About Optigon

Optigon is an early-stage hardware startup building advanced characterization and quality-control tools for clean-energy and optoelectronic materials. Our tools combine high-speed optical measurements, automation, and analysis software to help researchers and manufacturers better understand their materials and manufacturing processes.

Optigon’s tools are primarily used in photovoltaic R&D and process development, with a particular focus on emerging thin-film materials such as perovskites. We recently launched our first commercial product and are now focused on scaling system deployments while expanding measurement capabilities and demonstrating new application areas. We are based at Greentown Labs in Somerville, MA.

About the role

We’re looking for a Hardware and Test Engineer (early- to mid-career)  to support the design, manufacturing, and deployment of Optigon’s measurement tools. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys hands-on work, learning across disciplines, and contributing wherever needed in a small-team environment.

You’ll have broad exposure to product design, prototyping, system assembly, business operations, and customer deployments, rather than being siloed into a single function. Day-to-day work will include designing and iterating on mechanical, optical, and electronic components, sourcing and ordering parts from suppliers, executing experiments, supporting system assembly and calibration, building test fixtures, and helping prepare and install systems at customer sites.

As a key piece of our small team, you’ll have the opportunity to work closely with our founders and play a meaningful role in the design, manufacturing, and deployment of Optigon's next generation measurement tools.

Responsibilities

• Design and iterate on mechanical components, fixtures, and assemblies
• Develop custom hardware features and configurations for new measurements and customer use cases
• Design and build automated test fixtures
• Support system assembly, calibration, and testing
• Manage and organize inventory
• Source components and work with suppliers to manage parts and lead times
• Support customer installations, training, and service visits around the globe
• Contribute to improving internal workflows, documentation, and processes
• Assist with general administrative and operational tasks

Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience)
• 0-5 Years of relevant experience in mechanical design, hardware, prototyping, or test engineering
• Comfort with hands-on work assembling, troubleshooting, and iterating on physical systems
• Experience with 3D CAD (SolidWorks, Fusion, Onshape, or similar)
• Familiarity with common prototyping methods (machining, 3D printing, laser cutting)
• Ability to understand and debug systems spanning mechanical, optical, and electrical components
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and take ownership in a small team setting

Additional Experience (nice to have)

• Prior work or research experience related to materials characterization or metrology equipment, particularly for applications in photovoltaics, semiconductors, other optoelectronics, or energy materials
• Basic coding skills (e.g., scripting, test automation, or data handling)
• Interest in process improvement, documentation, or manufacturing scale-up

Role Details

• Compensation: Competitive salary, equity, and benefits
• • Health and dental insurance with up to 100% premium coverage
  • 401(k) Matching
• Job Type: Full-time, in-person
• Location: Somerville, MA (Greentown Labs)
• Travel: 10-20% (domestic and international)
• Ideal Start Date: March 2026

Apply

If you don’t meet every qualification listed above, we still encourage you to apply. We value practical experience, curiosity, and a willingness to learn, and we recognize that no candidate checks every box.