Sr. R&D Technician

NextGenEnergyJobs; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Halo Materials is seeking an experienced professional to lead lab operations focused on advanced materials production. The role includes managing lab buildout, workflow improvement, and mentoring lab technicians while ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations.

The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of hands-on R&D experience and a proactive mindset, driving results in a fast-paced environment. Join us in pioneering technologies that support advanced energy and manufacturing industries.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of hands-on experience in R&D project execution.
• Experience with laboratory or pilot-scale equipment.
• Ability to maintain safety and high-quality lab infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Lead lab buildout efforts and improve lab infrastructure.
• Manage and mentor a team of lab technicians.
• Ensure compliance with EHS regulations.

Skills

Hands-on experience executing R&D projects

Troubleshooting skills

Collaborative approach

Familiarity with EHS standards

Craftsmanship mindset

Ownership mentality

Job description

Halo Materials is a venture-backed advanced materials company pioneering novel technologies to produce domestic, cost-competitive graphite for advanced energy and manufacturing supply chains.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead lab buildout efforts, including installation, calibration, testing, and troubleshooting of equipment.
• Enable more parallel, frequent, and automated experiments by improving lab infrastructure and workflows. Identify and implement process improvements that enhance speed, reliability, and experimental throughput.
• Maintain a safe, organized, and high-performing lab and pilot environment.
• Partner closely with R&D engineers and scientists to align lab operations with evolving experimental priorities.
• Manage and mentor a team of lab technicians, setting standards for craftsmanship, safety, and execution.
• Ensure compliance with environmental, health, and safety (EHS) regulations and best practices.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of hands‑on experience executing R&D projects, including installing, maintaining, and repairing laboratory or pilot‑scale equipment.
• A craftsman’s mindset: pride in building safe, durable, and high‑quality lab infrastructure.
• Deep familiarity with EHS standards and safe lab operations.
• A proactive, collaborative approach to working with scientists and engineers.
• A track record of identifying problems and owning both the diagnosis and solution.
• Strong troubleshooting skills and comfort working across mechanical, electrical, and process systems.
• A “get it done” mentality suited to a fast‑paced startup environment.
• Experience in adjacent industries where similar high‑temperature, catalytic, carbon, or materials growth processes are used — such as petrochemicals, advanced ceramics, specialty chemicals, battery materials, semiconductors, metallurgy, or industrial gas processing.
• A track record of execution — how you design experiments, make decisions with imperfect data, and drive results matters as much as where you’ve worked.
• Comfort operating in both research and production environments; experience in one or both is valuable, but your ability to move science toward application is what counts.
• Ownership mentality with high accountability and curiosity.
• Grit, resilience, and an ability to turn ambiguity into actionable next steps.
• Entrepreneurial speed balanced with technical discipline.