Research Mechatronics Engineer, Early Stage Project, X

About X, the Moonshot Factory:

X is Alphabet’s moonshot factory with a mission of inventing and launching “moonshot” technologies that could someday make the world a radically better place. We are a diverse group of inventors and entrepreneurs who build and launch technologies that aim to improve the lives of millions, even billions, of people. Our goal: 10x impact on the world’s most intractable problems, not just 10% improvement. We approach projects that have the aspiration and riskiness of research with the speed and ambition of a startup. As an innovation engine, X focuses on repeatedly turning breakthrough-technology ideas into the foundations for large, sustainable businesses.

About the team:

We are a small, multidisciplinary hardware moonshot team combining ultrafast and precision lasers, sub-micron motion control, high-speed optical imaging, and custom materials. Right now, we are turning early bench top physics proofs into automated, multi-platform prototype systems in the lab. Every person on the team wears multiple hats, builds hands-on hardware and software, and shapes where the architecture goes next.

About the role:

We're looking for a hands-on Research Mechatronics Engineer to build the automation software, electromechanical hardware, and experimental pipelines that make our laboratory prototypes run reliably every day.

You'll sit right where research meets engineering: writing Python software to coordinate stages, lasers, cameras, and sensors; designing mechanical fixtures and wiring up actuators and interlocks at an optical table; and running structured experiments that tell us what actually works in physics and hardware. Things won't always work on the first try - your job is to take an experimental setup from "works once with three people watching" to "runs autonomously and produces trustworthy data every time."

You'll work shoulder to shoulder with our optics, mechanical, and materials engineers across our laser, motion, and imaging testbeds, with software architecture support from X's broader engineering teams. This is a core, full-time role for an early-career builder who loves turning scrappy hardware and clean Python code into working instruments.

How you will make 10x impact:

• Own lab & prototype software automation: Design, write, and maintain clean Python control and orchestration software across multi-axis and rotary motion controllers, lasers, sCMOS/machine-vision cameras, sensors, and lab instruments — turning manual bench top procedures into repeatable, automated workflows.
• Build hardware testbeds & custom fixturing: Design custom brackets, sample mounts, and opto-mechanical fixtures in CAD; integrate motors, stages, microcontrollers, DAQs, and hardware safety interlocks; and troubleshoot electrical, mechanical, and timing issues at the bench.
• Synchronize motion, light, and imaging: Configure hardware-timed triggering (e.g., position-synchronized output, encoder triggers, camera exposure gating), automated homing/alignment routines, and real-time imaging feedback for sub-micron experimental setups.
• Run structured experiments & data pipelines: Partner with optics and materials teammates to plan and execute empirical studies (including Design of Experiments), build automated data-acquisition and image-capture pipelines, analyze results, and share clear takeaways with the team.
• Keep precision systems calibrated & trustworthy: Build routine calibration, diagnostics, and health-check workflows across our optical and mechatronic benches so the team can move fast and trust every dataset.

What you should have:

• B.S. in Mechatronics, Mechanical, Electrical, Robotics, Optical, or Software Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field with 2+ years of hands-on hardware or laboratory engineering experience — or an M.S. in one of these fields with hands-on experimental systems experience.
• Proficiency writing clean, maintainable software in Python (or C/C++ / MATLAB) to control physical hardware, integrate device SDKs/APIs, acquire sensor or camera data, and automate analysis.
• Hands-on experience building, wiring, and debugging mechatronic or opto-mechanical setups: motion stages, motors/actuators, sensors, microcontrollers or Linux PCs, DAQs, and bench top electronics (oscilloscopes, power supplies, signal generators).
• Practical mechanical CAD skills for designing test fixtures, brackets, or experimental mounts, plus comfort fabricating or assembling prototypes in a shop or lab.
• Experience planning and running laboratory experiments, troubleshooting noisy real-world hardware, and communicating findings clearly.

It'd be great if you also had:

• Experience programming precision linear, rotary, or piezo motion stages (e.g., Aerotech / Automation1 / AeroScript, PI, Thorlabs, ASI) and hardware-synchronized triggering (PSO, TTL/encoder triggers).
• Hands-on familiarity with optical benches and laser safety: mounting and aligning optics, working around pulsed or CW lasers, and integrating scientific or machine-vision cameras (SDK control of exposure, triggering, ROI, live streaming).
• Experience with structured experimental methods (Design of Experiments, statistical data analysis, image processing in Python/NumPy/OpenCV) and software engineering best practices for lab code (Git, modular instrument drivers, testing).
• Experience working in cleanroom or contamination-controlled lab environments (ISO Class 5–7) or early-stage R&D hardware startups.
• High agency, low ego, and a track record of taking complex hardware setups from rough prototype to reliable daily operation.

The US base salary range for this full-time position is $108,000 - $162,000 + bonus + equity + benefits. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your location during the hiring process.

Please note that the compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only, and do not include bonus, equity, or benefits.