Senior Research and Prototyping Engineer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Research and Prototyping Engineer Company: Arcturus Location: Los Angeles, California, United States Job Type: Full-Time Category: Engineering & Research Operations Date Posted: May 11, 2026 Experience Level: Mid-Level to Senior (2-5 years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the design, fabrication, and iteration of novel hardware, test fixtures, and experimental rigs for advanced materials development, focusing on carbon nanomaterial-infused composites.
• Act as a technical force multiplier, translating ambiguous experimental needs into practical, functional hardware solutions that drive rapid prototyping and product development cycles.
• Leverage strong CAD skills and hands-on mechanical and electrical engineering aptitude to build, instrument, and troubleshoot complex systems for performance evaluation.
• Contribute to the development of a new wire technology stack by creating the essential tools and infrastructure for materials testing and validation in a fast-paced startup environment.
• Collaborate closely with technical leads across nanomaterials, additive manufacturing, and process engineering to accelerate the transition from early-stage research to pilot-ready systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within an early-stage technology startup focused on cutting-edge materials science. The "Research and Prototyping Engineer" title, coupled with responsibilities involving hardware design, fabrication, testing, and direct collaboration with technical leads and CEO, indicates a critical, hands-on role that bridges R&D and engineering. The emphasis on turning "ideas, sketches, and experimental needs into real hardware" and being a "force multiplier" suggests a proactive, problem-solving individual essential for the company's foundational technical progress. The category has been refined to "Engineering & Research Operations" to reflect the blend of hands-on engineering and the operational support for research initiatives.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design, construct, assemble, and continuously iterate on prototypes, specialized test fixtures, sample holders, experimental rigs, and essential laboratory hardware.
• Collaborate with technical leads to translate nascent experimental requirements and concepts into tangible, functional hardware, robust test setups, and detailed build plans.
• Develop comprehensive CAD designs for individual components, intricate fixtures, complex assemblies, specialized tooling, and critical test infrastructure, with a preference for Onshape.
• Fabricate and modify mechanical systems utilizing a range of methods including machining, advanced 3D printing, integration of off-the-shelf components, and hands-on fabrication techniques.
• Provide essential support for electrical test setups, encompassing wiring, circuit assembly, sensor integration, power supply management, data acquisition systems, and basic control system implementation.
• Construct, meticulously align, and troubleshoot laser and optical test setups, managing components such as lenses, mounts, focal distances, working distances, spot sizes, beam path alignment, and practical resolution limitations.
• Build and support experimental gas-flow and vacuum systems for processes like CVD/LCVD, including chamber setup, pump integration, fitting management, gas line configuration, flow control, laminar flow considerations, thermal profiling, and precursor delivery mechanisms.
• Assist in the development of comprehensive test systems designed for the electrical, thermal, mechanical, and environmental evaluation of Arcturus’ novel materials and conductor prototypes.
• Instrument test setups with appropriate sensors, thermocouples, cameras, Data Acquisition (DAQ) systems, microcontrollers, or other necessary measurement tools to capture critical data.
• Systematically debug hardware, test rigs, electrical setups, and experimental systems to identify and resolve issues when performance deviates from expectations.
• Support various stages of the research and development process, including sample preparation, prototype assembly, test execution, precise data collection, and detailed documentation.
• Maintain an organized, functional, and efficient laboratory environment that supports rapid iteration and learning.
• Coordinate effectively with vendors, machine shops, suppliers, and external partners to procure parts, manage component fabrication, and ensure project timelines are met.
• Document designs, test setups, procedures, lessons learned, and build notes with clarity and detail, ensuring reproducibility and enabling future improvements by others.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities have been expanded to provide granular detail on the practical, hands-on nature of the role. Each bullet point connects directly to the core function of building and testing hardware for materials science research. Specific technical areas like laser/optical setups and gas-flow/vacuum systems are highlighted, reflecting the specialized nature of the company's work. The inclusion of vendor coordination and detailed documentation emphasizes the operational aspects of research support.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor of Science (BS), Master of Science (MS), or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or a closely related technical discipline.

