Lab Engineer

We are seeking a Lab Engineer to keep our materials synthesis and characterisation lab running reliably: maintaining and troubleshooting equipment, installing new systems, and managing our relationships with equipment manufacturers. Our scientists own the methods; you will make sure the equipment and facilities behind them are dependable and ready to use.

You will be joining a small, highly ambitious team of world-renowned engineers, AI researchers, and materials scientists. We move fast and value people who are energised by that.

What You'll Do

• Provide day-to-day equipment support: routine preventive maintenance, and troubleshooting issues as they arise.

• Set up our maintenance schedules, following progressive maintenance principles including owning spare parts inventory and purchasing strategy.

• Install and commission a wide range of lab synthesis and analysis equipment in partnership with the scientists who own the methods.

• Be our point of contact with OEMs for repairs and troubleshooting, establish and coordinate service contracts, and attend FATs at OEM sites for larger systems.

• Keep the lab’s robotic and automated analysis systems running at their best, from routine maintenance to diagnosing faults and improving performance.

• Look after lab services, including compressed gases (Ar, N₂) and chiller cooling water.

• Take ownership of selected instruments or experiments and maintain SOPs, maintenance logs and risk assessments.

Skills & Qualifications

• Several years of hands-on experience maintaining and installing lab or industrial equipment, across a breadth of systems including analytical instruments and robotics/mechatronics.

• Working knowledge of mechanical, pneumatic, robotic, electrical and electronic systems, compressed gas systems (including Ar/N₂) and plumbing/water systems for chillers.

• A strong understanding of how a lab facility is built and put together.

• Experience working with OEMs on repairs, service contracts and equipment acceptance.

• A relevant engineering qualification is preferred, but not required with sufficient experience.

Nice to Have

• Experience with any of our instrument domains: high vacuum, XRD, SEM, high-temperature metallurgy, or optical characterisation.

• Background in field service, semiconductor manufacturing, scientific instrumentation, or national laboratories.

• Familiarity with ionising radiation safety requirements.

• Experience in a startup or fast-moving research environment.

Why Join Us

• Own the reliability of a broad range of advanced equipment across synthesis, characterisation and automation.

• Collaborate with world-class researchers across materials science, robotics, and AI.

• Help build a lab from the ground up: the processes, the culture, and the capabilities are yours to help shape.

• Top of range compensation and generous equity, full benefits

How to Apply

If you're excited about this role and believe you could thrive in it, we'd encourage you to apply even if you may not align with every part of the job description.

Diffractive is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities.

If you require any adjustments or accommodations at any point during the interview process please let us know - we will be happy to help.

Hit the apply button below to submit your application. We are looking forward to hearing from you!