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Lab Engineer Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Panthalassa

Mechanical Engineer

Portland, OR · On-site

$125K - $175K/yr

You will support subsystem design through trade studies, CAD modeling, analysis, lab testing, and deployment preparation. This position requires a highly motivated, hands-on engineer who thrives in ...

Panthalassa

Mechanical Engineer

Portland, OR

$125K - $175K/yr

You will support subsystem design through trade studies, CAD modeling, analysis, lab testing, and deployment preparation. This position requires a highly motivated, hands-on engineer who thrives in ...

CivicMinds, Inc.

Sr. Geotechnical Engineer

Portland, OR · On-site

Job- Sr. Geotechnical Engineer Location- Portland, OR Type- Full-time, Direct Hire, Onsite Position ... and lab testing to design analysis and report preparation. Enjoy working on diverse, exciting ...

ASM

Senior Engineer I, Field Process

Hillsboro, OR

Demonstrated troubleshooting and structured problem-analysis skills gained through internships, lab ... engineering, or physics. * Hands-on experience through internships, research, or academic projects ...

Actalent

Hardware Engineer

Tualatin, OR · Hybrid

$128K - $169K/yr

Hardware Engineer - High-Speed PCB Design This role focuses on a high-speed PCB design project ... Conduct hands-on lab work approximately 50% of the time, using high-speed test equipment to ...

Panthalassa

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Portland, OR · On-site

$110K - $146K/yr

As a Senior Mechanical Engineer, you will spearhead the design of numerous mechanical components ... Our offices, lab, and shop are located in Portland, Oregon

Panthalassa

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Portland, OR · On-site

$110K - $146K/yr

As a Senior Mechanical Engineer, you will spearhead the design of numerous mechanical components ... Our offices, lab, and shop are located in Portland, Oregon

Lam Research Corporation

Process Engineer 3

Tualatin, OR · On-site

Make recommendations that enhance overall lab performance and workflow, help develop metrology lab ... Manage vendor field service engineers effectively to deliver maximum asset availability. * Provide ...

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All JobsLab Engineer JobsLab Engineer Jobs in Portland, OR

Lab Engineer information

See Portland, OR salary details

$18

$50

$76

How much do lab engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab engineer in Portland, OR is $50.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38.99 and $63.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Lab Engineers and what do they do?

Lab Engineers are professionals responsible for designing, maintaining, and operating laboratory equipment and systems. They work in various fields such as electronics, chemistry, or biomedical engineering, ensuring experiments and tests are conducted accurately and safely. Lab Engineers also troubleshoot technical issues, calibrate equipment, and often assist researchers or students with their projects. Their work is critical for supporting research and development, quality control, and product testing.

What Is a Lab Engineer?

A lab engineer is responsible for the IT infrastructure of a laboratory. As a lab engineer, your job duties include conducting technical evaluations of hardware equipment and software, deploying code, troubleshooting and fixing issues, maintaining the server and network systems, and coordinating with scientists, lab technicians, system engineers, and operations staff. You need a bachelor’s degree in a technical field and experience with networking principles, middleware platform, and database connectivity. You can find lab engineer jobs in the science and medical research industry.

What are some common challenges faced by Lab Engineers and how can they be addressed?

Lab Engineers often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting complex equipment malfunctions, managing multiple experiments simultaneously, and ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols. Staying organized and maintaining detailed documentation can help manage workload and prevent errors. Regular communication with team members and ongoing training on new technologies are also essential for staying current and effective in the role.

What is the difference between Lab Engineer vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectLab EngineerLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering, science, or related fieldDiploma or associate degree in laboratory technology
Work EnvironmentDesign, develop, and oversee laboratory experiments and equipmentPerform routine tests, prepare samples, and maintain lab equipment
Employer & Industry UsageResearch labs, manufacturing, quality controlMedical labs, research facilities, industrial testing

Lab Engineers focus on designing and managing laboratory processes and equipment, often requiring engineering degrees. Laboratory Technicians perform routine testing and sample preparation, typically with technical diplomas. Both roles are essential in lab settings but differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lab Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lab Engineer, you need a strong background in engineering or applied sciences, analytical problem-solving abilities, and typically a bachelor's degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with lab instrumentation, data acquisition systems, and standard safety protocols is essential, and certifications such as OSHA or Six Sigma can be beneficial. Strong attention to detail, effective communication, and organizational skills set standout candidates apart. These competencies ensure accurate experimentation, reliable results, and a safe, efficient laboratory environment.
More about Lab Engineer jobs
What are popular job titles related to Lab Engineer jobs in Portland, OR? For Lab Engineer jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Lab Engineer jobs in Portland, OR look for? The top searched job categories for Lab Engineer jobs in Portland, OR are:
What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Lab Engineer jobs? Cities near Portland, OR with the most Lab Engineer job openings:
Lab Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lab Engineer job openings in Portland, OR as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,695 per year, or $50.8 per hour.

