R&D Test Operator

Socket.dev; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Health benefits package

401K plan with employer contributions

Generous paid time off

Job summary

Antora Energy is seeking an R&D Test Operator to support 24/7 testing of full-scale and subscale thermal battery experiments at our San Jose hub. You will operate high-power, high-temperature test systems, master SCADA/HMI controls, and collaborate with engineers, operators, and technicians to drive fast progress toward commercialization.

This site-based role requires adaptability to nights, weekends, and on-call coverage, with a focus on safety, documentation, and continuous improvement of test

Qualifications

• Experience operating industrial plants or test equipment via SCADA/HMI.
• Ability to follow and improve SOPs and checklists.
• Hands-on installation, troubleshooting and repair of industrial equipment.

Responsibilities

• Operate high-power, high-temperature test systems via SCADA/HMI.
• Monitor system health, respond to alarms, perform safe shutdowns.
• Install/uninstall test articles and run pre-/post-flight checklists.
• Support commissioning of TES modules and test rigs; maintain logs.
• Perform preventive maintenance and troubleshoot mechanical/electrical systems.
• Document anomalies and communicate with teams.

Skills

SCADA/HMI operation

Independent work with judgment

Attention to detail

Written and verbal communication

Safety-minded

Education

AA/AS in technical field

High school diploma or GED

Tools

SCADA tools

Multimeters

Gas sensors

Job description

Antora Energy delivers affordable, reliable energy to industry, data centers, and the grid. Our thermal batteries turn low-cost electricity into always-on heat and power, without supply-constrained critical minerals or multi-year construction timelines.

We are growing our company with people who put team and mission first, value connection through laughter and joy, and work with humility and openness. We are committed to building a diverse, passionate, and creative team dedicated to a future powered by abundant, clean, low-cost energy.

Position Summary

Antora has developed a first-of-its-kind solid-state thermal battery to deliver zero-carbon industrial heat and power at scale. We are looking for a self-driven, safety-minded R&D Test Operator to support round-the-clock testing of full-scale and subscale experiments as we move rapidly from development to commercialization on novel thermal battery products.

You will join the R&D Test Engineering Team, working hands-on with engineers, operators, and technicians at our R&D hub in San Jose, CA. You will master SCADA and HMI controls to operate high-power, high-temperature test systems during in-person and remote operator shifts, perform physical install and uninstall of test hardware, execute pre- and post-flight checklists, and contribute to preventative maintenance and continuous improvement of the team's test infrastructure.

This is a full-time, site-based role. Primary shifts may include nights, weekends, remote on-call coverage, and overtime to support 24/7 testing.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Operate high-power, high-temperature (>2000 °C) full-scale and subscale test systems via SCADA/HMI interfaces during in-person and remote operator shifts.
• Monitor system health, respond to alarms, recognize unsafe conditions, and execute safe shutdowns when required.
• Perform physical install and uninstall of test articles and execute pre- and post-flight checklists to ensure clean execution of experiments.
• Support commissioning of full-scale thermal energy storage (TES) modules, subscale test rigs, and new or upgraded balance of plant systems.
• Perform preventative maintenance and basic troubleshooting across mechanical, electrical, controls/instrumentation, and network systems.
• Identify and implement continuous improvements to test infrastructure, checklists, and operating procedures.
• Take detailed operational logs and document anomalies for clear communication with test engineering and product development teams.
• Read mechanical and electrical schematics and assist with building, installing, troubleshooting, and repairing balance of plant systems.
• Act as the primary point of contact for the R&D team during off-hours operator shifts.
• Provide on-call and emergency response support for the site during designated shifts.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safety-focused work environment.
• Occasional travel to support commissioning, operation, and troubleshooting at other Antora sites as needed.

Key Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED (AA/AS in a technical field preferred).
• Experience operating industrial plants or test equipment via SCADA, HMI, or similar control systems, with the ability to build deep proficiency quickly.
• Demonstrated discipline in following and improving structured procedures, checklists, and SOPs.
• Hands-on experience installing, removing, troubleshooting, and repairing industrial equipment (e.g., motors, VFDs, pumps, valves, sensors).
• Familiarity with instrumentation such as RTDs, thermocouples, and transmitters.
• Comfortable using hand tools and basic diagnostic equipment (e.g., multimeters, gas sensors).
• Ability to work independently and make sound judgment calls during remote and off-hours shifts.
• Strong attention to detail and clear written and verbal communication skills.
• Comfortable with basic computer tools and collaboration software (e.g., Slack, Google Suite, Notion).
• Comfortable with leveraging AI-based tools (Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini, Notion, etc.) to boost productivity and automate processes.
• Willingness to work flexible schedules, including nights, weekends, remote on-call shifts, and overtime to support 24/7 testing

Additional Qualifications Desired

• Technical training or degree in mechanical, electrical, automotive, or related disciplines (or equivalent experience).
• Experience with preventative maintenance programs (planning, tracking, and executing PM schedules).
• Experience with high-temperature, high-power industrial systems (e.g., energy, thermal processing, advanced manufacturing, aerospace, or similar environments).
• Exposure to a wide range of subsystems (thermal, fluids, electrical, controls) and instrumentation (TCs, RTDs, optical sensors, flow meters, load cells, etc.).
• Familiarity with industrial communication protocols and networking (EtherNet/IP, Modbus, Profinet, HART, CAN) and PLC systems.
• Lift operations experience (forklift, rigging, crane operation).
• Strong troubleshooting instincts and ability to develop quick, safe solutions in real time.
• Experience with basic data analysis and reporting

Work Location: Onsite - San Jose, CA

Salary Range: $35-41/hr

Salary Basis: Hourly

Please note that the salary range listed above reflects Antora Energy's estimated pay for this position. The actual salary offered will be within the posted range and determined based on several factors including but not limited to a candidate's experiences, credentials and expertise, as they pertain to the position's requirements.

In addition to a competitive base salary, Antora Energy’s Total Rewards program includes equity compensation in the form of stock options, a premium health benefits package with life and disability insurance, a 401K plan with employer contributions, flexible spending accounts, and an industry leading paid-time-off policy that features flexible and inclusive holiday observance, as well as paid volunteer time off.

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When it comes to stopping climate change, we need everyone. We believe that having a diversity of backgrounds and experiences strengthens all of us, and we strive to create an environment where every one of us is empowered to create meaningful change.