Principal Engineering Technician I, Development Hardware

Frontdoor Defense; Alameda (CA); In loco; USD 61.000 - 76.000; Tempo pieno

Descrizione del lavoro

Sila's Alameda site seeks an Operations Technician to support the development and operation of pilot-scale tool sets. You will bridge R&D, Operations and Maintenance on the manufacturing floor; running test runs, collecting data, and ensuring safety and procedural discipline.

The role emphasizes hands-on setup, tooling, SOP refinement, and training of operators, with a focus on rapid development and manufacturing readiness in a fast-paced environment.

Competenze

• High school diploma, GED, or AS/technical degree in an engineering or technical discipline.
• 5+ years of experience as an operations or pilot plant technician in relevant environments.
• Proficiency with basic hand tools, torque wrenches, and impact drivers.
• Experience working safely with hazardous materials and compliant with OSHA guidelines.
• Proven track record of following and improving SOPs and standard work.
• Strong writing and verbal communication; ability to train peers.

Mansioni

• 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, track and collect samples, package/store products, route samples for analytics.
• Administration & Inventory Control - Coordinate operation of development reactors with data entry/labeling of test runs, labeling of inputs/outputs, manage inventory.
• Tool Maintenance - Collaborate to develop SOPs and schedule preventative maintenance for development reactors and supporting systems.
• Operational Excellence & Training - Write/refine SOPs, train operators, and drive 5S in development areas.

Conoscenze

SOP development and training

5S housekeeping

Safety and OSHA compliance

Tool operation and hand tools

Documentation and data entry

Cross-functional collaboration

Formazione

High school diploma / GED / AS-technical degree in engineering or technical discipline

Strumenti

Google Workspace

MS Office

Descrizione del lavoro

Principal Engineering Technician I, Development

Lead pilot reactor operations and SOP implementation to accelerate development maturation

Location: Alameda, California

Compensation: $44 - 55 USD / hour

About The Role

Operations Technician

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 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.