Experience:

• A minimum of 3 years of dedicated, hands-on experience in prototyping, test engineering, hardware engineering, product development, lab engineering, or a comparable role.
• Demonstrated ability to take ambiguous technical requirements and translate them into functional, working hardware solutions.

Required Skills:

• CAD Proficiency: Strong skills in Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software, with the ability to design components, fixtures, assemblies, and test hardware from initial concept through to detailed design.
• Mechanical Aptitude & Fabrication: Excellent hands-on mechanical intuition and practical experience in building, assembling, troubleshooting, and improving physical systems and mechanical setups.
• Electrical Engineering Fundamentals: Practical capability in performing basic electrical engineering tasks, including wiring, understanding simple circuits, integrating sensors and instrumentation, and setting up basic data acquisition systems.
• Prototyping & Iteration: Proven experience in rapid prototyping, building iterative designs, and a comfort level with modifying and improving hardware based on testing feedback.
• Problem-Solving & Debugging: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a systematic approach to debugging hardware, electrical systems, and experimental setups.
• Documentation: Clear and concise technical documentation skills, essential for recording build notes, test procedures, design revisions, and experimental summaries.
• Startup Agility: High degree of ownership, attention to detail, and comfort working effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic startup environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Onshape Expertise: Direct experience and proficiency with Onshape CAD software.
• Startup/Research Environment Experience: Prior experience prototyping in a hardware startup, advanced research laboratory, or product development team.
• Test Fixture & Instrumentation Design: Specific experience in designing and building test fixtures or instrumentation for electrical, thermal, mechanical, or materials characterization.
• Automation & Data Acquisition Tools: Familiarity with programming languages and platforms such as Python, Arduino, Raspberry Pi, LabVIEW, or MATLAB for test automation and data collection.
• Sensor & Electrical Systems: Experience with various sensors, DAQ systems, thermocouples, power supplies, high-current testing, resistance measurements, or thermal measurement systems.
• Materials & Manufacturing Familiarity: Experience working with metal components, conductors, electric motors, heat sinks, additive manufacturing processes, machining, or lab-scale manufacturing equipment.
• Vendor & External Coordination: Comfort and experience in coordinating with external vendors, machine shops, and fabrication partners for component sourcing and manufacturing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications section is structured to clearly delineate between essential and preferred skills. Specific software like Onshape and programming languages like Python are highlighted as per the job description. The experience requirement is refined to reflect the "2-5 years" AI-derived range, while emphasizing the practical, hands-on nature and problem-solving skills crucial for this role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrated Prototyping Projects: Showcase 2-3 distinct projects where you designed, built, and tested hardware prototypes. Highlight the problem addressed, your design process, fabrication methods, and key outcomes.
• CAD Design Examples: Include examples of your CAD work, ideally demonstrating complex assemblies, functional fixtures, or detailed component designs. If possible, show how your CAD work translated into physical parts.
• Test Setup Documentation: Present at least one example of a test setup you designed or significantly contributed to. Detail the purpose of the setup, the instrumentation used, data collected, and any challenges overcome.
• Problem-Solving Case Studies: Select one or two instances where you encountered a significant technical challenge in hardware development or testing and detail your systematic approach to diagnosing and resolving it, including the impact of your solution.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Evidence of how you approach designing workflows for prototyping and testing, including considerations for efficiency, iteration speed, and documentation integration.
• Tooling & Fixturing Strategy: Examples of how you conceptualize and design specialized tooling or fixtures to enable specific tests or manufacturing processes.
• System Integration & Debugging: Demonstrate your process for integrating different components (mechanical, electrical, software) into a cohesive system and your methodology for debugging complex issues.
• Data Acquisition & Analysis Procedures: Outline your approach to setting up data acquisition systems, selecting appropriate sensors, and ensuring data integrity for subsequent analysis.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given this is a hands-on engineering role focused on R&D and prototyping, a traditional "operations" portfolio might not be as applicable. This section frames portfolio requirements around showcasing practical engineering skills, design capabilities, and problem-solving through tangible projects. The emphasis is on demonstrating the ability to build, test, and document hardware solutions, which is critical for a role like this in a startup.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on the Los Angeles, California location, the experience level (2-5 years), and the specialized nature of this Senior Research and Prototyping Engineer role, an estimated annual salary range would be $90,000 - $130,000 USD. This estimate accounts for the competitive market for skilled engineers in the Los Angeles tech hub, the company's early-stage startup status requiring attractive compensation to attract talent, and the significant hands-on responsibilities.

