Associate R&D Engineer
Somerville, MA, USA
About Us
Transaera is a fast-growing, VC-backed startup, dedicated to redefining the future of air conditioning with cutting-edge, sustainable solutions. Based in Somerville, MA, we’re tackling one of the planet’s most pressing challenges: making cooling more efficient, affordable, and environmentally friendly.
At Transaera, you’ll join a passionate team of engineers, scientists, and visionaries committed to creating a cooler, greener future. Everyone here owns outcomes, not just tasks. If you want to build something from scratch and leave your mark on a growing company, you'll fit right in.
Learn more about our revolutionary work at www.transaera.com.
The Role
Transaera is seeking an Associate Test Engineer to support the day-to-day operation of the custom test rigs that power our R&D program. In this hands-on role, you will operate multiple test systems, improve their reliability and efficiency, analyze performance data, and provide recommendations based on your findings. Because our test rigs are designed and built in-house, we are looking for someone who is proactive, resourceful, and comfortable working independently. This is an entry-level opportunity, but candidates should have demonstrated experience with hands-on experimentation and problem-solving.
We're especially interested in individuals who:
Are excited about the future of climate technology.
Thrive in a fast-paced, growing startup environment.
Take initiative, solve problems proactively, and are not afraid to ask questions.
What You'll Own
Key Responsibilities include:
Operating custom test rigs including sample preparation, test execution, teardown, and reporting of results.
Improving rig reliability, calibration, throughput, and data collection, including automating routine measurements where practical.
Analyzing test data, identifying trends and anomalies, and presenting conclusions and recommendations to the engineering team.
Monitoring results as they are generated, investigating and resolving anomalies as they arise, and communicating findings and corrective actions.
Maintaining calibration schedules, standard operating procedures, and test documentation.
Supporting prototype builds and materials trials alongside the chemistry and manufacturing teams.
Contributing to fixture and rig design and fabrication (CAD, 3D printing) as opportunities arise.
What we're looking for:
BS in mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, physics, or a related field. Recent graduates welcome.
Hands-on experience with custom or instrumented test setups from a research lab, co-op, internship, or engineering project team.
Experience carrying experiments from design through execution and analysis of your own data (Python, MATLAB, or Excel).
Demonstrated ability to work independently: troubleshoot unexpected results, identify root causes, and resolve issues before escalating.
Strong attention to detail in record-keeping and documentation.
Comfortable with hand tools, basic wiring, and daily hands-on lab work.
Bonus points:
Parametric CAD (SolidWorks, Onshape, or Fusion 360) and rapid prototyping experience such as 3D printing.
Coursework or applied background in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or heat and mass transfer; psychrometrics a plus.
Data acquisition experience: LabVIEW/NI hardware, Arduino or Raspberry Pi instrumentation, sensor selection and integration.
Prior experience at a startup or in a small-team environment.
Ground-floor opportunity to define a critical function at a fast-growing startup
Competitive salary + meaningful equity in a VC-backed company
Work directly with founders, executives and have a real seat at the table
Mission-driven work to help bring about a revolution in HVAC technology
Why Join Us
Ground-floor opportunity to define a critical function at a fast-growing startup
Competitive salary + meaningful equity in a VC-backed company
Work directly with founders, executives and have a real seat at the table
Mission-driven work to help bring about a revolution in HVAC technology