Research Associate – Analytical Operations & QC Coordinator

Thintronics®; Alameda (CA); On-site; USD 73,000 - 109,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Vision insurance

Dental insurance

Unlimited PTO

Equity

Job summary

Thintronics is seeking a detail-oriented Research Associate to run the AIM team's lab backbone, handling sample intake, instrument scheduling, QC on data, and documentation to keep data reliable for product decisions.

The role blends hands-on lab work (50–70%) with strong focus on process, SOPs, and cross-functional collaboration across Thintronics. Local Alameda, CA candidates preferred; startup pace with emphasis on rigor and consistency.

Qualifications

• BS or higher in materials science or chemical engineering or related field.
• Laboratory experience including running multiple tests in parallel.
• Ability to manage sample tracking, documentation, and data organization.
• Basic understanding to evaluate whether a measurement or sample falls within expected range.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate sample intake and tracking across analytical testing pipeline.
• Schedule, calibrate, and maintain instrumentation.
• Establish and enforce QC checks on experimental data and test results.
• Maintain and improve SOPs, recordkeeping systems, and documentation standards for lab operations.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to prioritize testing queues and manage turnaround times.
• Identify and implement process improvements to increase lab throughput and data quality.

Skills

Lab organization

Sample tracking

Data management

Instrumentation maintenance

Quality control

Documentation

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

B.S. in Materials Science or Chemical Engineering

M.S. in Materials Science or Chemical Engineering

Tools

TGA

DMA

TMA

DSC

Rheometer

FTIR

SEM

Keyence laser confocal

Universal testing system

Peel tester

Split post dielectric resonator

Job description

Thintronics is solving one of the defining challenges in modern computing: moving massive amounts of data and power between chips at unprecedented speeds and densities. As Moore's Law slows, performance is increasingly defined by advanced packaging, chiplets, and high-density substrates. Our materials technology enables new levels of interconnect density, signal integrity, and power delivery inside next-generation semiconductor packages. We partner directly with leading IDMs, foundries, substrate manufacturers, and OSATs building the most advanced AI and HPC platforms in the world.

Thintronics is a start-up company located in Alameda, CA. We are a team of chemists, materials scientists, and engineers shaping the future of data and devices. We offer an exciting start-up environment at the interface of R&D, machine learning-aided product design, manufacturing, and rapid market implementation.

Job Role – Who We Want

Thintronics is looking for a detail-oriented and highly organized Research Associate to keep our Analytical Intelligence for Materials (AIM) Team running smoothly and reliably. This role owns the operational backbone of the analytical lab: sample intake and tracking, instrument scheduling and calibration/maintenance, quality control on measurement data, and documentation/recordkeeping standards. You'll ensure that the physical characterization work happening in the lab (thermal, mechanical, and dielectric testing) is consistent, well-documented, and audit ready, so the broader team can trust the data driving product decisions and QC of manufactured rolls.

This is a great fit for someone who thrives on structure, process, and follow-through rather than open-ended experimentation. We are looking for someone who gets satisfaction from a well-run lab, clean data, and nothing falling through the cracks. As part of a start-up team, you will wear many hats, and while there is meaningful hands-on lab work involved (50-70% of time), the core value you add is consistency, rigor, and operational reliability. This role is collaborative both within the AIM team and cross-functionally across Thintronics. Specific duties may evolve based on the needs of our quickly growing company as well as your skillset/interests.

Core Responsibilities

• Coordinate sample intake and tracking across analytical testing pipeline
• Schedule, calibrate, and maintain instrumentation
• Establish and enforce QC checks on experimental data and test results
• Maintain and improve SOPs, recordkeeping systems, and documentation standards for lab operations
• Partner with cross-functional teams to prioritize testing queues and manage turnaround times
• Identify and implement process improvements to increase lab throughput and data quality

Minimum Qualifications:

• B.S. in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline
• Previous laboratory experience (e.g., internship), including exposure to running multiple concurrent tests/samples in an organized manner
• Demonstrated ability to manage sample tracking, documentation, and data organization in a lab setting
• Basic understanding for evaluating whether a measurement or sample falls within expected range
• Must be able to move up to 25 pounds

Preferred Qualifications:

• M.S. in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline
• 2–4+ years of relevant industry/start-up experience
• Experience independently operating and/or maintaining analytical instruments including TGA, DMA, TMA, DSC, rheometer, FTIR, SEM, laser confocal microscope (Keyence), universal testing systems, peel testers, split post dielectric resonator
• Track record of managing high-volume or concurrent testing workloads without sacrificing quality or turnaround times
• Direct experience making or contributing to QC/pass-fail decisions
• Preference will go to local candidates

Level (Research Associate through Senior Research Associate) will depend on overall qualifications, years of experience, and technical assessment during interview process.

• 100% employee coverage for Health/Vision/Dental Insurance
• Unlimited PTO policy + Company Holidays
• Equity/Stock Options
• The base salary range for this position is $73,000–$109,000 per year. Actual compensation will depend on the candidate's experience, skills, and qualifications.

Thintronics is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.