R & D Technician, Electrodialysis Membrane

Captura; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

Equity: Stock options

401(k) with match

3 weeks PTO + holidays

Winter break

Growth opportunities

Job summary

Captura is seeking an ED Membrane R&D Technician to join our team, contributing to next-generation BPED technology for ocean carbon capture and brine valorization. The role involves setting up BPED test systems, collecting electrochemical data, and troubleshooting to ensure reliable data and smooth scale-up.

Ideal candidates have a Bachelor’s degree in a related field and hands-on wet-lab experience, with the ability to work independently within a small team and adhere to PPE and safety

Qualifications

• Must have hands-on wet-lab experience and be comfortable working with chemicals and PPE.
• Able to work independently in a small team while maintaining detailed lab notebooks.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with R&D and support scale-up of electrodialysis systems.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple samples and experiments.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate BPED test systems with pumps, power supplies, and parameters to ensure data quality.
• Compile and present electrochemical data for review, flag trends and anomalies.
• Troubleshoot test systems, addressing fouling, leaks, pump or sensor issues; implement corrective actions.

Skills

Wet lab

Independent worker

Cross-functional collaboration

Documentation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Materials Science

Tools

Python

Biologic software

Electrodialysis equipment

Job description

About the Role

Captura is seeking an ED Membrane R/D Technician to join our team developing next-generation bipolar membrane electrodialysis (BPED) technology at a pivotal early stage in our growth. This is a unique opportunity to help scale a novel BPED platform into industrial scale direct ocean carbon capture, lithium refinement, and brine valorization applications. The ideal candidate will have hands‑on experience with electrodialysis or electrochemistry, wet‑lab experience, and the ability to work independently within a small team. This position requires being comfortable working with chemicals, laboratory equipment, process materials, and appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). They will take ownership of membrane test systems and electrochemical data, playing a key role in optimizing and scaling up our BPED R&D work.

Responsibilities

• Set up, calibrate, monitor, and operate bipolar membrane electrodialysis (BPED) test systems, using peristaltic pumps and power supplies, and other operating parameters to maintain consistent data quality across test runs.
• Compile, organize, and present electrochemical data (voltage, current efficiency, conductivity, etc.) for review by the R&D team, flagging trends or anomalies as they emerge.
• Troubleshoot technical issues across test systems, including membrane fouling, leaks, pump or sensor malfunctions, and electrical faults; identify root causes and implement corrective actions to minimize downtime.
• Perform routine maintenance, calibration, and minor repairs on test stands and associated lab equipment to keep systems test‑ready.
• Maintain accurate lab notebooks and test records to support reproducibility, knowledge transfer across teams and to support product development, root cause analysis, process validation, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Adhere to all applicable regulations, policies, and procedures for health, safety, and environmental compliance, including proper handling of chemicals and hazardous materials.
• Maintain high standards of laboratory hygiene, cleanliness, and organization, including proper cleaning and organization of glassware, equipment, benches, fume hoods, and shared laboratory areas.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
• Experience working in a wet lab.
• Ability to work independently in small teams.
• Ability to collaborate cross‑functionally with the R&D team and closely support the scale‑up of electrodialysis systems.
• Strong organizational skills with ability to manage multiple samples, experiments, records and priorities in structured manner.
• Lab-based work with regular handling of chemicals; PPE required, including safety glasses, gloves, lab coat, and closed‑toe shoes.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift to 35 lbs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Relevant hands‑on experience in the build and operation of liquid materials processing engineering systems (pool, chemical, petrochemical, water, mining, oil & gas plants, etc.)
• Experience with Python and Biologic software.
• Working experience with electrodialysis or electrochemistry.

Featured Benefits

Compensation

The approximate salary range for this role is $70,000–$85,000. Actual compensation depends on factors unique to each candidate, including geographic location, education, experience, qualifications, and job‑related skills. It is not typical for someone to be hired above the midpoint of the range. This range reflects base salary only — total compensation includes the benefits and rewards outlined below, and will be considered as a whole when we present an offer.

Benefits & Total Rewards

• Health coverage: Medical, dental and vision fully covered for employees, with partial coverage for dependents
• Equity: Stock option grant, with amount determined based on role and experience
• Retirement: 401(k) with match
• Time off: 3 weeks PTO plus company holidays and a paid winter break between Christmas and New Year’s
• Growth: Ground‑floor opportunity to build and scale the manufacturing and supply chain function as Captura grows