R & D Technician, Electrodialysis Membrane

Captura • Pasadena, CA

4d • $70,000 - $85,000

About The Position

Captura is seeking an R&D Technician to support development of next-generation bipolar membrane electrodialysis (BPED) technology. The role contributes to scaling a novel BPED platform for direct ocean carbon capture, lithium refinement, and brine valorization. The technician will take ownership of membrane test systems and electrochemical data and help optimize and scale BPED research and development work. The position involves hands-on laboratory work with chemicals, laboratory equipment, process materials, and required personal protective equipment.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
• Experience working in a wet lab.
• Ability to work independently in small teams.
• Ability to collaborate cross-functionally with the R&D team and support the scale-up of electrodialysis systems.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple samples, experiments, records, and priorities in a structured manner.
• Comfort handling chemicals in a laboratory environment and using required PPE, including safety glasses, gloves, a lab coat, and closed-toe shoes.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 35 lbs.

Nice To Haves

• Hands-on experience building and operating liquid materials processing engineering systems, such as those used in pool, chemical, petrochemical, water, mining, or oil and gas plants.
• Experience with Python and Biologic software.
• Working experience with electrodialysis or electrochemistry.

Responsibilities

• Set up, calibrate, monitor, and operate BPED test systems, including peristaltic pumps and power supplies, and manage operating parameters to maintain consistent data quality.
• Compile, organize, and present electrochemical data, including voltage, current efficiency, and conductivity, and flag emerging trends or anomalies for the R&D team.
• Troubleshoot test systems, including membrane fouling, leaks, pump or sensor malfunctions, and electrical faults; identify root causes and implement corrective actions.
• Perform routine maintenance, calibration, and minor repairs on test stands and associated laboratory equipment.
• Maintain accurate laboratory notebooks and test records to support reproducibility, knowledge transfer, product development, root-cause analysis, process validation, and continuous improvement.
• Follow applicable health, safety, and environmental regulations, policies, and procedures, including proper handling of chemicals and hazardous materials.
• Maintain laboratory hygiene, cleanliness, and organization, including cleaning and organizing glassware, equipment, benches, fume hoods, and shared laboratory areas.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage fully covered for employees, with partial coverage for dependents.
• Stock option grant, with the amount determined by role and experience.
• 401(k) with match.
• Three weeks of PTO, company holidays, and a paid winter break between Christmas and New Year's.
• Ground-floor opportunity to build and scale the manufacturing and supply chain function as Captura grows.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time