R&D Test Operator

Antora Energy•San Jose, CA

3d•$35 - $41•Onsite

About The Position

Antora Energy is seeking a self-driven, safety-minded R&D Test Operator to support round-the-clock testing of full-scale and subscale experiments for their novel thermal battery products. The role involves working hands-on with engineers, operators, and technicians at their R&D hub in San Jose, CA. The operator will master SCADA and HMI controls to operate high-power, high-temperature test systems, perform physical installation and uninstallation of test hardware, execute checklists, and contribute to the maintenance and improvement of test infrastructure. This is a full-time, site-based role with primary shifts potentially including nights, weekends, remote on-call coverage, and overtime to support 24/7 testing.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED (AA/AS in a technical field preferred).
Experience operating industrial plants or test equipment via SCADA, HMI, or similar control systems, with the ability to build deep proficiency quickly.
Demonstrated discipline in following and improving structured procedures, checklists, and SOPs.
Hands-on experience installing, removing, troubleshooting, and repairing industrial equipment (e.g., motors, VFDs, pumps, valves, sensors).
Familiarity with instrumentation such as RTDs, thermocouples, and transmitters.
Comfortable using hand tools and basic diagnostic equipment (e.g., multimeters, gas sensors).
Ability to work independently and make sound judgment calls during remote and off-hours shifts.
Strong attention to detail and clear written and verbal communication skills.
Comfortable with basic computer tools and collaboration software (e.g., Slack, Google Suite, Notion).
Comfortable with leveraging AI-based tools (Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini, Notion, etc.) to boost productivity and automate processes.
Willingness to work flexible schedules, including nights, weekends, remote on-call shifts, and overtime to support 24/7 testing.

Nice To Haves

Technical training or degree in mechanical, electrical, automotive, or related disciplines (or equivalent experience).
Experience with preventative maintenance programs (planning, tracking, and executing PM schedules).
Experience with high-temperature, high-power industrial systems (e.g., energy, thermal processing, advanced manufacturing, aerospace, or similar environments).
Exposure to a wide range of subsystems (thermal, fluids, electrical, controls) and instrumentation (TCs, RTDs, optical sensors, flow meters, load cells, etc.).
Familiarity with industrial communication protocols and networking (EtherNet/IP, Modbus, Profinet, HART, CAN) and PLC systems.
Lift operations experience (forklift, rigging, crane operation).
Strong troubleshooting instincts and ability to develop quick, safe solutions in real time.
Experience with basic data analysis and reporting.

Responsibilities

Operate high-power, high-temperature (>2000 °C) full-scale and subscale test systems via SCADA/HMI interfaces during in-person and remote operator shifts.
Monitor system health, respond to alarms, recognize unsafe conditions, and execute safe shutdowns when required.
Perform physical install and uninstall of test articles and execute pre- and post-flight checklists to ensure clean execution of experiments.
Support commissioning of full-scale thermal energy storage (TES) modules, subscale test rigs, and new or upgraded balance of plant systems.
Perform preventative maintenance and basic troubleshooting across mechanical, electrical, controls/instrumentation, and network systems.
Identify and implement continuous improvements to test infrastructure, checklists, and operating procedures.
Take detailed operational logs and document anomalies for clear communication with test engineering and product development teams.
Read mechanical and electrical schematics and assist with building, installing, troubleshooting, and repairing balance of plant systems.
Act as the primary point of contact for the R&D team during off-hours operator shifts.
Provide on-call and emergency response support for the site during designated shifts.
Maintain a clean, organized, and safety-focused work environment.
Occasional travel to support commissioning, operation, and troubleshooting at other Antora sites as needed.