Hardware Engineer at Proto-Town in Lockhart, TX

Proto-Experiments runs ambitious projects. Our current focus is ML-driven crystal growth systems that close the loop between sensors, ML-driven control, and physical hardware. We're looking for a tinkerer whose core strengths are sensors, microcontroller programming, and breadboard-level fabrication. A lot of this role is figuring out how to prototype and build. Materials science or ML background is a plus but not required. Hiring ASAP.

Crystal growth is the immediate project, but Proto-Experiments has other unusual builds in the pipeline. If it is a good fit, there is real opportunity to keep working together on what comes next.

What you'll do

• Build the sensing side of our growth rigs: thermocouples, optical sensors, cameras, pressure sensors - selecting them, wiring them cleanly, and getting clean signals out of noisy environments.
• Program the microcontrollers running the rigs: sensor sampling, control loops, motor sequencing, and host comms.
• Breadboard and prototype-level fabrication: protoboards, harnesses, simple carrier boards, plus 3D-printed brackets and basic mechanical scaffolding.
• Power side: heater control, motor drives, PID loops, MOSFETs, isolation, grounding.
• Take rigs from "works on the bench" to "runs reliably for a 72-hour growth," and debug across the stack when they don't.

We're looking for

• A natural tinkerer - someone who learns quickly, stays deeply curious, works extremely hard, and brings creativity to the bench.
• Strong sensor integration experience
• Solid microcontroller programming
• Real breadboard and prototype-fab skills
• Light mechanical fab: basic CAD, 3D printing

You don't need every one of these. We care more about mindset and attitude.

Logistics

• Contract: Hours flexible. Hiring ASAP. Potential to convert to full-time.
• On-site in Lockhart, TX.
• To apply: email jack@earthship.city