R&D Hardware Technician

WHO YOU ARE

You’re a self-directed, hands-on engineering technician with a passion for solving time-critical problems. You’re energized by digging deep into complex 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 disciplines 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. 

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES 

• Debug the fleet of custom and off-the-shelf chemical synthesis machines that form the core of Sila’s lab-scale synthesis capability. Diagnose and solve interrelated mechanical, electrical, sensing, actuation, plumbing, and software problems. Clearly document and communicate the work you do to the rest of the team.
• Carry out both routine and unplanned maintenance on machines with demanding uptime requirements. Based on your observations, refine maintenance SOPs to prevent machine failures before they happen. Be ready with the right parts, know-how, and a can-do attitude to respond to unplanned machine downtime.
• As your expertise grows, work to improve the machines and the processes we run on them. This will include mechanical fabrication, electrical wiring, commissioning, and interfaces with facility systems (gas plumbing, PCW plumbing, HVAC, AC power). Find and eliminate sources of drift and uncertainty.
• Work with our lab operations team to plan and schedule work in a way that maximizes productivity. Proactively communicate your plans and project status to all involved parties.
• Work with external vendors and contractors to get projects done. Ensure successful completion of contractor projects and facilitate smooth handoffs to our internal team.
• Work safely: keep a clean and safe work environment. Correct unsafe behaviors and report incidents. Understand and respect hazardous materials and processes.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS

• At least 3 years of hands-on work experience in a field with multidisciplinary systems (i.e., at least two of: 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.
• Great communication skills (written and verbal), both with Sila employees and external contractors. Demonstrated ability to surface problems constructively. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

• Pass a respirator fit test and be able to wear respiratory protection on a periodic basis
• Wear personal protective equipment including, but not limited to, a lab coat, gloves, safety glasses, and steel toe safety shoes
• Move items up to 50 lbs with the assistance of lift equipment and carts
• Move long distances (such as from building to building)