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.

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.

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.