Company: Ambilabs LLC Location: Warren, Rhode Island Employment Type: Full-Time | On-Site Experience: 7+ Years About Ambilabs Ambilabs LLC is a growing environmental technology company specializing in advanced ambient air quality monitoring instrumentation, custom monitoring systems, and innovative environmental measurement solutions. We serve government agencies, research institutions, and industrial customers throughout North America and internationally. Our Research & Development team focuses on designing and developing the next generation of environmental monitoring technologies, with an emphasis on measurement accuracy, reliability, and practical real-world applications. Position Overview Ambilabs is seeking an experienced, highly motivated Senior Research & Development Scientist / Engineer to join our team in Warren, Rhode Island. This position will play a critical role in the research, design, development, and commercialization of new environmental monitoring instruments, with a particular emphasis on optical measurement technologies, light scattering, and absorption. The ideal candidate possesses a strong theoretical understanding of optics and advanced mathematics, physics, combined with the hands-on engineering experience necessary to design, build, test, and troubleshoot complex instrumentation. Experience with nephelometry, aerosol measurement, or optical particle detection is a significant advantage. We welcome experienced professionals from a range of engineering and scientific disciplines, including optical engineering, electrical engineering, physics, applied sciences, and related technical fields. This is an opportunity for an experienced technical professional who enjoys solving challenging engineering problems, developing innovative technologies, and transforming scientific concepts into commercially viable products.
Key Responsibilities
Research & Product Development
- Research and development activities for new environmental monitoring instruments and measurement technologies.
- Design, develop, and optimize optical measurement systems, particularly those utilizing light scattering, and absorption principles.
- Evaluate new technologies, measurement techniques, and components for potential integration into commercial products.
- Drive product development from initial concept and feasibility studies through prototyping, validation, and production readiness.
- Identify and implement improvements to existing instrument designs, measurement accuracy, reliability, and performance.
Optical Systems & Analytical Engineering
- Apply advanced optical principles, light scattering theory, light absorption theory, and mathematical modeling to instrument design and development.
- Develop and solve complex mathematical equations related to optical measurements, signal processing, and instrument performance.
- Design and evaluate optical configurations, light sources, detectors, and associated measurement electronics.
- Develop calibration methods, measurement algorithms, and performance verification procedures.
- Analyze experimental data to identify measurement limitations, sources of error, and opportunities for improvement.
Hands-On Engineering & Prototyping
- Independently design, assemble, modify, and troubleshoot electronic and optical prototypes.
- Work directly with electronic circuits, sensors, optical components, and laboratory instrumentation.
- Utilize hand tools, electronic test equipment, and specialized laboratory equipment to build and evaluate experimental systems.
- Diagnose complex mechanical, electrical, and optical problems and develop effective solutions.
- Conduct laboratory testing, validation experiments, and instrument performance evaluations.
Technical Leadership & Collaboration
- Provide technical direction and expertise throughout the product development process.
- Collaborate with engineering, technical service, and other departments to ensure successful product development and commercialization.
- Establish testing procedures, technical specifications, and performance requirements.
- Prepare detailed technical documentation, research findings, design records, and test reports.
- Mentor and provide technical guidance to less experienced team members as needed.
- Independently manage technical priorities and development milestones while maintaining project schedules.
Required Qualifications
- 7+ years of professional experience in research and development, instrumentation engineering, optical systems, or related technical product development.
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, applied sciences, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent demonstrated professional experience.
- Strong understanding of optics, including light scattering principles and their applications in measurement technologies.
- Advanced mathematical and analytical capabilities, including the ability to derive, manipulate, and solve complex equations.
- Demonstrated experience designing, developing, testing, or improving scientific or industrial instrumentation.
- Extensive hands-on experience working with electronics, electronic components, and laboratory test equipment.
- Proficiency using hand tools to assemble, modify, troubleshoot, and repair electronic and mechanical systems.
- Ability to independently diagnose and resolve complex technical and engineering challenges.
- Experience with experimental design, data analysis, measurement uncertainty, and instrument performance evaluation.
- Demonstrated ability to take technical concepts from initial design through functional prototype development.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to document and explain complex technical concepts.
Preferred Qualifications
The following qualifications are highly desirable but are not required:
- Experience with nephelometry, including the design, development, calibration, or operation of nephelometric measurement systems.
- Knowledge of aerosol science, atmospheric optics, or particulate matter measurement technologies.
- Experience with Mie scattering, Rayleigh scattering, or related optical measurement principles.
- Experience designing optical detection systems utilizing LEDs, lasers, photodiodes, or photomultiplier tubes.
- Experience with analog and digital electronics, signal conditioning, and low-noise measurement circuits.
- Familiarity with embedded systems, microcontrollers, and instrument control technologies.
- Experience with scientific programming, numerical analysis, or mathematical modeling using tools such as Python, MATLAB, or similar software.
- Experience with optical simulation, mechanical design, or CAD software.
- Knowledge of environmental monitoring instrumentation, air quality measurement methods, or analytical instruments.
- Experience developing commercial products, including design verification, validation, and transition to manufacturing.
- Advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in a relevant technical or scientific field.
Ideal Candidate
The successful candidate will be someone who:
- Enjoys combining advanced scientific theory with practical, hands-on engineering.
- Can understand the physics and mathematics behind a measurement technique and translate that knowledge into a functional instrument.
- Is comfortable working at a laboratory bench, assembling electronics, using tools, and troubleshooting prototypes.
- Approaches complex problems analytically and develops practical, innovative solutions.
- Takes ownership of technical challenges and works independently to achieve results.
- Is creative, detail-oriented, and motivated by developing new technologies.
- Thrives in a collaborative environment where ideas can move quickly from concept to prototype and commercial product.
Compensation & Benefits
Ambilabs offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, including:
- 3 weeks of paid time off (PTO)
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match
- Medical insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Life insurance
- Free gym membership
- Opportunities for professional growth and technical leadership
- Direct involvement in innovative environmental monitoring product development
- Collaborative, hands-on research and engineering environment
Work Location This is a full-time, on-site position at Ambilabs LLC in Warren, Rhode Island. The position requires regular laboratory work, hands-on prototype development, instrument testing, and direct collaboration with our engineering and technical teams. Ambilabs LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any status protected by applicable law.