Research and Prototyping Engineer

Research and Prototyping Engineer Arcturus Los Angeles, CA Job Details Full-time 3 hours ago Qualifications Composite materials Supplier performance analysis Metals experience in materials engineering Content creation for technical audiences Handling nanomaterials Chemical Engineering Engineering development testing Sample preparation Procedural guides Startup experience 3D printers Supplier market research Technical documentation Supplier identification Labeling Bachelor of Science Nanomaterials Mechanical Engineering CAD design (engineering design task) Assembly fixtures Electron microscopy Mid-level Literature reviews Laboratory test results documentation Electrical performance testing Master's degree Databases Manufacturing standard operating procedures Nanotechnology Laboratory reports Full Job Description About Arcturus Arcturus is creating a new wire technology stack that uses carbon nanomaterials to overcome the materials limitations of metals where performance breaks down, at real operating temperatures. Our technology is designed to significantly improve the performance of electric motors for drones and robotics, heat sinks, and ultimately the entire energy grid. At its core, Arcturus is developing a new class of carbon nanomaterial-infused metal matrix composites for high-performance conductor applications. Why you should join us This is a ground-floor opportunity to help build something that has never been done before. You would join as an early technical co-op and work closely with Arcturus' technical team across nanomaterials, additive manufacturing, process engineering, and testing. This is a hands-on role for someone who wants to learn quickly, contribute directly, and help build the experimental foundation for a first-of-its-kind materials platform. Purpose We are seeking a Research and Prototyping Engineer Co-op who can support the technical team across experiments, literature research, supplier research, sample preparation, fixture development, testing, and documentation. This role is intentionally broad. You do not need to be an expert in every area, but you should be highly curious, organized, hands-on, and excited to work at the intersection of materials science, advanced manufacturing, and electrification. The role This role will work closely with Arcturus' technical leads and senior engineers. Nanomaterials Build and maintain a carbon nanomaterial and powder supplier database, including vendors, material specs, pricing, lead times, and sample availability Help organize a recipe matrix for carbon nanomaterial integration, including material type, loading level, feedstock, processing route, and resulting performance Support basic nanomaterial handling, sample preparation, documentation, and experimental tracking Additive Manufacturing Help build and maintain chamber BOMs, equipment lists, vendor quote trackers, and component comparison tables Support fixture and tooling development through CAD, ideally in Onshape or a similar CAD platform Help organize a fixture CAD library for experimental setups, sample holders, coupons, and test hardware Support additive manufacturing experiments through preparation, documentation, build tracking, and post-build sample handling Process Engineering Support flash sintering fixture iterations, including CAD updates, part sourcing, assembly, testing, and documentation Help create and improve sample preparation SOPs for polishing, sectioning, mounting, cleaning, labeling, and tracking Support cylinder coupon workflows, including sample preparation, processing, inspection, measurement, and documentation Help translate experimental procedures into clear, repeatable work instructions and lab notes Testing and Characterization Support internal materials testing, including Raman spectroscopy, electrical characterization, mechanical characterization, polishing, microscopy, and other methods as needed Help prepare samples and data packages for external testing, vendor evaluation, partner validation, and customer-facing demonstrations Coordinate with external vendors and labs for quotes, sample shipments, testing status, and results tracking Maintain clear technical documentation, including lab notes, test summaries, experimental results, and lessons learned Basic qualifications Currently pursuing or recently completed a BS, MS, or PhD in materials science, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, electrical engineering, physics, chemistry, manufacturing engineering, or a related technical field Strong technical curiosity and willingness to learn across multiple disciplines Comfortable working hands-on in a lab, shop, or experimental environment Highly organized, detail-oriented, and reliable with documentation Able to take direction, ask good questions, and execute quickly Excited to work in a fast-moving startup environment where priorities can change quickly Preferred qualifications Experience working in a research lab, hardware startup, university lab, or advanced manufacturing environment Experience with carbon nanomaterials, graphene, carbon nanotubes, metallurgy, additive manufacturing, powder processing, or materials characterization Familiarity with Raman spectroscopy, microscopy, SEM/EDS, electrical testing, mechanical testing, polishing, or sample preparation CAD experience, ideally with Onshape or similar tools Experience with literature reviews, supplier research, technical databases, or experimental documentation What we offer Hands-on technical experience with first-of-its-kind materials and manufacturing challenges The chance to work closely with senior technical leads across nanomaterials, additive manufacturing, process engineering, and testing Real ownership over useful technical projects, databases, fixtures, experiments, and documentation Up to a one-year co-op experience with direct exposure to early-stage deeptech startup building. If the fit is right, we'd love to bring you on to the team! If this role excites you, even if you do not check every box, we'd love to hear from you. We'd rather work with a fast learner who cares deeply about the work than someone with years of experience but little curiosity.