R&D Test Operator - High-Temp Systems (24/7)

Antora Energy, Inc.; San Jose, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 48,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity compensation

Premium health benefits package

401K plan with employer contributions

Flexible spending accounts

Paid time off (PTO)

Paid volunteer time off

Job summary

Antora Energy, Inc. invites applications for an R&D Test Operator to support around-the-clock testing of high-temperature systems at our San Jose, CA hub. You will master SCADA and HMI controls, perform installations, run checklists, and contribute to test infrastructure improvements with engineers and technicians.

This full-time, onsite role requires flexibility for nights, weekends, on-call coverage, and overtime to ensure continuous testing and safe operations.

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.
• 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 (Slack, Google Suite, Notion).
• Willingness to work flexible schedules, including nights, weekends, remote on-call shifts, and overtime to support 24/7 testing

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.

Skills

SCADA/HMI operation

Industrial equipment troubleshooting

Safety procedures

Remote/off-hours decision making

Documentation and logging

Clear communication

AI tool proficiency (notions etc)

Education

AA/AS in technical field

High school diploma or GED

Tools

SCADA

HMI

RTDs/thermocouples instrumentation

Job description

Antora Energy, Inc. invites applications for an R&D Test Operator to support around-the-clock testing of high-temperature systems at our San Jose, CA hub. You will master SCADA and HMI controls, perform installations, run checklists, and contribute to test infrastructure improvements with engineers and technicians.

This full-time, onsite role requires flexibility for nights, weekends, on-call coverage, and overtime to ensure continuous testing and safe operations.