Benefits:

• Competitive Cash Compensation: A strong base salary designed to attract and retain top engineering talent.
• Meaningful Equity: Significant stock options or grants, providing employees with a direct stake in the company's success and long-term growth.
• Hands-on Ownership: The opportunity for deep, impactful ownership over critical prototypes, test systems, and experimental infrastructure, offering substantial professional satisfaction.
• Relocation Support: Assistance provided for candidates relocating to the Los Angeles area, easing the transition for new hires.
• Visa Sponsorship: Support for highly qualified candidates requiring visa sponsorship, including H-1B transfers, F-1, or STEM OPT programs, broadening the talent pool.
• Cutting-Edge Project Involvement: The chance to contribute to pioneering work in nanomaterial-enhanced conductors, working on first-of-its-kind materials and manufacturing challenges.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are expected, typically around 40 hours per week. However, given the startup environment and the nature of research and prototyping, flexibility may be required to meet project deadlines and experimental needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: A specific salary range has been estimated based on industry benchmarks for similar roles in Los Angeles, considering the experience level and the startup context. The benefits listed are directly pulled from the job description, with added context relevant to operations professionals (e.g., hands-on ownership). The working hours are noted as standard but with an acknowledgment of potential startup flexibility.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Advanced Materials, Nanotechnology, Energy Technology, Manufacturing Technology. Arcturus is at the forefront of developing a novel wire technology stack using carbon nanomaterials to surpass the performance limitations of traditional metals, particularly in high-temperature applications. This positions them within a high-growth, innovation-driven sector critical for advancements in electric motors, robotics, and the energy grid.

Company Size: Early-stage startup. As an early technical hire, you will be part of a small, agile team where individual contributions have a significant and immediate impact. This environment fosters close collaboration, rapid decision-making, and direct access to leadership.

Founded: Arcturus was founded with the vision to overcome material limitations in high-performance conductor applications. This foundational goal drives a culture of relentless innovation, problem-solving, and a commitment to pushing technological boundaries.

Team Structure:

• Small, Highly Technical Team: The engineering team is composed of specialists in nanomaterials, additive manufacturing, process engineering, and product development.
• Direct Reporting to Leadership: This role reports directly to Lead Engineers and the CEO, indicating a flat hierarchy and direct influence on technical direction.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Close working relationships with leads across various technical disciplines are essential for translating research needs into functional hardware.

Methodology:

• Hands-On & Iterative Development: A strong emphasis on building, testing, debugging, and rapidly iterating on hardware and experimental setups.
• Problem-Solving Driven: The team thrives on tackling complex, first-of-its-kind technical challenges, requiring creative and practical engineering solutions.
• Data-Informed Decisions: While hands-on, the work is grounded in rigorous testing and data collection to validate material properties and prototype performance.

Company Website: https://arcturus.io/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context has been enriched by detailing the specific industry niche, the implications of being an early-stage startup for culture and impact, and the collaborative, hands-on methodology expected. This provides a clearer picture of the work environment for potential candidates.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as a "Senior Research and Prototyping Engineer." This signifies a mid-to-senior level position requiring a strong foundation in engineering principles, significant hands-on experience, and the ability to operate with a high degree of autonomy. It suggests leadership potential in technical execution and problem-solving within the R&D and prototyping domains, rather than traditional management.

