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Engineering Research Associate Jobs in Worcester, MA

Yoh,-A-Day-

Research Associate

Framingham, MA · On-site

$32/hr

Yoh presents an excellent long‑term Research Associate opportunity with a trusted, long‑term ... Bachelor's degree in Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Life Sciences, Engineering, Computer Science ...

SharkNinja

Manager, Engineering - R&D

Needham, MA · On-site

Headquartered in Needham, Massachusetts with more than 4,100 associates, the company's products are ... Manager, Engineering - R&D Needham, MA (Onsite) We build products people genuinely love. As R&D ...

SharkNinja

Manager, Engineering - R&D

Needham, MA · On-site

Headquartered in Needham, Massachusetts with more than 4,100 associates, the company's products are ... Manager, Engineering - R&D Needham, MA (Onsite) We build products people genuinely love. As R&D ...

CYNET SYSTEMS

Research Associate

Waltham, MA · On-site

$40 - $45/hr

We deliver agile, scalable talent solutions across IT, engineering, life sciences, clinical, and professional staffing, powered by a high-performing recruitment engine operating across North America ...

CYNET SYSTEMS

Research Associate

Waltham, MA

$40 - $45/hr

We deliver agile, scalable talent solutions across IT, engineering, life sciences, clinical, and professional staffing, powered by a high-performing recruitment engine operating across North America ...

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All JobsEngineering Research Associate JobsEngineering Research Associate Jobs in Worcester, MA

Engineering Research Associate information

See Worcester, MA salary details

$16

$32

$46

How much do engineering research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for engineering research associate in Worcester, MA is $32.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.15 and $36.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an engineering research associate?

Engineering Research Associates are professionals who support research and development activities within engineering fields. They assist in designing experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and preparing technical reports and documentation. These associates often work under the supervision of senior engineers or researchers, contributing to projects in areas such as mechanical, electrical, civil, or software engineering. Their work is essential for advancing scientific knowledge and developing new technologies within the engineering sector.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an engineering research associate?

To thrive as an Engineering Research Associate, you need a strong background in engineering principles, analytical research methods, and a relevant degree such as a bachelor's or master's in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with data analysis software, computer-aided design (CAD) tools, and laboratory equipment is typically required, along with experience in technical report writing. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you excel in collaborative research environments. These skills are crucial for advancing innovative projects, ensuring accurate experimental results, and contributing to the success of research teams.

How does an engineering research associate typically collaborate with other team members and departments?

Engineering Research Associates often work within multidisciplinary teams, collaborating closely with engineers, scientists, and project managers to design experiments, analyze data, and develop prototypes. They may also coordinate with external partners or vendors for specialized testing or material procurement. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as findings and progress must be regularly shared and integrated into broader project goals. This collaborative environment fosters professional growth and innovation, while also requiring adaptability and strong interpersonal skills.

What is the difference between Engineering Research Associate vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectEngineering Research AssociateMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Engineering or related field; research experience often preferredBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering; professional licensure optional
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academic institutions, R&D departmentsDesign offices, manufacturing plants, project sites
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, government labs, R&D divisions of companiesManufacturing firms, consulting firms, engineering services

The main difference is that Engineering Research Associates focus on conducting research and developing new technologies in lab or academic settings, often working on experimental projects. Mechanical Engineers typically apply engineering principles to design, analyze, and manufacture mechanical systems in practical environments. Both roles require strong technical skills, but their work settings and primary objectives differ.

Infographic showing various Engineering Research Associate job openings in Worcester, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,538 per year, or $32.5 per hour.

Research Associate/Sr. Research Associate- Strain and Enzyme Engineering

Waltham, MA • On-site

Manus Bio Inc.
Biotechnology Research and Development • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Manus Bio Inc.external

Other

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Current job opportunities are posted here as they become available.

Research Associate/Sr. Research Associate– Strain and Enzyme Engineering

Research Associate / Senior Research Associate – Strain and Enzyme Engineering- Waltham, MA

Manus works across industries and value chains to accelerate the transition to BioAlternatives – better performing and more sustainable versions of complex molecules traditionally sourced from plants, animals, or fossil fuels. Our platform is proven to work across scales, bridging the Valley of Death between lab and manufacturing more efficiently and more reliably to deliver the benefits of biotechnology today.

Manus is seeking a Research Associate (RA) or Senior Research Associate (SRA) to support strain engineering and analytics workflows within our project pipeline. In this role, you will design and construct plasmids, generate chromosomally integrated Escherichia coli (E. coli) strains, culture and screen engineered strains, and process the resulting analytical data (liquid extraction, Gas Chromatography (GC) and/or Liquid Chromatography (LC)) to identify strains with enhanced performance. This role focuses on execution of defined engineering campaigns to drive meaningful improvements in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment.

This hands‑on position requires a desire and ability to work as an integral part of a multidisciplinary team, as well as the demonstration of a high degree of flexibility, creativity, and initiative. This person will be expected to play an integral part of Manus’s research and development team located in Waltham, Massachusetts (MA).

Responsibilities

Molecular biology: Design, construct, and validate plasmids for gene expression and pathway engineering in microbial hosts.

Strain construction: Generate chromosomally integrated E. coli strains (e.g., via recombineering or CRISPR-based methods) to support strain engineering campaigns.

Strain cultivation: Culture and maintain engineered E. coli strains in solid and liquid formats at lab scale.

Sample preparation: Perform liquid‑liquid or solid‑phase extraction of fermentation broth and other sample matrices to prepare samples for analytical testing.

Analytical execution : Operate GC and/or LC instrumentation to generate quantitative data on strain performance (e.g., titer, yield, product profile).

Data analysis: Process, QC, and interpret analytical and strain‑performance data; summarize and present findings to the project team.

Data management : Ensure accurate data collection, processing, and upload to LIMS systems.

Collaboration: Collaborate with cross-functional teams (molecular biology, fermentation, downstream processing) to improve experimental outcomes.

Lab operations: Maintain instrumentation readiness and general lab organization.

Documentation: Author and update SOPs and experimental documentation.

Basic Qualifications

  • Research Associate: Bachelor’s degree with 0–4 years’ relevant experience.
  • Senior Research Associate: Bachelors with 4–7 years’ or master’s with 2–4 years’ relevant experience.
  • Degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, microbiology, chemistry, bioengineering, or a related field (field of degree is flexible; relevant hands‑on experience is prioritized).
  • Hands‑on experience with plasmid design and cloning (e.g., Gibson assembly, Golden Gate, restriction/ligation).
  • Experience culturing and screening engineered microbial strains in liquid and/or solid formats.

Preferred Skills

  • Direct experience generating chromosomal integrations in E. coli specifically (e.g., lambda Red recombineering, CRISPR-based integration).
  • Experience with LIMS systems (e.g., Benchling).
  • Data analysis and visualization experience (e.g., JMP, Python, SQL).
  • Familiarity with GC‑MS or LC/MS (mass‑selective detection) in addition to GC‑FID or standard LC/UV-Vis workflows.
  • Experience with sample extraction (liquid‑liquid or solid‑phase) from biological or fermentation matrices.
  • Experience with automated liquid‑handling systems.

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to work in industrial environments.
  • May require standing, walking, climbing stairs, and lifting equipment up to 50 lbs.
  • Use of PPE required in designated areas.
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