Hardware & Science Jobs at Startups
There are 1,179 open hardware and science roles at 424 early-stage startups, 8% of them remote. Where pay is stated it is typically USD 110k to 207.5k, with a median of USD 155k.
Working in hardware & science at a startup
These roles mix applied science with practical field and lab work. At an early-stage startup, you’ll often be the first person to build, test, or repair things, wearing many hats and directly shaping products and processes. You’ll work across home services, biotech, robotics, aerospace, and other industries, with a focus on real-world problem-solving.
What hardware and science work involves at an early-stage startup
You are often the first person to build, test or fix the thing. Lab and field work sit side by side, and results feed straight back into the design. A large employer would give you one instrument and one protocol, and an early startup gives you the whole bench.
Day to day
- Install, maintain, and repair equipment or systems in labs, facilities, or customer sites.
- Conduct tests, collect data, and document results according to protocols and safety standards.
- Troubleshoot technical issues and implement practical solutions in real time.
- Operate specialized tools, instruments, or software for measurement, analysis, or production.
- Support scientists, engineers, or clinicians with experiments, procedures, or observations.
- Ensure compliance with regulatory and quality standards for equipment and processes.
Skills and tools
- Mechanical aptitude and hands-on troubleshooting
- Experience with diagnostic tools, hand tools, or lab instruments
- Data collection and documentation accuracy
- Knowledge of safety and compliance protocols
- Technical certifications (e.g., HVAC, RBT, veterinary technician) or lab techniques
- Ability to work independently and adapt quickly
How to get into hardware & science at a startup
Background
Typical backgrounds include a high school diploma plus technical training or certification, an associate degree in a relevant field, or a bachelor's degree in engineering, biology, or physical science - though many roles value proven hands-on experience equally.
Career path
These roles often progress to senior or lead technician positions, or transition into engineering, operations, or quality management as you gain specialized expertise and startup experience.
Who is hiring hardware and science roles
Open roles by startup. Select a startup to see its jobs.
- 1,179open roles
- 424startups hiring
- 8%remote
Pay and the market
Industries
Robotics and manufacturing (216), biotech and life sciences (175) and climate and energy (170) startups have most of the openings.
Pay figures come from the 375 postings on this page that state a salary.
Salary
8% of hardware & science postings are remote. Remote hardware & science jobs →
Where hardware & science roles are open
Open roles by place. Every row is a link.
Industries hiring hardware & science
Open roles by what the startup builds. Every row is a link.
Experience level
Open roles by the experience the posting asks for.
Employment type
Open roles by full-time, contract, internship and the rest.
Hardware & Science jobs
Questions people ask
How much do hardware and science jobs pay?
Typically USD 110k to 207.5k a year, with a median of USD 155k, where the posting states a salary.
Which startups are hiring hardware and science roles?
Alpaca Health (106 roles), Lila Sciences (21) and Astera Institute (20) have the most; 424 startups are hiring in total.
Can I work remotely?
8% of these roles are remote.
Do I need to be senior?
Most roles are senior (35% of those that state a level), and 29% are junior or intern.
Are new roles coming in?
74 were posted this week.