Senior R&D Test Engineer

Berkeley, CA                  ·            Full time

About the job

We are looking for an experienced researcher from the physical sciences or engineering to join the team as a Senior R&D Test Engineer. The job will involve a wide variety of activities: RF and DC electrical measurements, development of new instruments for sensor characterization, measurements of biomagnetic signal, data analysis, and brainstorming novel sensor architectures with the team. The ideal candidate will be able to be an independent researcher in a laboratory environment. They will have experience with electronics and instrumentation development and will know when not to trust their measurement tools. They will be eager to learn new skills and collaborate with a team of engineers with wide-ranging backgrounds.

Requirements

Responsibilities:

•  Develop new instruments for testing novel biomagnetic sensors
•  Develop experimental plans and perform proof-of-concept testing for new sensing architectures
•  Develop new data processing pipelines
•  Perform electrical measurements of sensor chips and printed circuit boards using both standard measurement hardware as well as custom-built systems
•  Rework, repair, and modify printed circuit boards
•  Use, maintain, and train other employees on specialized tools like wirebonders and electromagnets
•  Document and communicate technical progress and uncertainties clearly with the entire team to enable effective collaboration
•  Design and build custom parts using on-site 3D printers or outsourced machining services

Core Skills and Experience:

•  Ph.D. in physical sciences or engineering or Master’s + 4 years of experience in R&D environment
•  Experience with challenging precision measurements
•  Ability quickly learn new skills and to dive into tasks before becoming an expert
•  Effective communication and collaboration with a wide-ranging technical team
•  Experience with programming and data analysis in Python or other programming languages
•  Experience with electrical measurement tools – multimeters, oscilloscopes, etc

Bonus Qualifications:

•  Experience developing any novel scientific instrumentation
•  Experience with soldering of printed circuit boards, especially with surface-mount components
•  Experience with high-frequency measurement equipment like spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, and function generators
•  Ability to read and understand component datasheets, electrical schematics, and block diagrams
•  Experience with 3D design (Autodesk Inventor / Fusion360, Solidworks, or similar) and 3D printing

Benefits

Typical base salary for this role is in the $120,000 to $160,000 range, alongside generous equity compensation through participation in Sonera’s Equity Incentive Plan; actual salary can be more or less than the posted range and will be determined based on the individual’s applicable skills, education, qualifications, and experience for the role.

• 401(k) including generous company matching
• Health, vision, dental insurance coverage
• Flexible time-off policy, paid parental leave

This position will require access to information protected under U.S. export control laws and regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Please note that any offer for employment will be conditioned on authorization to receive software or technology controlled under these U.S. export control laws and regulations without sponsorship for an export license.