Operations Technician

Last Energy; Emeryville (CA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Last Energy is a pioneering technology company in Emeryville, seeking an Operations Technician to support rapid iteration and build processes. Responsibilities include operating fabrication equipment and collaborating with engineers.

A high school diploma is preferred, along with a team-oriented mindset and willingness to learn in a fast-paced environment. Last Energy aims to decarbonize energy production through innovative nuclear energy solutions.

Qualifications

• Strong bias toward action and reliability.
• Ability to perform physically demanding tasks.
• Previous experience in construction, manufacturing, or general labor is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, and maintain machining and fabrication equipment.
• Fabricate, assemble, and modify components based on engineering team instructions.
• Maintain shop safety and organization.

Skills

Reliability

Team-oriented mindset

Willingness to learn

Basic understanding of workplace safety practices

Familiarity with basic CAD software

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Basic lathes

Manual mills

CNC machines

Laser cutters

Welding equipment

Job description

Last Energy is a pioneering US technology company deploying next-generation modular nuclear power plants. We’re seeking a reliable and hardworking Operations Technician to join our team in Austin. This role is essential for supporting our rapid iteration and build processes, contributing directly to the success of our groundbreaking projects. This is a role for builders and doers who thrive in a fast-paced, hands-on environment, assisting with site preparation, equipment handling, and ensuring smooth daily shop activities.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Fabrication Operations: Set up, operate, and maintain foundational machining and fabrication equipment, including basic lathes, manual mills, CNC machines, laser cutters, and welding equipment
• Prototyping Support: Fabricate, assemble, and modify components and fixtures based on technical drawings, prototypes, or engineering instructions supplied by the engineering team
• Material Logistics: Assist with efficient material handling and preparation, including cutting, measuring, loading, and transporting stock for machining or assembly operations to optimize shop throughput
• Shop Safety & Organization: Own the cleanliness and safety of the shop environment, maintaining proper tool storage and strictly adhering to all safety standards to foster a high-urgency, professional workplace
• Equipment Maintenance: Perform routine preventive maintenance and basic troubleshooting on fabrication equipment, coordinating with facilities staff for any major repairs
• Team Collaboration: Collaborate with engineers and shop leadership to refine early-stage prototypes and provide feedback that improves manufacturability and meets aggressive project timelines
• Operational Adaptability: Contribute to both hands-on prototyping and general facilities/operations support, demonstrating the agility required in a startup environment that values speed and ingenuity

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is preferred
• A strong bias toward action and reliability, with a team-oriented mindset ready to support critical operational goals
• Willingness to learn quickly and follow instructions in a dynamic, fast-paced setting
• Basic understanding of workplace safety practices; formal training will be provided as needed
• Ability to perform physically demanding tasks, including lifting up to 50 lbs and working outdoors in various weather conditions
• Previous experience in construction, manufacturing, or general labor is a plus but not required
• Familiarity with basic CAD software is a plus
• Shop floor interface experience is a plus
• Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is a plus

Last Energy provides decarbonized, reliable, affordable nuclear energy at scale by innovating on the delivery model, not the reactor. By significantly reducing the time and cost of deployment, we are decarbonizing global energy production, increasing access to 24/7 baseload power, and creating a scalable clean energy future for humanity.