Reporting Structure: You will report directly to Lead Engineers and the CEO. This close proximity to top leadership offers unparalleled visibility into the company's strategic direction and decision-making processes. It allows for direct feedback, mentorship, and the opportunity to influence technical strategy from the ground up.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role is foundational and direct. You will be instrumental in creating the physical infrastructure and test systems that enable Arcturus to validate its novel materials and technologies. Your work will directly contribute to the company's ability to demonstrate performance advantages, secure further funding, and move towards commercialization. Success in this role means enabling the core R&D and engineering efforts that define the company's value proposition.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in advanced materials, additive manufacturing, specialized testing methodologies (e.g., high-temperature electrical testing, vacuum systems), and complex hardware design.
• Leadership in Prototyping: As the company grows, the opportunity exists to lead prototyping efforts, mentor junior engineers, and establish best practices for hardware development and lab operations.
• Cross-Disciplinary Skill Development: Gain exposure and practical experience in areas beyond core mechanical engineering, such as electrical engineering, materials science, and process optimization, by working closely with diverse technical leads.
• Impact on Core Technology: Contribute directly to the development of a potentially disruptive technology, offering a unique career path in a cutting-edge field.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career analysis focuses on the "Senior" aspect and the implications of reporting directly to the CEO in a startup. It highlights how this hands-on role contributes to the company's core mission and outlines specific growth paths relevant to an engineering and R&D context, moving beyond generic "career growth."

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is on-site in Los Angeles, California. This indicates a dedicated physical workspace, likely including laboratory facilities, prototyping areas, and potentially office space for design and documentation. The emphasis on "building, testing, debugging" strongly suggests a hands-on laboratory and workshop environment.

Office Location(s): Los Angeles, California. This location offers access to a vibrant tech ecosystem, potential collaborators, and a skilled engineering talent pool. Specific details about the facility's amenities and proximity to transport would be beneficial for candidates.

Workspace Context:

• Hands-On & Collaborative Lab: Expect a dynamic workspace characterized by active prototyping, experimental setups, and a high degree of collaboration among technical team members.
• Access to Tools & Technology: The environment will be equipped with essential fabrication tools (machining, 3D printing), CAD software, and the necessary instrumentation for electrical, thermal, and mechanical testing.
• Direct Interaction Opportunities: Frequent interaction with technical leads and the CEO is expected, fostering a culture of shared problem-solving and rapid knowledge transfer.

Work Schedule: This is a full-time role, likely involving standard business hours (e.g., 9 AM - 5 PM). However, the nature of research and prototyping in a startup environment may necessitate occasional flexibility to accommodate experimental timelines, equipment availability, or critical project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment section emphasizes the "on-site" nature and the practical, lab-focused setting. It connects the workspace context directly to the core responsibilities of building and testing hardware, highlighting the collaborative and tool-rich environment expected in a R&D-focused startup.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening Call: A discussion to assess your foundational skills, relevant experience, and initial fit for the role and company culture. Be prepared to articulate your interest in Arcturus and its mission.
• Technical Interview(s): In-depth discussions focusing on your engineering expertise, problem-solving approach, and familiarity with the required tools and techniques (CAD, fabrication, electrical systems). Expect scenario-based questions and deep dives into your past projects.
• Hands-On Assessment/Portfolio Review: This stage will likely involve a detailed review of your portfolio, showcasing specific projects. You may be asked to walk through your design process, fabrication challenges, and the outcomes of your work. A practical demonstration or a take-home challenge related to prototyping or test setup design could be part of this stage.
• Meet the Team/Leadership: Opportunities to interact with key technical leads and potentially the CEO to assess cultural fit, team dynamics, and your alignment with the company's vision.
• Final Offer: Following successful interviews, an offer will be extended.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Tangible Results: Focus on projects where you designed, built, and tested hardware. Clearly articulate the problem, your solution, and the measurable outcomes.
• Detail Your Process: For each project, explain your design methodology (CAD), fabrication techniques, instrumentation choices, and troubleshooting steps. Highlight your iterative process.
• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your prototypes or test setups (e.g., improved performance, reduced error rate, successful validation of a material property).
• Highlight Problem-Solving: Select projects that clearly demonstrate your ability to tackle complex, ambiguous technical challenges and arrive at effective solutions.
• Prepare for Deep Dives: Be ready to discuss the specifics of your CAD designs, fabrication choices, electrical connections, and test procedures in detail.

