R&D Workshop Specialist at Formlabs — Somerville, MA

About Formlabs:

Your Impact:

We are seeking an R&D Workshop Specialist to maintain workspace organization & efficiency within our hardware research & development facility. This role is focused on keeping engineering workspaces organized and stocked, ensuring that the engineers and technicians across our facility have the resources they need, exactly when and where they need them.

You will apply high level organizational skills & attention to detail to sustain an environment that minimizes wasted time searching for tools and parts, reduces clutter, and supports rapid hardware innovation. Working from the standards set by engineering leads, you will be the person who keeps those standards in place on the floor day to day. If you're passionate about keeping complex workspaces highly organized and running efficiently, this role is for you.

What You’ll Do

Workspace Organization

• Maintain organized, clutter free R&D spaces by upholding layouts & organizational standards established with engineering.
• Implement and maintain 5S principles (Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain) across benches, storage, and shared zones.
• Develop visual management systems, shadow boards, labeling standards, and standardized storage solutions.
• Ensure tools, test equipment and prototype storage stay in their designated locations.

Inventory & Ordering

• Maintain inventory of shared consumables, hardware, and supplies, and reorder before shortages occur.
• Place and track orders through procurement and vendor ordering systems, from order through receiving and put-away.

Standardization & Best Practices

• Follow and uphold the workspace organization standards defined for each team and zone.
• Maintain documentation, checklists, and labeling conventions to keep standards consistent.
• Support the integration of new equipment and supplies into existing storage and workflows.

Safety & Compliance

• Uphold EHS and lab safety standards through daily upkeep: proper storage of materials, clear egress and aisles, and correct handling and labeling of consumables.

Continuous Improvement & Culture Building

• Partner with engineers, technicians, and facilities to keep spaces working well and surface friction points as they arise.
• Suggest practical improvements to organization, stocking, and flow based on what you observe on the floor.
• Encourage a culture of ownership where every team member helps maintain the workspace.

About You:

• 1-2 years in a lab, shop, warehouse, manufacturing, or operations support role.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Comfort maintaining inventory and using ordering & procurement systems.
• Good communication skills and a collaborative, service-oriented approach.
• Working knowledge of, or willingness to learn, EHS and lab safety standards.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods and stay active throughout the facility.
• Ability to lift and move equipment, parts, and supplies (up to 50 lbs) and to bend, reach, and kneel.
• Comfort working in and around an active hardware R&D environment with machinery, tools, and lab chemicals.
• Exceptional spatial organization and a sharp eye for order and detail.
• Strong, practical problem-solving mindset.
• Hands-on, collaborative, and self-directed.
• Reliable, and keeps up routines without being reminded.

Bonus Skills:

• Experience with hardware labs, maker spaces, or prototype shops.
• Familiarity with CNC machining, electronics assembly, or additive manufacturing environments.
• Exposure to 5S or other lean/workplace organization methods.

Our Benefits & Perks:

• Robust equity program to build future wealth through RSUs
• Comprehensive healthcare coverage (Medical, Dental, Vision)
• 401K matching and access to financial advisors
• Generous paid Parental Leave (up to 16 weeks)
• Tenure-based paid Sabbatical Leave (up to 6 weeks)
• Ample on-site parking & pre-tax commuter benefits
• Healthy on-site lunches, snacks, beverages, & treats
• Regular sponsored professional development opportunities
• Many opt-in culture events across our diverse community
• And of course... unlimited 3D prints

Our Candidate AI Guidelines are available here. Please give them a read.

Compensation

The hourly base pay range for this role is:

$56,000—$84,000 USD