Soft Materials Engineer

About Us:

HaloBraid is a hair technology company using breakthrough engineering to help people perform routines faster. We’re building the world’s first robotic hair-braiding system: integrating computer vision, robotics, compliant fiber manipulation, and novel mechatronic machines. This is one of the hardest unsolved problems in robotics, applied to a $300B industry.

8 billion hours are spent braiding hair each year. HaloBraid exists to give that time back. The system works with professional stylists to reduce braiding appointments from hours to minutes and grow their business. Our technology works. We’re moving from R&D into deployment with salons, well-funded by leading investors. We’re looking for a Soft Materials Engineer to own how our system physically interacts with hair. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of the hair styling industry.

Responsibilities:

• Research and characterize mechanical and physical properties of hair (natural and synthetic)

• Develop solutions for gripping, guiding, detangling, and controlling flexible fibers

• Design and evaluate materials, coatings, and surface interactions for optimal performance and durability

• Define safe operating thresholds (tension, force, heat) to prevent breakage and discomfort

• Build and run experiments and test systems to validate material performance

• Collaborate with mechanical, robotics, and software engineers to integrate into product systems

• Translate research into scalable, production-ready solutions

Requirements:

• PhD in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Textile Engineering, Polymer Science, Soft Robotics, or related field

• Experience working with fibers, textiles, polymers, thin-rod structures, soft materials, or deformable materials

• Strong understanding of material characterization and mechanical behavior

• Significant, demonstrated hands-on experience with original experimental design and testing

Desired Skills & Experience (optional but the more, the better)

• Experience with robotic manipulation of soft or flexible materials

• Background in soft robotics, or soft materials

• Familiarity with biological fibers (e.g., hair, keratin-based materials)

• Experience with modeling, simulation, or animation tools

Working Style:

• Low ego, adaptable, and collaborative spirit

• Excited to learn through fast-paced iteration and user feedback

• Passionate, driven by innovation

• Self-starter, takes ownership and drives work forward independently

• Excellent communication, an ability to concisely convey and discuss complex ideas

Benefits of Working with Us:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits

• 100% medical premium coverage

• Meaningful equity

• 12 company holidays and unlimited PTO

• Company subsidized parking or commute for onsite employees

Onsite Work

This is an onsite position at our office/lab in Cambridge, MA. You must have authorization to work in the US.

Don’t Meet Every Requirement?

If you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align with every single part of the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

We are an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization.