Principal Engineering Technician I, Development

silananotechnologies; Alameda (CA); On-site; USD 61,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Sila Nanotechnologies is seeking an hands-on Operations Technician to support R&D on pilot-scale tool sets. You will bridge R&D, Operations, and Maintenance on the pilot floor, running test cycles with a focus on safety and procedural discipline.

This role involves data entry, inventory control, SOP creation, operator training, and 5S organization. Typical schedule is Mon–Fri, 9am–6pm with strong total rewards beyond base pay.

Qualifications

• High school diploma, GED, or AS/technical degree in an engineering or technical discipline.
• 5+ years of experience working as an operations technician, lab technician, chemical process operator, or pilot plant technician in relevant environments.
• Experience using basic hand tools; able to train peers on proper tool use and procedures.
• Proficient with Google Workspace and MS Office; strong written and verbal communication.
• Experience working safely with hazardous materials and following SOPs.

Responsibilities

• Development Reactor Operation - manage & execute test runs on pilot scale reactors; prep inputs, load/unload, start & monitor, troubleshoot faults.
• Sampling, Harvesting & Analytics Routing - track run quality data; collect samples; store intermediates; route for analytics.
• Administration & Inventory Control - data entry/labeling of test runs; label materials; manage inventory of materials and PPE.
• Tool Maintenance - collaborate to develop SOPs and schedule preventative maintenance for development reactors and subsystems.
• Operational Excellence & Training - author/refine SOPs; train and certify operators; drive 5S in development areas.

Skills

Communication skills

5+ years experience

Training peers

Process improvement mindset

Data entry and inventory management

Education

High school diploma / GED / AS technical

Tools

Hand tools

Torque wrenches

Impact drivers

Google Workspace

MS Office

Job description

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?

You are a hands-on Operations Technician who supports Sila's R&D teams in development & operation of pilot scale tool sets. This role will facilitate rapid technology development and operationalization by balancing the flexibility needed for development and the rigor needed for success in production environments. You will be the bridge between R&D, Operations, & Maintenance on Sila's manufacturing/pilot floor; running toward challenges with a high standard of safety, an eye for procedural detail, and a continuous-improvement mindset

Responsibilities and Duties

• Development Reactor Operation - Manage & execute test runs on pilot scale reactors by prepping inputs, loading/unloading reactors, starting & monitoring test runs, and troubleshooting run faults.
• Sampling, Harvesting & Analytics Routing - Manage run quality data, by tracking and collecting pre/post run samples, packaging & storing intermediate products, and routing samples for analytics
• Administration & Inventory Control - Coordinate consistent operation of development reactors by owning data entry/labeling of test runs, accurate labeling of input/out materials, managing inventory (raw materials, consumables, spares, PPE, etc)
• Tool Maintenance - Partner with Maintenance & Development teams to develop SOPs & schedule preventative maintenance for development reactors and supporting systems (powder hoods, dust handling systems, abatement system, etc)
• Operational Excellence & Training - Author and refine SOPs related for development reactors & associated subsystems, train & check off operators, drive 5S organization for development areas.

Knowledge and Skill Requirements

• High school diploma, GED, or AS/technical degree in an engineering or technical discipline (mechanical, chemical, industrial technology, or equivalent military training).
• 5+ years of experience working as an operations technician, lab technician, chemical process operator, or pilot plant technician in a hardware, semiconductor, battery, chemical, or advanced manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated comfort using basic hand tools, torque wrenches, impact drivers, etc. Ability to train peers on proper use of tools and operating procedures.
• Demonstrated experience working safely with hazardous materials, pyrophoric/flammable specialty gases, or fine powders in compliance with OSHA and site E&HS guidelines.
• Proven track record of following, executing, and improving rigorous SOPs and standard work instructions without taking unauthorized shortcuts.
• Proficiency with digital data entry and inventory systems and basic digital collaboration tools (Google Workspace / MS Office).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; comfortable presenting operational status updates to engineering teams and enthusiastic about teaching/cross-training team members. Optimization mindset, open to collecting and giving feedback towards driving system improvements.

Physical Demand and Working Conditions

• Wear personal protective equipment including, but not limited to, a lab coat, gloves, safety glasses, and steel toe safety shoes
• Ability to stand/walk on the pilot plant floor for extended periods, wear full respiratory and protective gear when required, and safely lift/move loads up to 40-50 lbs.
• Reach low shelves or items on the floor
• Precise and repetitive handling of a range of material quantities
• Operate a computer and other office equipment, such as a laptop, copier/printer, etc in a fixed location

Monday - Friday, 9am - 6pm

The starting base pay for this role is between $44/hr and $55/hr at the time of posting. The actual base pay depends on many factors, such as education, experience, and skills. Base pay is only one part of Sila's competitive Total Rewards package that can include benefits, perks, and equity. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. This role may also be eligible for overtime.

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 qualifie