Research and Prototyping Engineer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Research and Prototyping Engineer

Company: Arcturus

Location: Los Angeles, California, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Engineering / Science & Research / Manufacturing

Date Posted: 2026-06-05

Experience Level: 0-2 Years (Entry-Level/Internship)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This is a hands-on, entry-level engineering role focused on the research, development, and prototyping of novel wire technology using carbon nanomaterials and metal matrix composites.

• The position involves direct support to the technical team across critical areas including nanomaterial integration, additive manufacturing, process engineering, and materials testing.

• Candidates will be instrumental in building foundational experimental data, supplier databases, and process documentation for a groundbreaking materials platform.

• This role is ideal for a highly curious, organized, and detail-oriented individual eager to learn and contribute in a fast-paced deeptech startup environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Research and Prototyping Engineer," the description and requirements clearly indicate this is an entry-level or co-op position, suitable for individuals with 0-2 years of experience, likely still pursuing or recently graduated with a technical degree. The role emphasizes learning and contribution rather than independent project leadership.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Nanomaterial Integration Support:

  • Build and maintain a comprehensive database of carbon nanomaterial and powder suppliers, meticulously tracking vendor details, material specifications, pricing, lead times, and sample availability.
  • Assist in organizing and managing a detailed recipe matrix for carbon nanomaterial integration, documenting material types, loading levels, feedstock, processing routes, and resulting performance metrics.
  • Support basic nanomaterial handling, sample preparation, meticulous experimental tracking, and data organization.

• Additive Manufacturing Assistance:

  • Help build and maintain Bill of Materials (BOMs), equipment lists, vendor quote trackers, and component comparison tables for additive manufacturing setups.
  • Support fixture and tooling development through CAD, with a preference for Onshape or similar platforms, contributing to the design and iteration process.
  • Assist in organizing a CAD library for experimental setups, including sample holders, coupons, and specialized test hardware.
  • Support additive manufacturing experiments through preparation, precise documentation, build tracking, and careful post-build sample handling.

• Process Engineering Support:

  • Contribute to flash sintering fixture iterations, including CAD updates, part sourcing, assembly, testing, and thorough documentation of the process.
  • Assist in creating and refining Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for sample preparation stages such as polishing, sectioning, mounting, cleaning, labeling, and tracking.
  • Support cylinder coupon workflows, encompassing sample preparation, processing, inspection, measurement, and detailed documentation.
  • Help translate experimental procedures into clear, repeatable work instructions and detailed lab notes to ensure consistency and reproducibility.

• Testing and Characterization Support:

  • Assist with internal materials testing, including but not limited to Raman spectroscopy, electrical characterization, mechanical characterization, polishing, and microscopy.

  • Help prepare samples and data packages for external testing, vendor evaluations, partner validations, and customer-facing demonstrations, ensuring data integrity.

  • Coordinate with external vendors and testing labs, managing quotes, sample shipments, testing status updates, and results tracking.

  • Maintain clear and organized technical documentation, including detailed lab notes, test summaries, experimental results, and documented lessons learned.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are structured to support senior engineers by focusing on data management, preparation, documentation, and direct assistance in experimental execution across multiple engineering disciplines. This implies a need for strong organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Currently pursuing or recently completed a Bachelor of Science (BS), Master of Science (MS), or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Manufacturing Engineering, or a closely related technical field. Experience:

• 0-2 years of experience, ideally including academic research, internships, or hands-on projects in a laboratory or experimental setting.

• Experience in a hardware startup, university research lab, or advanced manufacturing environment is a strong plus. Required Skills:

• Technical Curiosity: A strong, demonstrable curiosity and a proactive willingness to learn across multiple engineering and scientific disciplines.

• Hands-On Aptitude: Comfort and proficiency in working hands-on in a laboratory, shop floor, or experimental environment.

• Organization & Detail: Exceptional organizational skills, meticulous attention to detail, and a high degree of reliability in documentation and task execution.

