Mechanical Engineer
About Periodic Labs
We are an AI + physical sciences lab building state of the art models to make novel scientific discoveries. We are well funded and growing rapidly. Team members are owners who identify and solve problems without boundaries or bureaucracy. We eagerly learn new tools and new science to push forward our mission.
About the Role
Join a world-class team of scientists and engineers pushing the boundaries of materials research in a groundbreaking lab where AI and automation unlock discoveries at unprecedented speed and scale.
Periodic Labs is seeking an experienced Mechanical Engineer to participate in the design and build-out of our automated lab for accelerated materials discovery. You’ll collaborate with scientists to turn ideas and requirements into build-ready designs, and partner with integrators and contract manufacturers to see systems through installation and bring-up. You’ll own the mechanical backbone of new tools and fixtures, keeping quality, safety, and speed of execution front and center.
Responsibilities
Work with a multidisciplinary team of materials scientists and engineers to translate user and system requirements into mechanical specifications and clear interface definitions.
Lead DFM/DFS with vendors; review drawings, GD&T/tolerance stacks, and materials/finishes.
Define factory and site acceptance test criteria; witness tests and drive punch-list closure.
Support onsite assembly, alignment, and anchoring; coordinate rigging with general contractors and facilities.
Design and own fixtures, guarding, enclosures, and mounting solutions (off-the-shelf and custom).
Maintain bills of materials, revision control, and as-built documentation.
Incorporate machine-safety and ergonomics; collaborate on interlocks and guarding.
Qualifications
BS in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
3+ years in mechanical design and vendor-facing manufacturing (machining, sheet metal, plastics).
Strong CAD (SolidWorks & PDM), GD&T, tolerance analysis, and drawing control.
Experience with fixtures, frames, and enclosures for mechatronic/automation systems.
Comfortable onsite for installs and bring-up in a fast-paced lab environment.
Bonus Qualifications
Robotics/automation experience; exposure to P&IDs and utilities interfaces.
FEA simulation for structural and thermal analysis
Demonstrated accomplishments recognized in your field