R&D Specialist
Compensation: L2: $62,000–$82,000; L3: $78,000–$105,000
Equity: Included
Location: El Segundo, CA
Work Policy: Onsite
Level: L2–L3 / Senior
Hiring Count: 1 additional opening
Core KPIs: Accurate test execution and documentation; equipment and lab readiness; timely identification and troubleshooting of test or process issues; and observations that support R&D decisions.
Who we are
Rangeview is on a mission to build the foundry system that reindustrializes America. We exist to break the legacy manufacturing trap by reinventing critical production for the twenty-first century. Through advanced software, deep automation, breakthroughs in materials science, and modern financing strategies, Rangeview rewrites both the cost curve and the power structure of making metal parts.
What’s in it for you
As an R&D Specialist, you will work directly alongside Rangeview’s materials R&D team in a highly hands-on research and manufacturing environment.
You will have direct exposure to experimental materials development, advanced manufacturing equipment, test execution, process development, and production-adjacent technical work.
This is a strong opportunity for someone who enjoys working with their hands, solving technical problems, and operating close to engineering and R&D. You will help execute the experiments and processes that enable Rangeview to develop new manufacturing capabilities while gaining exposure to materials science, advanced manufacturing, and the systems behind a modern foundry.
What you’ll do
- Maintain lab and production spaces as clean, organized environments in good working order.
- Execute detailed test plans, including material formulation, testing, and equipment configuration.
- Run and maintain a variety of equipment, including 3D printers, mixers, analytical instruments, and other R&D tools.
- Prepare materials, samples, and equipment required for experimental work.
- Create detailed documentation of test results, observations, process parameters, and deviations.
- Support engineers and scientists during experimental execution and process development.
- Play an active role in R&D team discussions by contributing observations and information from test execution to help interpret results and plan future work.
- Propose and, when appropriate, autonomously execute tests that support R&D team goals.
- Troubleshoot equipment or process issues as they arise and help keep experiments moving.
- Support lab setup, organization, equipment maintenance, cleaning, labeling, inventory, and general operational readiness.
- Perform whatever hands-on work is necessary to keep R&D testing moving, including occasional late-night store runs or monitoring equipment outside normal hours.
What you’ll need
- 2+ years of hands-on experience in a manufacturing, research, laboratory, testing, or R&D environment.
- Experience working directly with laboratory tools, technical equipment, production equipment, or experimental processes.
- Ability to follow detailed test plans, procedures, work instructions, or experimental protocols.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong attention to detail and organizational ability.
- Strong documentation habits with the ability to accurately record observations, results, parameters, and deviations.
- Familiarity with laboratory tools such as analytical equipment, scales, pipettes, or similar equipment.
- Strong hands-on ability and comfort working directly with tools and equipment.
- Ability to notice when something looks wrong during a test or process and communicate or troubleshoot appropriately.
- Comfort operating in a fast-moving R&D environment where processes may still be evolving.
Preferred qualifications
- 2+ years of wet lab experience.
- Materials testing or material formulation experience.
- Experience with 3D printers, mixers, analytical instruments, scales, pipettes, or similar lab equipment.
- Experience working with powders, slurries, ceramics, polymers, resins, coatings, composites, metals, or other technical materials.
- Experience working with complex equipment and tools.
- Experience supporting engineers, scientists, or technical teams.
- Experience in a cleanroom or controlled manufacturing environment.
- Familiarity with laboratory safety procedures for hazardous materials.
- Experience troubleshooting equipment or process issues.
- Experience in aerospace, defense, advanced manufacturing, additive manufacturing, metallurgy, ceramics, composites, chemicals, battery materials, or related technical environments.
Additional requirements
- Must be able to work onsite in El Segundo, CA.
- Must be able to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed when experiments or equipment require monitoring.
- Must be comfortable performing physical, hands-on, and occasionally repetitive work in a lab and manufacturing environment.
- Must meet U.S. Government export-control requirements applicable to Rangeview’s ITAR-controlled work.
Compensation
The salary range for this role is:
- Level 2: $62,000–$82,000, plus equity
- Level 3 / Senior: $78,000–$105,000, plus equity
Salary is determined based on demonstrated candidate experience, qualifications, level, and business considerations.
Benefits
Rangeview offers a competitive benefits package, including:
- Unlimited PTO
- Medical insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Equity
Compliance
Rangeview is a DDTC-registered, ITAR-compliant business. To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicants must be a:
- U.S. citizen or national;
- U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder);
- Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157;
- Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158; or
- Otherwise eligible to obtain the required authorization from the U.S. Department of State.
Rangeview is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and aptitude and will not be influenced by any legally protected status.
We are not working with outside agencies at this time.