• Execution & Communication: Ability to take direction effectively, ask insightful questions, and execute tasks quickly and efficiently.

• Adaptability: Eagerness to work in a fast-moving startup environment where priorities can shift rapidly.

• Documentation: Proficiency in maintaining clear, detailed, and accurate technical documentation (lab notes, experimental results, SOPs).

Preferred Skills:

• Materials Science Background: Experience with carbon nanomaterials (e.g., graphene, carbon nanotubes), metallurgy, powder processing, or advanced materials characterization techniques.

• Manufacturing Experience: Familiarity with additive manufacturing processes, powder handling, and fixture development.

• Characterization Techniques: Experience with Raman spectroscopy, microscopy, SEM/EDS, electrical testing, or mechanical testing.

• CAD Proficiency: Experience with CAD software, particularly Onshape or similar parametric modeling tools.

• Research & Data Management: Experience with literature reviews, supplier research, managing technical databases, or experimental data organization.

• Process Development: Familiarity with developing and documenting Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications blend academic background with essential soft skills like curiosity, organization, and adaptability. The preferred skills indicate specific technical areas that would provide a candidate with an advantage, reflecting the core technologies Arcturus is developing.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Experimental Design & Execution: Showcase examples of designed experiments, including methodology, setup, and execution, demonstrating an understanding of scientific rigor.

• Data Management & Analysis: Present instances where you collected, organized, and analyzed experimental data, highlighting any insights derived or conclusions drawn.

• Process Documentation: Include examples of SOPs, lab notes, or technical reports that demonstrate your ability to document processes clearly and thoroughly.

• Prototyping & Fixturing: If applicable, include designs or fabricated components for experimental setups, fixtures, or tooling, showcasing CAD skills and practical application.

• Supplier & Vendor Research: Demonstrate experience in researching and evaluating suppliers, materials, or equipment, including data compilation and comparison.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Examples of how you have mapped out or contributed to the design of experimental workflows or laboratory processes.

• SOP Development: Evidence of creating or refining SOPs for experimental procedures, sample preparation, or equipment operation.

• Data Tracking Systems: Experience in setting up or utilizing systems for tracking experimental parameters, results, and materials.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an entry-level role, a formal portfolio might not be strictly required, but candidates are strongly encouraged to prepare examples of their work that align with these requirements. This could include academic projects, internship deliverables, or personal projects demonstrating relevant skills. The focus is on process, documentation, and data handling.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• As an entry-level or co-op position, compensation will likely be hourly or a fixed stipend, reflecting industry standards for internships and junior engineering roles in the Los Angeles area. While not specified, an estimated range for a full-time, on-site Research and Prototyping Engineer with 0-2 years of experience in Los Angeles, California, would typically fall between $50,000 - $75,000 annually, or approximately $25-$36 per hour. This estimation is based on general industry benchmarks for technical roles in high-cost-of-living areas, considering the startup environment and the specialized nature of the work. Benefits:

• Hands-on Technical Experience: Gain invaluable practical experience with cutting-edge materials science, additive manufacturing, and deeptech development.

• Mentorship: Work closely with and learn from senior technical leads and experienced engineers in nanomaterials, manufacturing, and process engineering.

• Project Ownership: Receive real ownership over meaningful technical projects, including database development, fixture design, experimental execution, and documentation.

• Exposure to Startup Environment: Direct exposure to the dynamics and challenges of building a deeptech startup from its early stages.

• Potential for Full-Time Employment: A one-year co-op experience with the possibility of transitioning to a full-time role if the fit is mutually beneficial.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are expected, likely around 40 hours per week. Flexibility may be available depending on project needs and team coordination, but the role is on-site, requiring consistent presence during core business hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on typical entry-level engineering roles in the specified location and industry. Benefits are focused on the experiential and developmental aspects crucial for early-career professionals in a startup.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Advanced Materials / Deeptech / Manufacturing Technology (specifically focusing on carbon nanomaterials for conductor applications). Arcturus operates at the intersection of materials science, additive manufacturing, and electrification, aiming to revolutionize components for electric motors, energy grids, and robotics.

