Senior Mechanical R&D Technician

Mainspringenergy; Edison (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Mainspring Energy in Menlo Park, CA, is seeking a Mechanical R&D Technician to join our growing team. You will assist in developing next-gen high-efficiency generators, assemble components, and build prototypes under the guidance of engineers.

The role emphasizes hands-on mechanical work, safety, and rapid problem solving, with opportunities to influence design iterations and contribute to affordable, dispatchable energy solutions.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 6 years of hands-on experience with mechanical assembly and/or repair.
• Experience with automotive or heavy equipment assembly is a plus.
• Experience with precision measuring instruments to .001" (micrometers, bore gauges, gauge blocks).
• Must possess a valid California Driver’s License; CDL is a plus.
• Safety-minded and able to learn quickly in a fast-paced R&D environment.

Responsibilities

• Dive headfirst into next-gen high-efficiency generator development with a build and test team.
• Construct cutting-edge components and assemblies for generators following procedures while seeking improvements.
• Troubleshoot, repair, and reimagine components to influence design evolution.
• Inspect test units and document findings to provide insights for engineering.
• Identify and implement safety and efficiency improvements with peers.

Skills

Mechanical assembly

Repair

Auto/heavy equipment

Safety awareness

Learning ability

Tools

Micrometers

Bore gauges

Gauge blocks

Calipers

Metal fabrication

Job description

About Mainspring

Mainspring Energy manufactures and delivers fuel-flexible, low-emissions local power solutions that rapidly add new capacity and deliver reliable, affordable, and sustainable electric power. The company began commercial shipments of its Mainspring Linear Generators in 2020 and today has hundreds of megawatts in advanced development and field operations for leading Fortune 500 companies, data centers, and utilities. Mainspring also partners with global energy leaders including AEP, NextEra Energy Resources, Schneider Electric, and more.

The core values that ground our work, guide our decisions, and connect us together:

• Pragmatic Optimism
• Excellence without Ego
• Proactive Collaboration

We are seeking enthusiastic and resourceful individuals with a strong mechanical background to join our growing Research & Development team as a Mechanical R&D Technician.

If you have a knack for mechanics, enjoy tackling novel challenges, and possess a passion for improvisation and creative problem-solving, this could be the perfect opportunity for you. In this role, you will be instrumental in the development of our innovative generator technology, working closely with our talented engineering team at our dedicated R&D Center of Excellence in Menlo Park. You’ll have the chance to experiment, build prototypes, and contribute directly to bringing affordable, dispatchable, and clean energy to the world.

We offer excellent working conditions, with at least 30% of your time spent in comfortable indoor environments. Ergonomics and safety are paramount in our facility, ensuring a supportive and healthy work environment.

• Dive headfirst into the exciting world of next-gen high-efficiency generator development, collaborating with a dynamic build and test team to push the boundaries of energy technology
• Leverage your mechanical prowess and unique skills to construct cutting‑edge components and assemblies for our generators, following procedures while also identifying opportunities for innovation
• Join forces with our talented engineers to troubleshoot, repair, and even reimagine components and assemblies, directly influencing the evolution of our designs
• Become a detective of mechanical systems, conducting thorough inspections of test units and meticulously documenting your findings to provide crucial insights for our engineering team
• Partner with your fellow innovators to proactively identify and implement improvements that enhance both the safety and efficiency of our groundbreaking work
• Minimum of 6 years of hands‑on experience with mechanical assembly and/or repair
• Experience with automotive or heavy equipment assembly is a plus
• Proven ability to learn quickly, a strong sense of self‑motivation, and a demonstrated commitment to safety
• Experience with precision measuring instruments, capable of measurements down to .001\", using tools such as micrometers, bore gauges, and gauge blocks
• Metal fabrication skills are considered a plus
• Must possess a valid California Driver’s License; Commercial Driver’s License (Class A CDL) is a plus

Does your experience not meet all of our posted requirements? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to positions unless they meet every listed requirement. At Mainspring, we are committed to building a diverse, inclusive, flexible, and collaborative environment, so if you want to help us transition the world to clean and affordable electricity, and don’t meet all posted requirements for a particular role, we’d still love to hear from you. Mainspring can sometimes be flexible enough to shift responsibilities for the right person, or otherwise identify open or upcoming roles that may better fit your professional background.

In more traditional words, Mainspring Energy, Inc is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

This compensation and benefits information is based on Mainspring Energy’s estimate as of the date of publication and may be modified in the future. We generally do not negotiate on salary once we have made an offer. The level of pay within the range will depend on a variety of job‑related factors that may include location, relevant prior experience and/or education, or particular skills and expertise. New hires joining the company tend to be paid within the starting base pay range noted above, with opportunities to increase pay over time based on development of additional skills, competencies, and company‑specific knowledge.