Equipment Engineer, R&D Operations

WHO YOU ARE

As an Equipment Engineer in the R&D Operations team you will understand, fix, and upgrade first-of-their-kind reactors that operate 24/7 supporting our materials development. You will engage with Sila’s whole stack of custom mechanical, electronic, and software assets along with supporting facilities. You thrive on deciphering complicated problems by digging deep into data, getting to root causes, and keeping meticulous records, thoroughly detailing how to debug systems.

You’ll work hand-in-hand with the research engineering and operations support teams, equipment engineers, process engineers, software developers, and contractors to accomplish this mission. You’re a hands-on engineer with an aptitude for uptime. You engineer for keeps; your work product is robust and enduring.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

• Drive uptime of Sila’s research assets by diagnosing mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, and control issues and fixing them in a timely manner. 
• Lead and document root cause failure analysis and improve asset reliability by implementing associated corrective and preventative actions. 
• Effectively collaborate with multiple teams to implement asset upgrades that improve uptime, increase efficiency, fix design problems, and improve safety.
• Develop robust re-qualification and commissioning procedures for machine subsystems after upgrades and repairs.
• Accurately forecast task and project timelines, effectively coordinate with team members to execute project plans.
• Develop and run concise troubleshooting and recovery procedures
• Build an enduring and organized asset knowledge base by meticulously documenting troubleshooting efforts, root cause investigations, asset upgrade projects, and other knowledge gained through the course of your work.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum of 3 years of relevant manufacturing experience. 
• Bachelor's degree or higher in engineering.
• Experience troubleshooting and upgrading sophisticated, multidisciplinary technical systems (for instance: interconnected electronic, mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems).
• Experience with industrial, electrical, mechanical, and/or plumbing systems involving unique  safety requirements, gas/liquid plumbing, high temperature processes, vacuum conditions, and instrumentation.
• Experience generating durable document packages for equipment design, internal SOPs, and qualification of machines after upgrades.
• Ability to influence others and work autonomously with excellent listening and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of AC and DC power fundamentals, sensor/signal troubleshooting, and field wiring standard methodologies would be nice.
• Experience with industrial controls and automation hardware/software and instrumentation would be nice.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

• Pass a respirator fit test and be able to wear respiratory protection
• Wear personal protective equipment including, but not limited to, a lab coat, gloves, safety glasses, and safety shoes.
• This role will require some on-call support during nights and weekends.