Company Size: Early-stage startup (exact employee count not specified, but implied to be small and growing). This size suggests a highly collaborative, agile, and hands-on work environment where individual contributions have a significant impact.

Founded: Arcturus is a relatively new company, focusing on developing a novel wire technology stack. This implies a culture of innovation, rapid iteration, and a strong emphasis on scientific discovery and engineering problem-solving.

Team Structure:

• Technical Core: The role reports to and works closely with technical leads and senior engineers who are experts in nanomaterials, additive manufacturing, process engineering, and testing.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: While the primary focus is technical support, collaboration will likely extend to other early team members as the company grows, potentially including business development, operations, and research scientists.

• Agile Development: Expect a dynamic structure where individuals may contribute across different project phases and technical areas as needed, fostering a lean and efficient operational approach.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Experimentation: The company's core mission relies on rigorous experimentation, data collection, and analysis to validate and refine its technology.

• Iterative Prototyping: A strong emphasis on building, testing, and refining prototypes to overcome material limitations and achieve performance goals.

• Documentation & Knowledge Management: A focus on creating robust documentation (SOPs, databases, lab notes) to capture learnings, ensure reproducibility, and build institutional knowledge.

Company Website: https://arcturus.io/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on deeptech and novel materials suggests a culture that values scientific rigor, innovation, and perseverance. The early-stage nature means team members wear multiple hats and contribute broadly.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an entry-level or co-op engineering position, specifically focused on research and prototyping. It is an excellent starting point for individuals looking to build a career in materials science, additive manufacturing, or deeptech engineering.

Reporting Structure: The Research and Prototyping Engineer will work closely with and report to senior technical leads and engineers within the company. This provides a direct mentorship opportunity and clear guidance on project execution.

Operations Impact: While not a traditional "revenue operations" role, the work directly impacts the company's ability to develop and validate its core technology. Successful prototyping, data collection, and process refinement are critical steps that enable future product development, partnerships, and ultimately, revenue generation. The engineer's contribution to building the experimental foundation is paramount to Arcturus's success.

Growth Opportunities:

• Deep Technical Skill Development: Significant opportunity to gain hands-on experience and expertise in specialized areas such as carbon nanomaterials, additive manufacturing processes, materials characterization techniques, and CAD.

• Broader Engineering Exposure: Exposure to multiple facets of engineering and product development within a deeptech startup, allowing for exploration of different career paths within the field.

• Leadership Potential: For individuals who excel, demonstrate strong initiative, and contribute significantly, there is potential for increased responsibility, project leadership, and a long-term career path within Arcturus as the company scales.

• Industry Network: Building connections with senior engineers, potential collaborators, and industry partners within the advanced materials and cleantech sectors.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a launchpad for a technical career. Growth is defined by acquiring specialized skills, gaining broad exposure to the startup ecosystem, and potentially moving into more senior technical or leadership roles within Arcturus.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Arcturus is a startup, likely operating from a combination of office and laboratory/workshop space. The environment will be dynamic, with dedicated areas for research, prototyping, and testing.

Office Location(s): Los Angeles, California. This location offers access to a vibrant tech and manufacturing ecosystem.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative & Hands-on: The workspace will be geared towards hands-on experimentation and close collaboration. Expect to work alongside engineers and potentially share lab equipment and resources.

• Tools & Technology: Access to laboratory equipment for materials characterization, additive manufacturing machinery, CAD workstations, and necessary software for data management and analysis.

• Team Interaction: Frequent interaction with the core technical team, fostering a culture of open communication, knowledge sharing, and collaborative problem-solving.

Work Schedule:

• The role is on-site, requiring consistent presence during standard business hours to effectively support ongoing experiments and team activities. While a 40-hour work week is standard, the startup environment may occasionally require flexibility to meet project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is critical for a role involving hands-on lab work, prototyping, and direct team collaboration. The Los Angeles location places it within a significant hub for innovation and manufacturing.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your application, resume, and any provided supplementary materials to assess academic background, relevant skills, and alignment with the role's requirements.

