Senior Development Pilot Plant Technician

Sila Nanotechnologies, Inc.; Alameda (CA); On-site; USD 61,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Sila Nanotechnologies, Inc. is seeking an hands-on Operations Technician to support R&D and pilot-scale tool operations. You will balance development flexibility with production rigor on the manufacturing/pilot floor, bridging R&D, Operations, and Maintenance with a strong safety focus.

Responsibilities include running pilot reactors, data collection, inventory control, and developing SOPs. The role emphasizes training operators, 5S practices, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• High school diploma, GED, or AS/technical degree in an engineering or technical discipline.
• 5+ years of experience as an operations technician, lab technician, chemical process operator, or pilot plant technician in hardware, semiconductor, battery, chemical, or advanced manufacturing environments.
• Demonstrated comfort using basic hand tools, torque wrenches, impact drivers, etc. Ability to train peers on proper use of tools and operating procedures.
• Experience working safely with hazardous materials, pyrophoric/flammable gases, or fine powders in compliance with OSHA and site EHS 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 teaching/cross-training team members.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Operations experience

Hand tools proficiency

Safety compliance

Data entry & digital tools

Communication & training

Education

High school diploma or GED

AS/technical degree in engineering

Tools

Google Workspace

MS Office

Torque wrenches

Impact drivers

Job description

Sila Nanotechnologies, Inc. is seeking an hands-on Operations Technician to support R&D and pilot-scale tool operations. You will balance development flexibility with production rigor on the manufacturing/pilot floor, bridging R&D, Operations, and Maintenance with a strong safety focus.

Responsibilities include running pilot reactors, data collection, inventory control, and developing SOPs. The role emphasizes training operators, 5S practices, and continuous improvement.