Laboratory Operations & Maintenance Technician

Periodic Labs•Menlo Park, CA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Periodic Labs is building an autonomous laboratory for high-throughput materials discovery — combining advanced synthesis, characterization, automation, robotics, and AI to accelerate the development of next-generation materials. We're looking for a highly capable, hands-on Laboratory Operations & Maintenance Technician to help build, maintain, and scale the physical infrastructure that enables our scientific and engineering teams to move quickly. This is an ideal role for someone who enjoys solving practical problems, working with tools, building systems, troubleshooting equipment, and taking ownership of laboratory operations. You'll work across equipment maintenance, gas and vacuum systems, utilities, instrumentation, automation support, machine shop operations, inventory management, and laboratory buildout projects.

Requirements

5+ years of experience in laboratory operations, manufacturing, semiconductor, chemical processing, pilot plant, industrial maintenance, or a related environment
The ability to read and interpret P&IDs, mechanical drawings, electrical wiring diagrams, and equipment manuals
Hands-on experience with hand tools, power tools, and mechanical assembly, with strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
An associate degree, technical certification, military technical training, trade apprenticeship, or equivalent hands-on experience
Comfort operating in a fast-paced, dynamic startup environment with shifting priorities

Nice To Haves

Swagelok tubing, fitting, and tube bending experience; gas manifold assembly from P&IDs
Vacuum systems and/or compressed gas systems experience
Semiconductor equipment maintenance experience
Electrical troubleshooting down to PCB/component level using multimeters
MaintainX or other CMMS experience
Forklift or material handling equipment certification
Chemical handling or laboratory operations experience
Process piping and instrumentation experience

Responsibilities

Execute preventative maintenance programs for laboratory equipment using MaintainX CMMS; develop and improve maintenance procedures, inspection checklists, and work order templates
Perform routine inspections, cleaning, calibration checks, and equipment upkeep across mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, gas, vacuum, and fluid handling systems
Troubleshoot and repair equipment; identify recurring failure modes and implement corrective actions to improve uptime
Coordinate service visits and maintenance activities with equipment vendors
Service vacuum pumps, cooling water systems, chillers, and associated infrastructure; verify equipment meets OEM specifications after maintenance or repairs
Maintain an accurate asset registry within MaintainX, including equipment records (manuals, schematics, service histories, serial numbers, manufacturer contacts)
Label equipment with asset numbers and QR codes; update equipment layouts, utility matrices, and infrastructure documentation
Track maintenance history and equipment performance metrics
Maintain laboratory utility systems including compressed gases, vacuum systems, process cooling water, exhaust systems, gas detection, and general lab infrastructure
Build and modify gas and fluid handling systems from P&IDs and engineering drawings; assemble and install tubing, regulators, valves, gauges, sensors, and associated hardware
Support utility capacity planning and identify infrastructure constraints
Support installation and startup of new laboratory equipment; coordinate utility hookups including power, water, gas, vacuum, and networking
Procure and install supporting infrastructure including tubing, fittings, pumps, sensors, regulators, and instrumentation
Perform installation verification and commissioning activities; document as-built configurations and equipment changes
Support Controls and Automation Engineers with equipment integration projects
Install and maintain thermocouples, RTDs, pressure transducers, flow meters, solenoid valves, gas sensors, and safety interlocks
Route, terminate, and label instrumentation and communication wiring; assist with sensor replacement, control panel modifications, and field troubleshooting
Fabricate fixtures, brackets, guards, adapters, and experimental hardware using drill press, band saw, chop saw, belt sander, bench grinder, manual mill, and manual lathe
Modify commercial components and support custom equipment builds; maintain machine shop organization and tooling
Maintain inventories of spare parts, maintenance consumables, PPE, and laboratory supplies; identify critical spare parts and establish appropriate stock levels
Receive and organize incoming equipment, chemicals, gases, and supplies; register chemicals and gas cylinders within laboratory inventory systems
Coordinate gas cylinder replacement and deliveries; support hazardous waste staging and disposal activities
Assist with laboratory organization, equipment moves, and expansion projects
Perform all work in accordance with laboratory safety procedures and LOTO requirements; participate in routine safety inspections and identify unsafe conditions
Support safe installation and modification of laboratory equipment and infrastructure
Maintain clean, organized, and professional workspaces; use all appropriate PPE (lab coats, gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, respirators)