• Technical Interview(s): Likely to involve discussions with technical leads and senior engineers. Expect questions about your academic projects, lab experience, understanding of materials science fundamentals, and problem-solving approaches. Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your experience.

• Hands-on Assessment/Challenge: Potentially a practical exercise or a case study related to prototyping, data analysis, or process documentation. This could involve discussing how you would approach a specific experimental setup or troubleshoot a common lab issue.

• Cultural Fit Interview: An opportunity to discuss your interest in Arcturus, your understanding of startup environments, and how you collaborate within a team. Questions will likely focus on your curiosity, adaptability, and motivation.

• Final Interview: May involve meeting with founders or senior leadership to discuss long-term fit and potential contributions.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Relevance: Focus on projects that demonstrate skills directly applicable to the job description: materials characterization, CAD design, process documentation, data analysis, supplier research, or experimental setup.

• Showcase Process: For each project, explain your role, the methodology used, the challenges faced, and the outcomes. Emphasize your process for problem-solving and documentation.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, quantify the results of your work. For example, "Improved sample preparation time by X%" or "Identified Y potential suppliers meeting Z criteria."

• Visual Aids: If you have CAD models, lab photos, or data visualizations, include them to make your portfolio more engaging.

• Conciseness: Present your work clearly and concisely. For an entry-level role, focus on quality over quantity.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Technology: Research Arcturus's core technology (carbon nanomaterials, metal matrix composites, additive manufacturing for conductors) to understand the context of the challenges.

• Review Fundamental Concepts: Refresh your knowledge on core materials science principles, basic mechanical/electrical/chemical engineering concepts, and common lab techniques.

• Practice Problem-Solving: Think about how you would approach common experimental challenges, such as sample preparation issues, equipment malfunctions, or data interpretation ambiguities.

• Demonstrate Documentation Skills: Be ready to articulate how you would document an experiment or process clearly and effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process emphasizes practical skills and cultural fit, crucial for an early-stage startup. A portfolio, even if informal, is highly recommended to showcase relevant capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Onshape (preferred), SolidWorks,

Fusion 360, or similar parametric modeling tools for fixture and tooling design.

• Laboratory Equipment: Access to and experience with equipment for:

  • Materials Characterization: Raman Spectroscopy, Microscopy (Optical, SEM/EDS if available), potentially XRD.
  • Mechanical Testing: Tensile testers, hardness testers.
  • Electrical Characterization: Multimeters, potentiostats, impedance analyzers.
  • Sample Preparation: Polishing equipment, sectioning saws, mounting presses.

• Additive Manufacturing: Familiarity with printers and processes relevant to metal or composite powder-based additive manufacturing (e.g., Binder Jetting, SLM/DMLS if applicable).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Software: Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, potentially Python (with libraries like Pandas, NumPy) or MATLAB for data manipulation and analysis.

• Documentation Tools: Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides), note-taking applications (e.g., Evernote, OneNote).

• Database Management: Experience with creating and managing spreadsheets or simple databases for tracking suppliers, materials, and experimental data.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this technical role, but familiarity with project management or task tracking tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira) might be beneficial for managing experimental workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: Specific tool proficiency, especially with Onshape and common lab equipment, will be highly advantageous. The emphasis is on practical application of these tools in an experimental and prototyping context.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Curiosity & Learning: A deeply ingrained value for continuous learning, asking "why," and exploring new ideas in materials science and manufacturing.

• Hands-On Contribution: A culture that values practical application and direct involvement in experimental work over theoretical discussion alone.

• Precision & Rigor: A commitment to accurate data collection, meticulous documentation, and robust experimental design to ensure reliable results.

• Adaptability & Resilience: An understanding that startup environments require flexibility, the ability to pivot quickly, and perseverance through challenges.

• Collaboration: A belief in teamwork, open communication, and mutual support to achieve shared technical goals.

Collaboration Style:

• Direct & Interactive: Expect frequent direct communication with team members, with an emphasis on brainstorming solutions, sharing findings, and providing constructive feedback.

• Process-Oriented: Collaboration often revolves around specific experimental procedures, data reviews, and problem-solving sessions related to ongoing projects.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that encourages sharing of learnings, best practices, and insights gained from experiments and research, fostering collective growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values reflect a typical high-performing deeptech startup culture, emphasizing scientific integrity, practical execution, and teamwork.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Novel Technology: Working with materials and processes that are at the forefront of research means encountering uncharted territory and unexpected technical hurdles.

• Rapid Iteration Cycles: The fast-paced startup environment requires quick turnarounds on experiments and prototyping, demanding efficiency and focus.

• Balancing Breadth and Depth: The role is broad, requiring engagement across multiple engineering disciplines. Learning to manage this breadth while developing deeper expertise in specific areas will be a key challenge.

• Resource Constraints: As an early-stage startup, resources (time, equipment, budget) may be limited, requiring creative problem-solving and prioritization.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Skill Acquisition: Deep dive into topics like carbon nanomaterial science, advanced additive manufacturing techniques, and sophisticated materials characterization.

• Industry Exposure: Gain firsthand experience with the challenges and opportunities of commercializing cutting-edge deeptech innovations.

• Cross-Disciplinary Understanding: Develop a holistic view of product development, from fundamental materials research to prototyping and testing.

• Mentorship and Guidance: Benefit from direct mentorship from experienced engineers and scientists, accelerating professional growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to working in a pioneering deeptech startup, offering significant growth potential for those who embrace them.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Process Approach: "Describe your approach to designing and documenting a new experimental procedure for material characterization." - Preparation: Think about SOPs, safety considerations, parameter definition, and data logging.

• Problem Solving: "Imagine a batch of material samples processed via additive manufacturing showed inconsistent electrical conductivity. How would you investigate this issue?" - Preparation: Outline a systematic troubleshooting process, including potential causes (material homogeneity, process parameters, testing errors) and diagnostic steps.

• Data Interpretation: "How do you ensure the accuracy and reliability of experimental data you collect?" - Preparation: Discuss calibration, control samples, statistical methods, and peer review.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Motivation: "What specifically about Arcturus's mission and technology excites you?" - Preparation: Research Arcturus's website, understand their core technology and its potential impact.

• Startup Environment: "How do you handle ambiguity and changing priorities in a fast-paced work environment?" - Preparation: Provide examples of your adaptability and proactive approach to managing uncertainty.

• Teamwork: "Describe a time you collaborated with others on a technical project. What was your role and how did you contribute to the team's success?" - Preparation: Focus on communication, shared goals, and conflict resolution.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: For each project in your portfolio, tell a clear story: what was the problem, what was your approach, what did you do, what were the results, and what did you learn?

• Focus on Process: Emphasize your methodology, documentation practices, and how you overcame challenges.

• Technical Depth: Be prepared to discuss the technical details of your projects at a level appropriate for an engineer.

• Conciseness: Present your most impactful projects efficiently, respecting the interviewer's time.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of technical aptitude, problem-solving skills, and a genuine enthusiasm for Arcturus's innovative work and startup culture.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Research and Prototyping Engineer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Ashby.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight academic projects, research experience, lab skills, and any experience with materials science, additive manufacturing, CAD, or data analysis. Use keywords from the job description.

• Portfolio Preparation: Assemble examples of your work that demonstrate your capabilities in experimental design, process documentation, CAD, data analysis, or prototyping. Be ready to discuss these in detail.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Arcturus's technology, mission, and the advanced materials industry. Understand their unique value proposition.

• Interview Practice: Prepare for technical questions by reviewing fundamental engineering and materials science concepts, and practice articulating your project experiences and problem-solving approaches.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with Arcturus through their application process.