Challenge Preparation:

• Anticipate Practical Problems: Prepare for challenges that test your ability to design a simple fixture, select appropriate sensors for a given measurement, or outline a troubleshooting plan for a non-functional test rig.
• Focus on Design Constraints: Understand that challenges will likely involve constraints (time, materials, complexity) that require pragmatic and efficient design decisions.
• Articulate Your Thought Process: Clearly explain why you are making certain design choices, even if you don't reach a perfect solution. Your reasoning and approach are as important as the final outcome.
• Leverage Your Portfolio: Draw upon examples from your portfolio to illustrate your problem-solving methodologies and technical capabilities when discussing challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process section is tailored to a hands-on engineering role in a startup, emphasizing portfolio review and practical problem-solving. The advice for portfolio presentation and challenge preparation focuses on demonstrating tangible skills and a systematic approach to hardware development and testing.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency with CAD tools is essential for designing parts, fixtures, and assemblies. Experience with Onshape is highly preferred, indicating a modern, cloud-based approach to design. Other parametric CAD software experience may be transferable.
• Fabrication Equipment: Familiarity with and ability to operate 3D printers (for rapid prototyping) and potentially machining equipment (for more precise components) is crucial.
• Basic Electrical Tools: Access to and understanding of multimeters, oscilloscopes, soldering irons, power supplies, and hand tools for electrical assembly and troubleshooting.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Acquisition (DAQ) Systems: Experience integrating and using DAQ systems to collect experimental data from various sensors.
• Measurement Tools: Proficiency with sensors such as thermocouples, and understanding of electrical measurements like resistance measurements and high-current testing.
• Documentation Tools: Standard office productivity suites for creating design documents, build notes, and test reports.

CRM & Automation:

• Microcontrollers/Embedded Systems (Optional but Preferred): Familiarity with platforms like Arduino or Raspberry Pi for custom data logging, control systems, or simple automation tasks within test setups.
• Scripting/Programming (Preferred): Basic scripting or programming skills in languages like Python, LabVIEW, or MATLAB are beneficial for test automation, data analysis, and custom control logic.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section details the specific tools and technologies relevant to a research and prototyping engineer. It highlights CAD software (especially Onshape), fabrication methods, electrical instrumentation, and preferred programming/automation tools, directly mapping to the responsibilities and qualifications outlined.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & First Principles: A core value is developing novel solutions from fundamental principles, challenging existing material limitations to create something entirely new.
• Hands-On Execution & Ownership: A strong emphasis on taking initiative, building things yourself, and taking personal responsibility for the success and functionality of your work.
• Speed & Agility: Operating in a startup environment means valuing quick iteration, rapid prototyping, and the ability to adapt to changing project needs and discoveries.
• Problem-Solving & Ingenuity: A culture that embraces complex challenges and encourages creative, practical, and often unconventional solutions.
• Precision & Detail: While moving fast, there's a critical need for attention to detail in design, fabrication, and testing to ensure reliable results and safe operation.

Collaboration Style:

