New Materials Reactor Design Engineer-Contract

SILA; Alameda (CA); On-site; USD 840,000 - 1,086,000; Full time

Job summary

Sila in Alameda, CA is hiring an hands-on engineer to design, build, and test R&D hardware for CVD proof-of-concept work. You’ll lead from concept through deployment, coordinate with vendors, and continuously refine designs with end-users.

You’ll document processes, collaborate across chemists, pipefitters, and engineers, and ensure robust, flexible hardware solutions in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, or a related field.
• At least 6 months’ prior experience in academic or industrial R&D environments.
• Proficiency in mechanical design, CAD software (SolidWorks preferred), and documenting designs for fabrication.
• Programming experience (C, Python, .NET, or IEC 61131 PLC automation preferred).
• Knowledge of AC and DC power, sensor troubleshooting, and field wiring best practices.
• Experience with complex multidisciplinary technical systems (electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic).
• Strong communication skills to surface problems constructively.

Responsibilities

• Design, build and test new R&D hardware for novel CVD proof-of-concept work, leading from concept to deployment.
• Collaborate with contractors and external vendors to fabricate and assemble parts.
• Close loops with end-users to iterate designs in fast learning cycles.
• Diagnose problems with data analysis and discussions with stakeholders.
• Document work comprehensively and hand off commissioning procedures and tests.
• Plan projects with accuracy and design hardware for flexibility and operability.

Skills

Mechanical design

Documentation

Hands-on engineering

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, or related field

Tools

SolidWorks

C

Python

.NET

IEC 61131 PLC

Job description

Alameda, CA

About Us

We are Sila, a next-generation battery materials company. Our mission is to power the world’s transition to clean energy. To create this future, our team is building a better lithium‑ion battery from the inside out today. We engineer and manufacture ground‑breaking battery materials that significantly increase the energy density of batteries, while reducing their size and weight. The result? Smaller more powerful batteries that can unlock innovation in consumer devices and accelerate the mass adoption of electric cars to eliminate our dependence on fossil fuels. We're tackling one of the biggest challenges of our time every day, and together we're redefining what's possible. Are you ready to be a part of a team committed to changing the world?

WHO YOU ARE

You’re a hands‑on engineer energized by ownership of your design decisions. You understand how every mechanical part you design, every fitting you specify, and every line of code you write is a commitment. You’re thorough and don’t leave loose ends dangling. You’re excited when the things you build outlast you. You excel at translating loosely‑defined scientific requests into rigorous, deterministic machines that help unlock technical truth. You bring pragmatism and a daily sense of urgency to your work. When things don’t go as planned, you excel at reducing problems to their underlying physical phenomena and finding solutions everyone can trust. You’re a skilled listener and communicator, which helps you interface with a wide range of people, from chemists to pipefitters. You’re relentless in eliminating sources of drift and uncertainty.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

• Design, build and test new R&D hardware for novel chemical vapor deposition proof‑of‑concept work. You’ll have abundant support, but you’ll need to take the lead in carrying out a design from concept through deployment.
• Work with contractors and external vendors to get things built. This will include fabricators, tradespeople, system integrators, and in‑house engineers & technicians.
• Close loops. In daily collaboration with the end–users of the machines you build, iterate and refine your designs in fast learning cycles.
• Diagnose problems when they arise and fix them responsively. This will include data analysis and in‑person discussions with people who identify problems.
• Organize, document, communicate. Create enduring records of your work. Ensure successful handoff to end–users of your work with clearly‑documented commissioning procedures and tests.
• Plan projects accurately and execute according to plan. Design hardware for flexibility and operability.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, or a related field.
• At least 6 months’ prior experience working full‑time in academic and/or industrial research & development environments.
• Proficiency in mechanical design, CAD software (SolidWorks preferred), and making machines that balance flexibility and robustness. Proficiency in documenting designs and getting them fabricated by outside vendors.
• Programming experience (C, Python, .NET, or IEC 61131 PLC automation preferred).
• Knowledge of AC and DC power fundamentals, sensor/signal troubleshooting, and field wiring best practices.
• Experience with complex, multidisciplinary technical systems (for instance: interconnected electronic, mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems)
• Great communication skills, including the ability to surface problems constructively.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

• Wear personal protective equipment including, but not limited to, a lab coat, gloves, safety glasses, and steel toe safety shoes
• Move items up to 50 lbs with the assistance of lift equipment and carts
• Move long distances (such as from building to building)
• Can travel locally up to 20% of the time

The starting base pay for this role is $61.25/hour-$77.88 at the time of posting. The actual base pay depends on many factors, such as education, experience, and skills. Contract expected to last 3-6 months.

Working at Sila

We believe that building a diverse team at Sila helps us amplify our individual talents. We are an equal opportunity employer and committed to creating an inclusive environment where good ideas are free to come from anyone. We are proud to celebrate diversity and all qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, national origin, or any other status protected by law.