Analytical Lab Technician

Position Summary

• Employment Type: Full-time
• Location: Cambridge, MA – On-site
• Reports To: Senior Principal Electrochemical Engineer 
• Competitive base salary with early-stage equity.
• Comprehensive health, dental, vision, matching 401K benefits and paid life insurance
• 20 days PTO, 11 holidays, 5 sick days, 12 weeks parental leave

The Analytical Lab Technician is responsible for the day-to-day operation of Found Industries’ analytical laboratory, providing the testing and data that support research, engineering and process development. Working primarily with ICP, XRF and SEM, the technician prepares and analyzes samples to help characterize materials and evaluate experimental outcomes. This person owns the analytical workflow from receiving and organizing testing requests through reviewing data quality and delivering clear, traceable results to the originating scientist or engineer.

Key Responsibilities and Duties

• Manage the day-to-day analytical testing workflow, including sample intake, request tracking, scheduling and communication of expected turnaround times.
• Prepare, label, handle and store samples according to established procedures.
• Operate ICP-OES, XRF and SEM instruments to perform testing requested by scientists and engineers using approved methods.
• Perform instrument calibration and quality control checks; identify questionable results and coordinate repeat testing or escalation as needed.
• Compile and deliver accurate, timely results to the original requester, clearly identifying samples, methods, units and relevant limitations.
• Maintain traceable records linking each testing request and sample to preparation details, raw data, quality checks and final results.
• Perform routine instrument care, maintain equipment logs, monitor consumables and coordinate service needs to keep the analytical laboratory ready for testing.
• Document procedures and support improvements to testing consistency, turnaround time and reporting.
• Follow laboratory safety, chemical handling and waste management procedures.

Qualifications

Required

• Education & Experience: Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in chemistry, materials science or a related technical field, or equivalent practical laboratory experience.
• Hands-on analytical laboratory experience, including sample preparation and operation of complex material characterization equipment.
• Understanding of calibration, analytical quality control, contamination prevention and accurate laboratory documentation.
• Ability to perform concentration and dilution calculations and use spreadsheets and instrument software to organize, check and report data.
• Ability to follow established procedures, work independently after training, manage competing requests and communicate clearly with technical teams.
• Experience handling chemicals safely and following laboratory safety and waste management procedures.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and or Google Workspace suite of tools
• Safety-conscious, proactive, and effective in a fast-paced startup environment.
• Ability to work full-time on-site in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Preferred Attributes

• Experience with multiple core instruments and with elemental analysis or materials characterization of liquid and solid samples.
• Familiarity with electronic laboratory notebooks or laboratory information management systems and routine instrument troubleshooting.
• Experience supporting research, process development or metals and materials testing, including complex or corrosive sample matrices.
• Strong attention to detail, dependable follow-through and a service-oriented approach to supporting scientists and engineers.
• Curiosity, practical problem-solving skills and willingness to learn new instruments and adapt as testing needs evolve.