Associate Process Engineer

About the Role

Quadratic3D Inc is an early-stage startup revolutionizing 3D printing with innovative chemical strategies. We are seeking a highly motivated, talented, and curious Process Engineer to join our team in designing and developing next-generation 3D printing technologies. This is a hands-on role requiring experimentation, observation, and fast iteration to solve novel process challenges in volumetric printing.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, set up, and execute experiments with clear hypotheses, interpreting data and adjusting in real time to improve resin formulations and process development.
• Develop methods for scaling up, preparing, transferring, filtering, and handling high-viscosity resins in collaboration with the chemistry R&D team.
• Identify and source equipment from external vendors.
• Design, build, and improve fixtures, tooling, and lab hardware (e.g., using CAD and rapid prototyping) to enhance material handling, printing, and post-processing efficiency and reliability.
• Own print runs end to end: monitor prints, troubleshoot failures, and post-process printed parts for continuous improvement.
• Investigate the impact of process parameters on part accuracy and quality, translating findings into process improvements.
• Analyze printed parts using basic and advanced metrology techniques, including CT scans, to identify sources of variation and develop corrections.
• Perform testing of formulations and materials with routine and specialized equipment (e.g., UV/Vis, FTIR, rheology, DMA, DSC, mechanical testing).
• Build simple software tools and workflows (e.g., in Python) to organize, analyze, and visualize data, and to automate routine tasks.
• Write and maintain standard operating procedures.
• Collaborate with chemists and engineers to address challenges and drive advancements in our technology.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Hands-on lab or engineering experience (about 1 year or more), gained through industry roles, co-ops, internships, or academic research.
• Strong software skills valued across the team.
• Experience with Python for data analysis and automation.
• Familiarity with CAD for design.
• Experience with metrology techniques, including CT scans.
• Experience with equipment such as UV/Vis, FTIR, rheology, DMA, DSC, mechanical testing.

Qualifications

• BS or MS degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or a related degree with relevant coursework.
• Solid grounding in polymer science or mechanical engineering fundamentals, and a willingness to learn across disciplines.
• Interest in and ability to analyze data using tools such as Python, spreadsheets, statistics software, or AI-assisted analysis.
• Evidence of ownership in experimental or project work (e.g., research, co-op, capstone, or personal projects).
• Excellent communication, organizational, and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent documentation skills and habits (e.g., laboratory notebook entries, presentations, and reports).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ability to independently plan and execute experiments with minimal guidance.
• Experience in handling fluids of various viscosities and rheological behaviors, including developing protocols for viscous resin management.
• Familiarity with fundamental principles of organic chemistry and photopolymerization.
• Hands-on experience with 3D modeling, CAD (e.g., SolidWorks, Fusion 360, Onshape), and 3D printing technologies, especially vat photopolymerization.
• Experience building software tools (e.g., data pipelines, instrument control, or automation).
• Experience designing and building mechanical fixtures, tooling, or lab equipment; familiarity with machining or rapid prototyping.
• Basic knowledge of hardware setup and equipment qualification (e.g., IQ/OQ/PQ).
• Experience with optics, light-based processes, or dimensional metrology.
• Comfort with a hands-on role balancing exploratory R&D with routine, labor-intensive lab work.
• Evidence of achievements in the laboratory (e.g., capstone or research projects, presentations, papers, and/or strong recommendations).

We encourage applicants from materials science, chemistry, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, and related backgrounds, including recent graduates.