R&D Technician

Maritime Fusion•San Francisco, CA

3d•$100,000 - $160,000

About The Position

We are seeking an R&D Technician to join our team. In this role, you will be instrumental in building and assembling hardware and test setups, performing hands-on wiring, soldering, and instrumentation, running experiments and collecting data, supporting cryogenic and vacuum operations, and establishing and organizing the R&D lab. You will also be responsible for debugging hardware on the bench and contributing to the overall functionality of the lab and company in an early-stage startup environment. This includes doing whatever it takes to make the lab and company function, from uncrating equipment to runs to the hardware store.

Requirements

2+ years of hands-on build and test experience in hardware R&D, manufacturing, automotive/EV, aerospace, electronics, or a related field (exceptional hobbyist/maker experience also considered).
Comfort using hand tools, basic machine/shop tools, soldering irons, crimpers, multimeters, power supplies, oscilloscopes, and basic DAQ software.
Ability to read and follow technical documentation, including mechanical drawings, simple CAD prints, wiring diagrams, and written procedures.
High ownership and reliability, taking pride in clean builds, good cable management, accurate measurements, and maintaining a tidy lab.
Startup-ready mindset: willingness to perform essential but often overlooked tasks such as assembling office furniture, unpacking crates, organizing inventory, and contributing to building a world-class lab from the ground up.

Nice To Haves

Experience with vacuum systems, cryogenics, or high-current / high-voltage equipment.
Experience with REBCO/HTS, magnets, or power electronics.
Basic familiarity with Python, LabVIEW, PLCs, or test automation.
Machine shop experience (CNC, manual mill/lathe, drill press, basic fabrication).

Responsibilities

Building and assembling hardware and test setups, including magnet test stands, power racks, cryogenic plumbing, vacuum systems, and custom fixtures using mechanical drawings and wiring diagrams.
Performing hands-on wiring, soldering, and instrumentation, including terminating cables and connectors, building harnesses, routing and labeling wiring, soldering boards and connectors, and installing sensors.
Running experiments and collecting data by setting up and operating DAQs, power supplies, oscilloscopes, DMMs, and other lab gear; executing test procedures; logging results; and flagging anomalies.
Supporting cryogenic and vacuum operations, including assembling and maintaining cryostats, handling LN₂, operating vacuum pumps and gauges, leak-checking systems, and monitoring system integrity.
Setting up and organizing the R&D lab by establishing benches, mounting equipment, organizing tools and parts, labeling everything, and ensuring the lab is safe, tidy, and functional.
Debugging hardware on the bench by identifying and resolving issues such as loose connections, miswired harnesses, flaky sensors, and mechanical fit-up problems, working collaboratively with engineers.
Contributing to the overall functionality of the lab and company in an early-stage startup, including tasks like uncrating equipment, assembling racks/furniture, and making supply runs.