Laboratory Research Assistant Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA

At Areté, we are on the forefront of utilizing innovative solutions, with great minds from all backgrounds, to help solve the nation’s most complex security challenges. We strive for an inclusive, collaborative team environment that approaches differences as opportunities for innovation and excellence. As an employee-owned company, we foster an atmosphere that propels diverse career opportunities and professional growth.

Discover your future with us.

We are seeking a motivated New Product Introduction Test Engineer to join our engineering team, developing advanced electro-optical and stabilized imaging systems. Working alongside experienced test, systems, software, electrical, mechanical, and optical engineers, this role supports the verification, validation, integration, and troubleshooting of complex products throughout the engineering development lifecycle. This position is intended for recent engineering graduates who possess strong technical fundamentals and a desire to develop into an independent test engineer. The successful candidate will receive mentorship while progressively assuming ownership of subsystem testing, automation, documentation, and laboratory activities supporting engineering development and qualifications.

Primary Responsibilities:

•    Support integration and testing of electro-optical, electro-mechanical, and embedded systems throughout product development.

•    Execute engineering test procedures for subsystem and system-level verification activities.

•    Assist with developing, documenting, and improving engineering test procedures, test plans, and reports.

•    Configure and operate laboratory equipment including oscilloscopes, digital multimeters, power supplies, environmental equipment, motion control systems, and optical instrumentation.

•    Collect, analyze, and document test data using engineering tools and software.

•    Work with Quality to generate Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs) investigate failures, document observations, perform root-cause analysis, and support corrective actions.

•    Develop basic test automation scripts and utilities to improve repeatability and efficiency.

•    Assemble and integrate engineering prototypes and development hardware.

•    Participate in design reviews, test readiness reviews, and engineering peer reviews.

•    Maintain laboratory organization, calibration records, fixtures, and engineering test equipment.

•    Support environmental, functional, performance, and qualification testing.

•    Assist in creating engineering documentation while maintaining configuration-controlled records.

•    Perform additional duties as assigned; occasional travel (up to 20%) 

We have an impressive range of benefits, programs, and perks that we offer:

Health & Wellness:

•    Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance

•    Life and Long-Term Disability (LTD)

•    Vision Reimbursement

•    Fitness Reimbursement

Financial:

•    Company-funded 5% contribution to your 401(k) retirement plan

•    Company-funded 5% contribution to your Employee Stock Ownership Plan

•    Continuing Education Assistance

Work-Life Balance:

•    Flexible Scheduling

•    Paid Time Off (PTO)

•    Paid Parental and Bereavement Leave

What We Value:

•    Creativity and innovation in solving challenges

•    Integrity and responsibility in all actions

•    Collaboration across teams and specialties

•    Responsiveness in fast-paced environments

•    Passion for national security and excellence

Experiences and Background We Look For (Required Skills):

•    U.S. Citizenship required; must be able to pass a background check and drug screening

•    Must meet eligibility requirements for access 

•    Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, or a related engineering discipline.

•    Strong engineering fundamentals including mechanics, electronics, physics, or controls.

•    Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation such as oscilloscopes, multimeters, power supplies, and signal generators.

•    Basic programming or scripting experience (Python, MATLAB, C/C++, or similar).

•    Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

•    Ability to read engineering drawings, electrical schematics, and mechanical models.

•    Strong written and verbal communication skills.

•    Highly organized with excellent attention to detail.

•    Ability to work effectively within cross-functional engineering teams.

Nice to Have (Preferred Skills):

•    Internship, capstone, undergraduate research, Formula SAE, robotics, UAV, or other hands-on engineering project experience.

•    Familiarity with LabVIEW, MATLAB, Python, Git, or automated test frameworks.

•    Experience with SolidWorks or other CAD software.

•    Experience with environmental or vibration testing.

•    Exposure to embedded systems or hardware/software integration.

•    Familiarity with AS9100 or ISO9001 development environments.

•    Experience documenting engineering work in a structured configuration-controlled environment.

•    Passion for electro-optical systems, robotics, aerospace, or defense technologies

•    Adaptable and able to support various roles in different system development projects

•    Possesses intellectual curiosity and a strong desire for continuous learning

•    A skilled and innovative problem solver

•    Familiarity with IPC J-STD-001 and IPC-A-610 Certification

The salary range for this role is $75,000 to $110,000; however, Arete considers several factors when extending an offer of employment, including but not limited to: the position and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.

Other Considerations

Areté is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity and nondiscrimination, and we believe every person has the right to be treated with fairness, dignity, and equal consideration.

Areté is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

U.S. citizenship is required to meet position eligibility.

Successful passage of a criminal background screen is required to meet position eligibility.

Selected applicants will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

Areté will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.

Successful passage of a Department of Transportation (DOT) drug test is required to meet position eligibility.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our website because of your disability. To request an accommodation, please contact Areté Human Resources at 818-885-2200 for assistance.