R&D Hardware Technician

Sila•Alameda, CA

2d•$46 - $58•Onsite

About The Position

We are Sila, a next-generation battery materials company. Our mission is to power the world’s transition to clean energy. To create this future, our team is building a better lithium-ion battery from the inside out today. We engineer and manufacture ground-breaking battery materials that significantly increase the energy density of batteries, while reducing their size and weight. The result? Smaller more powerful batteries that can unlock innovation in consumer devices and accelerate the mass adoption of electric cars to eliminate our dependence on fossil fuels. We're tackling one of the biggest challenges of our time every day, and together we're redefining what's possible. Are you ready to be a part of a team committed to changing the world? You are an experienced fabricator and equipment builder. You’re a self-directed, hands-on engineering technician with a passion for solving time-critical problems. You’re energized by digging deep into sophisticated technical issues, finding root causes, and making fixes that last. Your teammates trust your work because they know you don’t miss details and you always lead with objectivity and practicality. You’re excited to learn about new technical fields and new ways of working alongside engineers, scientists, and production staff. You’re good at communicating complicated observations clearly to a wide range of audiences. You’ve built your intuition and technical judgment working on multidisciplinary systems (e.g., mechanical, electronic, pneumatic, hydraulic) and you’re excited to apply that intuition to a new set of problems. You’re flexible and can quickly find the right balance between speed and refinement; you know that the right solution always depends on the big picture.

Requirements

At least 3 years of hands-on work experience in a field with multidisciplinary systems (i.e., at least two of the following: mechanical, electronic, pneumatic, hydraulic, or software systems integrated together on a single platform).
Knowledge of AC and DC power fundamentals, sensor/signal troubleshooting, and field wiring best practices.
Able to use multimeters and a variety of wiring hand tools.
Conscientious, curious, and deliberate approach to problem-solving.
Consistent and reliable project completion, from routine maintenance to new builds to retrofits.
Phenomenal communication skills (written and verbal), both with Sila employees and external contractors.
Proven track record to surface problems constructively.

Responsibilities

Mechanical assembly of Sila’s proprietary synthesis reactors and supporting systems
Read electrical schematics and turn them into elegantly routed electrical distribution and controls panels
Pipe/tube fitting for process gas plumbing, exhaust, process cooling water
Source materials needed to complete tasks collaborating with vendors and outside shops as necessary to complete builds
Instinctively solve problems with quick turn fabrication in Sila’s machine shop
Collaborate with equipment engineers to commission a variety of synthesis, manufacturing, measurement, and test tools
Fabrication / modification of custom parts in Sila’s machine shop: cutting, drilling, milling, turning, welding, grinding, etc.
Work with vendors and contractors to get projects done.
Ensure completion of contractor projects and facilitate handoffs to our team.
Work safely: keep a clean and safe work environment.
Correct unsafe behaviors and report incidents.
Understand and respect hazardous materials and processes.