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Engineering Lab Assistant Jobs in Massachusetts (NOW HIRING)

Engineering Lab Assistant

Reading, MA ยท On-site

$21 - $28/hr

Opportunity Overview We are looking for an Engineering Lab Assistant to integrate with our mechanical engineering design teams and machine shop. Responsibilities include working with the engineers to:

... * Assist on Team Projects as required * Keep the lab and equipment clean * Must be willing to work ... Associates Degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent work experience * Working experience with ...

... * Assist on Team Projects as required * Keep the lab and equipment clean * Must be willing to work ... Associates Degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent work experience * Working experience with ...

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Engineering Lab Assistant information

What does an engineering lab assistant do?

An Engineering Lab Assistant supports engineers and scientists by preparing materials, setting up equipment, conducting experiments, and recording data in laboratory environments. They help maintain a safe and organized workspace, calibrate instruments, and may assist in analyzing results or troubleshooting equipment. Their work is essential in ensuring that experiments run smoothly and efficiently.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an engineering lab assistant?

To thrive as an Engineering Lab Assistant, you need a solid understanding of engineering principles, laboratory procedures, and safety protocols, often supported by an associate degree or relevant coursework. Familiarity with lab equipment, data acquisition systems, and software such as MATLAB or LabVIEW is typically required. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective communication are important soft skills that set high performers apart. These competencies are crucial for maintaining accurate data, supporting engineers, and ensuring safe, efficient lab operations.

What are some common challenges an engineering lab assistant might face when supporting research and development projects?

Engineering Lab Assistants often juggle multiple tasks such as preparing materials, calibrating equipment, and assisting with experiments, all while maintaining strict safety and documentation standards. A key challenge is adapting to rapidly changing project requirements or priorities, which may require quick learning and flexibility. Additionally, collaborating with engineers and researchers from various disciplines means strong communication and organizational skills are essential for ensuring smooth project workflows.

What is the difference between Engineering Lab Assistant vs Mechanical Technician?

AspectEngineering Lab AssistantMechanical Technician
Required CredentialsAssociate degree or technical certification in engineering or related fieldDiploma or certification in mechanical technology or related area
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research facilities, engineering departmentsManufacturing plants, maintenance workshops, repair facilities
Employer & Industry UsageEngineering firms, research institutions, universitiesManufacturers, industrial companies, maintenance providers
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Engineering Lab Assistants primarily support engineering research and testing in laboratory settings, focusing on data collection and experiment setup. Mechanical Technicians work more on maintaining, repairing, and assembling mechanical systems in industrial environments. While both roles require technical certifications and involve hands-on work, Engineering Lab Assistants are more research-oriented, whereas Mechanical Technicians focus on mechanical system maintenance and repair.

What cities in Massachusetts are hiring for Engineering Lab Assistant jobs?

Cities in Massachusetts with the most Engineering Lab Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Engineering Lab Assistant job openings in Massachusetts as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution.

Optics Engineering Lab Assistant

Somerville, MA โ€ข On-site

Quadratic 3D
1 - 10 employees

Part-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Company Description
Quadratic is a well-funded seed-stage startup revolutionizing the entire concept of 3D printing to open up new commercial and industrial applications. The company's technology is based on a groundbreaking invention by a dynamic multidisciplinary team of scientists at Harvard. Think Star Trek Replicator. Veteran entrepreneurs guide the company with a deep commitment to transparency in a high-trust environment. We focus relentlessly on rapid results with fast customer feedback loops. Make a broad impact as an early team member and help us invent the future of 3D printing.
Job Description
Quadratic 3D is seeking an optics engineering lab assistant to support scientists and engineers building, programming and testing various optical printing engines in a fast-paced multidisciplinary startup environment. The successful candidate will be passionate about 3D printing, building machines and enjoy solving complex problems that involve advanced materials, optics and systems.
Responsibilities:
  • Set up and implement optical experiments for 3D printer development
  • Summarize and report results to engineering team
  • Develop software to control and test printers and interface with available databases
  • Work closely with engineering team to optimize printing performance
  • Comply with EH&S requirements and promote safety in the work environment.

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Student pursuing a BS or graduate degree in electrical or mechanical engineering, physics or similar major
  • Hands-on experience with optics laboratory equipment such as displays, photodetectors, cameras, fiber as well as spectrometers and microscopes.
  • Programming experience in LabVIEW, Matlab, C/C++, VB and/or python
  • Ability to work independently as well as part of a team
  • Excellent communication and organizational skills
  • Available to work at least 20 hrs/wk

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Hands-on experience programming display and camera hardware
  • Knowledge and experience designing and implementing optical systems
  • Demonstrated success programming lab equipment using LabVIEW, VB or python
  • Familiarity with different optical sources such lasers and LEDs
  • Experience with electronics designing and debugging circuits
  • Experience with 3D modeling (e.g., SOLIDWORKS, AutoCAD) and/or optical ray tracing

Additional Information
Location: Somerville, Massachusetts
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.