Description

About Sperra

Sperra is redefining marine construction using 3D concrete printing technology. We are pioneering a new market—Blue Ocean Infrastructure—developing large-scale concrete products to tackle the world’s biggest challenges in energy, coastal resilience, and sustainable infrastructure. Our R&D drives innovation in structural design, concrete materials, and manufacturing technology, turning bold ideas into tangible solutions that perform in the harshest ocean environments. Through hands-on experimentation and technical excellence, Sperra is creating infrastructure that not only performs but transforms what’s possible in the blue economy.

Who You Are

You are a hands-on, mechanically minded engineer who thrives in a lab and experimental environment. You enjoy rolling up your sleeves, working directly with robotics, CAD, materials, and tools, and helping turn prototypes into real-world prints. You are independent and proactive, able to take ownership of printing experiments and troubleshooting challenges as they arise. You bring:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, or related field).
• 1–3 years of experience in construction, prototyping, fabrication, or additive manufacturing.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and comfort working with tools, machinery, and lab equipment.
• Familiarity with CAD, robotics, or automated fabrication systems is a plus.
• Bonus: Experience with 3D concrete printing, large-scale printing systems, or construction automation.

What You’ll Do

As an R&D Engineer at Sperra’s Los Angeles lab, you’ll support the development, testing, and implementation of next-generation materials and methods for large-scale 3D concrete printing systems. This role is highly hands-on and requires active participation in lab experiments, robot operation, CAD modeling, and materials testing. Key responsibilities include:

• Operate and maintain large-scale 3D concrete printing systems, including setup, calibration, and troubleshooting.
• Execute printing experiments from start to finish, including material preparation, robot operation, and post-print handling.
• Work directly with concrete and other construction materials: mix, test, and monitor curing to ensure quality.
• Assist in prototyping, assembly, and testing of new structural components or printing hardware.
• Use CAD tools to review designs, prepare printing files, and modify models as needed.
• Maintain lab equipment, tools, and robotics, ensuring proper functioning and safety compliance.
• Record observations, collect data, and contribute to experiment documentation, technical reports, and presentations.
• Support continuous improvement of printing processes, materials, and lab workflows through hands-on experimentation.
• Ensure lab safety, organization, and proper handling of tools, machinery, and materials.

Qualifications

Required

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
• 1–3 years of hands-on lab or industry experience in concrete, construction, or additive manufacturing.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and experience using hand and power tools.
• Experience with CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD) or willingness to quickly learn.
• Ability to work independently, take ownership of experiments, and troubleshoot practical challenges.
• Strong problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.

Preferred

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Materials Science, or a related discipline.
• Experience with 3D concrete printing, large-scale additive manufacturing, or robotic systems.
• Familiarity with concrete mix design, curing, and mechanical testing.
• Exposure to prototyping, fabrication, and mechanical assembly.

What You’ll Get

• Annual salary: $70,000 – $135,000, based on experience
• Full-time, on-site in Los Angeles
• 10 paid holidays annually
• 4 weeks PTO + 6 paid sick days per year
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement savings plan
• Preferred computer and peripherals provided
• Career development and mentorship in a growing cleantech startup

Why Join Sperra

This is a unique opportunity to grow with a startup at the forefront of renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, and concrete technology. Your work will directly support critical infrastructure innovations that contribute to energy transition and climate resilience.

Sperra is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering an environment that is inclusive and welcoming for leadership and team members with different backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences. By welcoming diversity, we mean that our organization embraces differences in identity, age, culture, ancestry, ethnicity, race, color, sexual orientation, physical ability, learning style, religion, familial status, marital status, occupation, veteran status, nationality, and the many forms of composite subjectivity and life experiences. Hence, we strongly encourage applications from BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) individuals, people from working-class backgrounds, women, LGBTQIA+ people, and veterans.

The pay range for this role is:
70,000 - 135,000 USD per year(US National)

Apply Here

PI277607480