - Mechanical Testing

Terrestrial Bio; Walnut Hill (MA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Terrestrial Bio, Inc. in Massachusetts is seeking a Research Associate/Quality Engineer to perform mechanical testing of materials and MAP devices and support QC release testing in a fast-paced, early-phase setting.

You will operate Instron and other force-measurement systems, develop test methods, ensure data integrity under GMP/GLP, and collaborate with QC, Analytical Development, and Manufacturing teams to drive product development and regulatory readiness.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field with 1–3 years of mechanical testing/QC experience or a Master’s with lab experience.
• Hands-on experience with mechanical testing instruments such as Instron/Texture Analyzer or equivalent.
• Familiarity with GMP/GLP or ISO 17025 laboratory environments and data integrity (ALCOA+).
• Experience developing or qualifying mechanical test methods for materials or devices.
• Experience supporting QC release testing, method qualification, or equipment qualification.

Responsibilities

• Perform mechanical testing of materials, components, and MAP products using Instron or comparable systems (tensile, compression, shear, puncture, and force-displacement profiling).
• Conduct high-resolution surface metrology and dimensional inspection using 3D optical profilometry systems.
• Develop, optimize, and maintain mechanical test methods for product characterization and verification/validation.
• Execute routine QC mechanical release testing aligned with cGMP expectations and data integrity.
• Troubleshoot issues, maintain instrumentation, and document calibrations.
• Analyze data, prepare technical reports, and maintain audit-ready records.
• Author method SOPs, analytical protocols, and technical reports; support regulatory submissions.
• Collaborate with QC, Analytical Development, Process Development, Manufacturing, and Regulatory teams.

Skills

Mechanical testing

QC testing

Instron testing

Tensile testing

Data analysis

Technical reports

Cross-functional

Communication

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master’s degree or lab experience

Related discipline

Tools

Instron

Texture Analyzer

GMP/GLP/ISO 17025

Surface profilometry

Job description

About Terrestrial Bio, Inc.

Terrestrial is transforming the delivery of next-generation therapies, starting with GLP-1.

Terrestrial's proprietary Tacterra™ microarray patch (MAP) and applicator platform consists of a patch resembling an adhesive bandage, which is applied with a preloaded applicator and removed after a few minutes. Once applied, each patch delivers bioactive tips into the skin, which dissolve quickly into the body, rapidly releasing their therapeutic payload. Designed for self-administration, the temperature-stable Tacterra™ platform enables precise, controlled delivery of a wide range of therapeutics without medical sharps or refrigeration.

Terrestrial has generated strong clinical and in-vivo proof of concept across multiple molecules. For more information, visit www.terrestrialbio.com.

Why this role

We are seeking a talented, collaborative, and highly motivated individual with hands‑on experience in mechanical testing and QC laboratory operations to join our core team of scientists and engineers. The Research Associate/Quality Engineer will be responsible for performing mechanical testing of materials and components using instruments such as Instron, or equivalent force‑measurement systems.

This role will support tensile, compression, shear, puncture, and force displacement characterization to ensure product performance, robustness, and compliance with internal quality standards. In addition, the individual will contribute to method development, qualification activities, and routine QC release testing to support clinical and commercial manufacturing programs.

This is a unique opportunity to be part of an emerging early‑phase clinical company bringing innovative technology to the global market.

What you'll do

• Perform mechanical testing of materials, components, and finished MAP products using Instron, or comparable systems, including tensile, compression, shear, puncture, and force displacement profiling
• Conduct high‑resolution surface metrology and dimensional inspection of manufacturing mold and other components using Sensofar 3D optical profilometry systems
• Develop, optimize, and maintain mechanical test methods to support product characterization, comparability studies, and design verification/validation activities
• Execute routine QC mechanical release testing aligned with cGMP expectations and data integrity standards
• Troubleshoot mechanical testing issues, support instrumentation maintenance, and ensure proper calibration and documentation
• Analyze mechanical test data, prepare technical reports, and document all activities in audit‑ready laboratory records
• Independently author method SOPs, analytical protocols, and technical reports, and contribute to regulatory submissions
• Assist in broader QC testing efforts as needed, including support for analytical, functional, and stability assays
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with QC, Analytical Development, Process Development, Manufacturing, and Regulatory teams to enable program success across phases

Who you are

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Biomedical Engineering, or a related discipline; 1–3 years of relevant mechanical testing or QC experience, or a master’s degree with applicable laboratory experience
• Hands‑on experience with mechanical testing instruments such as Instron, Texture Analyzer, or equivalent force‑measurement systems
• Demonstrated proficiency in tensile, compression, shear, puncture, and force–displacement mechanical characterization
• Experience developing, optimizing, and/or qualifying mechanical test methods for materials, components, or finished products
• Experience supporting QC release testing, method qualification, method transfer, or equipment qualification
• Familiarity with GMP, GLP, or ISO 17025 laboratory environments and strong understanding of data integrity (ALCOA+)
• Ability to analyze mechanical test data, generate clear technical reports, and maintain accurate documentation
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple workflows and prioritize effectively in a fast‑paced environment
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and comfort working within interdisciplinary teams

Compensation: The anticipated base salary range for this position is $65,000 - $85,000. Actual compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors including experience, qualifications, and internal equity.

Onsite expectations: The majority of our roles at Terrestrial are onsite, which allows us to meet both business and team needs. Candidates applying must be willing to be onsite 4-5 days per week.

Location: Woburn, MA and our new, custom facility in Allston MA planned for Q4 of 2026.

At Terrestrial, we’re bringing together exceptional talent to drive our product development forward. We value collaboration, curiosity, and a dynamic work environment. We aim to recruit, employ, train, compensate and promote regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, age, or veteran status.