Lab Automation Engineer Jobs in Spring, TX (NOW HIRING)

Quaise Energy is unlocking Earth's deep heat to deliver clean, reliable, baseload energy at scale—almost anywhere in the world. As both a technology innovator and project developer, Quaise builds and operates solutions that harness superhot geothermal energy far below the surface, enabling power generation that can rival the output of today's most efficient fossil fuel and nuclear plants. Leveraging millimeter wave drilling, developed after more than a decade of research at MIT, Quaise's mission is to make superhot geothermal a backbone of the modern energy system, offering affordable, zero-carbon power and true energy independence for communities and nations everywhere.

Quaise is seeking a highly motivated early-career RF Engineer to support the design, modeling, testing, and deployment of high-power RF and millimeter-wave transmission systems for our millimeter-wave drilling technology, and further the development of high power, high efficiency gyrotron sources.

This role will collaborate with other cross-functional teams to apply advanced electromagnetic theory and RF design skills in a fast-moving, multidisciplinary R&D environment, as well as troubleshoot and resolve RF-related issues.

Essential functions (Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.)

• Support the design, simulation, and testing of RF and millimeter-wave components and transmission systems.
• Assist in development and integration of waveguide components such as bends, tapers, mode converters, and diagnostics.
• Perform electromagnetic modeling and simulation using tools such as HFSS, CST, COMSOL, MATLAB, or similar.
• Participate in laboratory experiments, hardware integration, and field testing activities.
• Analyze test data and contribute to iterative design improvements.
• Prepare technical documentation, test reports, and design notes.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and field engineering teams to support system development.
• Assist in packaging and ruggedization of RF systems for transition from laboratory to field deployment.
• Support troubleshooting of RF performance issues and system diagnostics.
• Contribute to safe lab practices and continuous improvement of engineering processes.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Competencies

• Strong foundation in electromagnetic theory and RF engineering principles
• Familiarity with millimeter-wave transmission systems and high-power RF components such as RF windows (e.g., diamond windows), mode converters, tapers, or high-power loads
• Understanding of wave propagation, waveguide modes, impedance matching, and microwave measurement techniques
• Familiarity with RF test equipment such as vector network analyzers (VNAs), spectrum analyzers, and power measurement systems
• Exposure to vacuum electronic devices (e.g., gyrotrons, klystrons, TWTs) or high-voltage RF environments
• Experience using electromagnetic or multiphysics simulation tools (HFSS, CST, COMSOL, MATLAB, or similar)
• Programming experience (MATLAB, Python, or similar) for data analysis, modeling, or automation
• Awareness of thermal, mechanical, and materials considerations in high-power RF systems
• Experience supporting experimental system integration, troubleshooting, or lab-to-field technology transitions
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with willingness to learn through hands-on experimentation
• Ability to collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary startup environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.

Supervisory responsibilities

• This role does not include formal people-management responsibilities.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering, Applied Physics, or related field is required.
• PhD in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, RF/Microwave Engineering, or related discipline preferred.
• 0–3 years of relevant research or industry experience in RF, microwave, or millimeter-wave engineering.
• Experience with high-power RF systems, vacuum electronics, or gyrotron technology is a strong plus.

Physical requirements

• The employee is regularly required to stand, sit, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, as well as use hands to feel, reach, grasp, handle, or operate objects, tools and/or controls.
• The employee must be able to lift, push, pull, transfer, or move items up 20 pounds at times for departmental needs.
• Ability to move from one worksite to another or travel to various job sites and locations to complete tasks.
• The vision requirement includes reviewing written and electronic materials in digital and physical format.
• The employee must be able to adjust to changing work hours and locations as needed considering the strong focus on external communications and relationships.