Mechanical Engineer

Panthalassa

Portland, OR • On-site

$125K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

About the Company
We are a renewable energy and ocean technology company committed to rapidly developing and deploying technologies that will ensure a sustainable future for Earth by unlocking the vast energy potential of its oceans. Our focus is on capturing civilizational levels of ultra-low-cost renewable energy for applications including computing and affordable renewable fuels delivered to shore.
The company is a public benefit corporation headquartered in Portland, Oregon and backed by leading venture capitalists, philanthropic investors, university endowments, and private investment offices. We operate as an idea meritocracy in which the best ideas change the company's direction on a regular basis.
About the Job
We are developing a core technology, the "Node", that will operate in the worst conditions the world's oceans have to offer for years at a time without human maintenance or intervention.
As a Mechanical Engineer, you will spearhead the design of numerous mechanical components and assemblies that must withstand extreme loads and a harsh ocean environment. You will support subsystem design through trade studies, CAD modeling, analysis, lab testing, and deployment preparation. This position requires a highly motivated, hands-on engineer who thrives in ambiguity, can execute with autonomy, and is eager to take on end-to-end ownership, defining requirements and architecture and driving through design, prototype testing, and final build. We expect you to be especially strong in analysis and to gravitate toward first-principles, fundamental-physics approaches to problem solving.
Candidates should have strong interpersonal skills and be able to thrive in a creative, scrappy, and collaborative environment. If you are an excellent engineer, regardless of your background, we want you to apply.
Responsibilities
  • Design and analyze mechanical components and assemblies including structures, enclosures, fluid systems, and test equipment
  • Create and maintain component and assembly CAD models using NX and Teamcenter
  • Create detailed component and assembly drawings with a strong grasp of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) and tolerance stack-ups
  • Drive design trade studies and engineering reviews, helping document decisions and technical findings
  • Work with, and direct, a skilled technician workforce to carry out prototyping, testing, fabrication, and development of operational and maintenance procedures
Required qualifications:
  • A degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, naval architecture, ocean engineering, or other engineering discipline
  • 2-5 years experience designing components, structures, and assemblies from a variety of materials (steel, aluminum, titanium, plastics, composites, etc.)
  • Proficiency in 3D CAD modeling
  • Strong use of hand calculations for structural analysis
  • Strong communication and teamwork skills; ability to incorporate feedback from engineers, technicians, and suppliers
  • Demonstrated ability to take ownership of tasks and work independently
  • A work history encompassing at least one design, build, test, deploy/release/produce cycle
Desired qualifications:
  • Master's degree in mechanical engineering or related field, or additional industry experience
  • Experience designing packaging for electronics in harsh environments
  • Experience with sheet metal part design
  • Hands-on experience with fabrication, prototyping, or testing
  • Experience with NX/Teamcenter
  • Exposure to instrumentation and controls (sensors, actuators)
  • Programming or scripting skills (Python, MATLAB, Julia, etc.) for analysis and data review
Additional Requirements
  • Travel to vendors and test sites as needed.
  • Intermittently able to work longer hours and weekends to support critical needs. While we expect a lot of each other, we also offer a high degree of autonomy and work-life balance.
Compensation and Benefits
If hired for this full-time role, you will receive:
  • Cash compensation of $125,000 - $175,000.
  • Equity in the company. We're all owners and if we're successful, this equity will be far and away the most valuable component of your compensation.
  • A benefits package that helps you take care of yourself and your family, including:
    • Unlimited, flexible paid time off and flexible working hours.
    • Health insurance (the company pays 100% of gold level PPO plan for full-time employees, their partners, and dependents).
    • Dental insurance (the company pays 33% for full-time employees and 100% for their partners and dependents).
    • Vision insurance (the company pays 100% for full-time employees, their partners, and dependents).
    • Disability insurance (the company pays 100% for a policy to provide long-term financial support if you become disabled).
    • Ability to contribute to tax-advantaged accounts, including 401(k), health FSA, and dependent care FSA.
  • Relocation assistance to facilitate your move to Portland (if needed).
Location
On-site, our offices, lab, shop, and manufacturing facilities are located in and near Portland, Oregon.

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