Research Engineer, Lab Automation

1 week ago

Menlo Park, CA, United States Periodic Labs Full time
About Periodic LabsWe are an AI + physical sciences lab building state of the art models to make novel scientific discoveries. We are well funded and growing rapidly. Team members are owners who identify and solve problems without boundaries or bureaucracy. We eagerly learn new tools and new science to push forward our mission.
What to Expect

Join a world-class team of scientists and engineers pushing the boundaries of materials research in a groundbreaking lab where AI and automation unlock discoveries at unprecedented speed and scale.

We're looking for a materials-minded Research Engineer who is excited by the prospect of using lab automation and AI to accelerate the discovery of new materials. You'll collaborate with our materials scientists to conceptualize new ways to automate scientific processes, and work with mechanical and robotics engineers to prototype and test proof-of-concept systems, and eventually refine them into production-ready tools that can generate reliable data every day.

Responsibilities
  • Translate scientific goals into an automation roadmap: identify high-value targets, outline benefits and risks, and prioritize what to build next.
  • Plan, run, and analyze proof-of-concept experiments
  • Write clear user requirements and partner with engineers and vendors to turn them into practical designs and build plans.
  • Co-develop and evaluate prototypes designs-iterate quickly with mechanical, robotics, and controls engineers to develop reliable lab automation systems
  • Define data and metadata needs so automated workflows produce trustworthy, reusable results.
  • Support installation and commissioning; ensure the resulting system fits the lab's safety, usability, and reliability standards.
Qualifications
  • PhD in Materials Science (or related field) or equivalent experience, with a track record of hands-on experimental work.
  • Demonstrated engineering instincts-custom instruments, automation-focused PhD work, or post-PhD industry experience in automation.
  • Strong experimental design and data analysis (e.g., Python or similar), with a bias toward measurable results.
  • Familiarity with one or more relevant domains: thin films, solid-state synthesis, in-situ characterization, or automated property testing.
  • Clear communicator who can translate between scientists, engineers, and vendor partners.
Bonus Qualifications
  • Broad general experience with inorganic materials synthesis, characterization, and testing
  • Experience selecting, operating, and maintaining scientific instruments
  • Accomplishments recognized in your field

  • Field Service Automation Engineer

    4 days ago

    Menlo Park, CA, United States Levitas, Inc. Full time

    LevitasBio is Unlocking a New Dimension in Cellular Analysis Here at LevitasBio, we are advancing science by offering, for the first time, an unbiased and unperturbed view of biology. Our proprietary label-free levitation technology enables researchers to analyze and isolate cells without introducing bias, high pressure, and modifications to gene expression...

  • Field Service Automation Engineer

    2 weeks ago

    Menlo Park, CA, United States Levitas, Inc. Full time

    LevitasBio is Unlocking a New Dimension in Cellular Analysis Here at LevitasBio, we are advancing science by offering, for the first time, an unbiased and unperturbed view of biology. Our proprietary label-free levitation technology enables researchers to analyze and isolate cells without introducing bias, high pressure, and modifications to gene expression...

  • Field Service Automation Engineer

    2 weeks ago

    Menlo Park, CA, United States Levitas, Inc. Full time

    LevitasBio is Unlocking a New Dimension in Cellular Analysis Here at LevitasBio, we are advancing science by offering, for the first time, an unbiased and unperturbed view of biology. Our proprietary label-free levitation technology enables researchers to analyze and isolate cells without introducing bias, high pressure, and modifications to gene expression...

  • PhD Research Intern

    2 days ago

    Menlo Park, CA, United States Fundamental Research Labs Full time

    About the Role We're looking for smart, motivated, and curious PhD students to join us next summer or earlier as Research Scientist Interns. This is a unique opportunity to explore new research directions in AI, reinforcement learning, and multi-agent systems while working alongside a small, elite team of researchers and engineers. You will not be...

  • Software Engineer, Machine Learning

    4 days ago

    Menlo Park, CA, United States Snowflake Computing Full time

    Snowflake is about empowering enterprises to achieve their full potential - and people too. With a culture that's all in on impact, innovation, and collaboration, Snowflake is the sweet spot for building big, moving fast, and taking technology - and careers - to the next level. We are seeking a Software Engineer to join a joint R&D initiative between the...

  • Software Engineer, Machine Learning

    1 week ago

    Menlo Park, CA, United States Snowflake Computing Full time

    Snowflake is about empowering enterprises to achieve their full potential - and people too. With a culture that's all in on impact, innovation, and collaboration, Snowflake is the sweet spot for building big, moving fast, and taking technology - and careers - to the next level. We are seeking a Software Engineer to join a joint R&D initiative between the...

  • Software Engineer, Machine Learning

    1 week ago

    Menlo Park, CA, United States Snowflake Computing Full time

    Snowflake is about empowering enterprises to achieve their full potential - and people too. With a culture that's all in on impact, innovation, and collaboration, Snowflake is the sweet spot for building big, moving fast, and taking technology - and careers - to the next level. We are seeking a Software Engineer to join a joint R&D initiative between the...

  • Software Engineer, Machine Learning

    3 hours ago

    Menlo Park, CA, United States Snowflake Computing Full time

    Snowflake is about empowering enterprises to achieve their full potential - and people too. With a culture that's all in on impact, innovation, and collaboration, Snowflake is the sweet spot for building big, moving fast, and taking technology - and careers - to the next level. We are seeking a Software Engineer to join a joint R&D initiative between the...

  • Research Software Engineer

    2 days ago

    Menlo Park, CA, United States SLB Full time

    SLB's Software Technology Innovation Center (STIC) is looking for an experienced software engineer with enthusiasm to explore new technologies and drive innovation projects in the Foundations Lab. Drawing on solid foundations in computer science and experience with a variety of technologies, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to build...

  • Research Software Engineer

    1 week ago

    Menlo Park, CA, United States SLB Full time

    SLB's Software Technology Innovation Center (STIC) is looking for an experienced software engineer with enthusiasm to explore new technologies and drive innovation projects in the Foundations Lab. Drawing on solid foundations in computer science and experience with a variety of technologies, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to build...