MicroAlchemy careers

Founding Hardware Engineer

Engineering > HardwareOnsiteWaterloo, ON, CanadaFull time

Build fabrication systems, lab hardware, and process equipment as a founding hardware engineer at MicroAlchemy.

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Role description

We are hiring a Founding Hardware Engineer to help build and operate the physical systems behind our process and prototyping stack.

This is a hands-on engineering role for someone comfortable working close to equipment, materials, manufacturing methods, and real-world constraints. You should be able to move between design, fabrication, assembly, troubleshooting, and safe lab execution.

What you will work on

  • hardware systems for fabrication and process development
  • lab and equipment setup, modification, and maintenance
  • prototyping and fixture design for internal engineering workflows
  • manufacturing methods for fast iteration and constrained builds
  • practical engineering work that bridges process, mechanical, and electronics needs

Ideal background

We are especially interested in candidates with experience in several of the following:

  • handling or working around hazardous materials
  • cleanroom work or process-oriented lab environments
  • manufacturing methods such as 3D printing, CNC machining, or sintering
  • systems involving high-pressure gases
  • working safely with acids, bases, and other chemically sensitive processes
  • equipment troubleshooting, modification, and buildout
  • resource-constrained hardware projects where speed and practicality matter

Qualifications

  • Strong hands-on hardware engineering ability and comfort working directly with tools, equipment, and physical systems
  • Experience with hazardous materials or safety-sensitive lab/manufacturing environments
  • Experience with manufacturing and fabrication methods including at least some of: 3D printing, CNC manufacturing, sintering, gas handling, or wet chemistry processes
  • Ability to design, build, debug, and improve hardware systems under practical budget, tooling, and schedule constraints
  • Willingness to work across multiple disciplines in an early-stage environment

Helpful experience

  • cleanroom experience
  • electronics prototyping experience such as PCB design, breadboarding, instrumentation, or embedded bring-up
  • semiconductor, materials, or advanced manufacturing exposure
  • experience building tooling, fixtures, enclosures, or custom process hardware