• Direct & Frequent Communication: Expect open, frequent, and direct communication among team members, especially given the close-knit nature of an early-stage startup.
• Cross-Functional Partnership: Collaboration will be essential across different engineering disciplines (nanomaterials, process, electrical, mechanical), requiring clear communication of needs and understanding of others' work.
• Learning & Knowledge Sharing: A culture that encourages learning from mistakes and sharing insights, both successes and failures, to accelerate the collective understanding and progress of the team.
• Mutual Support: Team members are expected to support each other in overcoming technical hurdles and ensuring project milestones are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture and values section is tailored to an early-stage R&D startup. It focuses on values like innovation, hands-on execution, and agility, and describes a collaborative style characterized by direct communication and cross-functional support, which are critical for this type of role.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Ambiguity in Early-Stage R&D: Working with "first-of-its-kind" materials and technologies means requirements will often be ill-defined. Navigating this ambiguity to create functional hardware requires significant problem-solving initiative and adaptability.
• Rapid Iteration Cycles: The need to move quickly can create pressure. Balancing speed with thoroughness in design, fabrication, and testing is a constant challenge.
• Integration of Novel Systems: Building experimental setups that incorporate new materials, specialized processes (like vacuum or CVD), and advanced instrumentation presents complex integration and troubleshooting challenges.
• Resource Constraints: As a startup, there may be limitations on budget, equipment, or time, requiring resourceful engineering and prioritization.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Technical Mastery: Opportunity to become an expert in designing and building systems for advanced materials characterization, including high-temperature electrical and thermal testing.
• Cross-Disciplinary Expertise: Gain hands-on experience and knowledge in areas like nanomaterials, additive manufacturing, vacuum technology, optics, and electrical engineering, broadening your technical skillset significantly.
• Contribution to Disruptive Technology: Be part of a team developing technology that could revolutionize multiple industries, offering a unique and impactful career experience.
• Startup Growth Exposure: Learn the dynamics of building a technology company from the ground up, including R&D strategy, product development lifecycles, and operational challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section identifies specific challenges inherent in an early-stage R&D and prototyping role, such as dealing with ambiguity and rapid iteration. The growth opportunities highlight the unique benefits of working on cutting-edge technology and within a startup environment, focusing on skill development and impact.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to build a piece of hardware with incomplete specifications. How did you approach it, what were the challenges, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your process for clarifying requirements, making assumptions, iterative design, and problem-solving.)
• "Walk me through a complex test fixture or experimental setup you designed and built. What were the critical components, what challenges did you face during fabrication or testing, and how did you resolve them?" (Prepare to detail your CAD process, fabrication methods, instrumentation choices, and debugging strategies, using specific examples from your portfolio.)
• "Imagine we need to measure the electrical resistance of a new conductor material at 300°C. What kind of setup would you propose, what sensors would you use, and what are the key considerations and potential failure points?" (Demonstrate your understanding of experimental design, sensor selection, thermal management, and risk assessment.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What specifically about Arcturus' mission and technology excites you, and why are you interested in this Senior Research and Prototyping Engineer role?" (Research Arcturus' website thoroughly, understand their technology, and connect your skills and career aspirations to their goals.)
• "How do you approach working in a fast-paced, early-stage startup environment where priorities can shift quickly?" (Highlight your adaptability, proactivity, ownership, and ability to manage ambiguity.)
• "Describe your experience working collaboratively with technical leads or peers on complex engineering projects. How do you ensure clear communication and alignment?" (Provide examples of cross-functional collaboration and your communication style.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, use a clear structure: Problem/Need -> Your Solution (Design/Build) -> Challenges & How You Overcame Them -> Results/Outcome.
• Visualize Your Work: Use high-quality images, CAD renderings, videos, or diagrams to showcase your designs and prototypes. If possible, include photos or videos of the hardware in action.
• Quantify Your Achievements: Whenever possible, present data or metrics that demonstrate the success or impact of your work (e.g., performance improvements, successful validation).
• Be Ready for Technical Q&A: Anticipate detailed questions about your design choices, fabrication techniques, material selection, and testing methodologies. Know your projects inside and out.
• Connect to Arcturus: Where relevant, subtly draw parallels between your past projects and the challenges Arcturus is trying to solve.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides targeted interview preparation advice, including specific strategy questions relevant to a prototyping engineer role. It emphasizes preparing concrete examples from one's portfolio and demonstrating a systematic approach to problem-solving, crucial for this hands-on position in a startup.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Research and Prototyping Engineer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Ashby.
• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience in CAD, mechanical design, fabrication, electrical systems, prototyping, and any experience with specific tools or environments mentioned (e.g., Onshape, startups, labs). Use keywords from the job description.
• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your strongest projects that best demonstrate your hands-on engineering skills, problem-solving abilities, and experience with hardware development and testing. Ensure your portfolio is easily accessible (e.g., via a link to a personal website, cloud storage, or a PDF).
• Prepare Your Narrative: Practice articulating your project experience clearly and concisely, focusing on your role, the challenges you faced, and the solutions you implemented. Be ready to discuss your design process and technical decisions.
• Research Arcturus: Familiarize yourself with Arcturus' mission, technology, and the advanced materials space. Understand their value proposition and how your skills can contribute to their success.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.