R&D Engineering Technician
On-site • Oakland, CA, United States • Full-time • $75,000-$85,000 Annual Salary
Who We Are
Aepnus Technology is a pioneering U.S.-based climate tech startup, backed by top-tier climate venture capital firms, including Clean Energy Ventures, Lowercarbon Capital and Voyager. We are at the forefront of developing technologies that enable electrified, sustainable, and domestic production of critical materials.
Our initial mission is ambitious: transforming chemical waste from the battery sector into valuable commodity chemicals. But we’re not stopping there. Our long-term vision is to expand our electrolysis platform to produce a wide range of industrial chemicals, driving a 50 million-ton annual reduction in global greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
Aepnus is growing rapidly and is building a team of smart, driven, curious and passionate people who enjoy working in a fast-paced environment and are motivated to create positive change.
What You’ll Do
Are you an intrinsically motivated engineer with a passion for innovation and hands-on problem-solving? Aepnus Technology is looking for an intrinsically motivated Engineering Technician to provide support in executing bench-top experiments, data analysis, lab operations and providing support to pilot-scale systems as needed. These tasks include startup/shutdown, monitoring and sampling.
As part of our small and agile team, you'll have the opportunity to make a real impact. You'll work with the research & development and systems engineering teams. This role offers a unique blend of responsibilities, from executing lab and pilot scale systems, directly contributing to the success and design of our innovative commercial-scale technologies.
Primary Responsibilities:
Prepare reagents and handle chemical products safely.
Assemble, test, and diagnose bench-scale electrochemical systems.
Conduct lab experiments, including periodic sampling and chemical analysis.
Perform chemical analyses on brines using equipment such as IC, ICP-MS, ICP-OES, and titration.
Conduct material/failure analysis on cell components (e.g., membranes, electrodes) using SEM, XPS, XRD, FTIR, and NMR.
Support pilot-scale operations, including startup, shutdown, monitoring, sampling, and data analysis.
Summarize and present findings to the research team through reports and presentations.
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in an engineering, physics, or chemistry discipline by the start of employment.
1+ years of wet lab experience (internship, laboratory, and personal/team project experience is applicable) with an understanding of general chemical lab safety.
Proficiency with machine shop tools, working knowledge of basic hardware, electrical, wiring diagrams, and piping.
Ability to lift 35 pounds and work independently in a dynamic environment with a proactive approach.
Preferred Qualifications:
3+ months experience in electrochemical technologies (e.g., batteries, fuel cells, electrolysis, water treatment).
Completion of a basic electrochemistry course is a plus.
9+ months experience with analytical instruments (e.g., titration, ICP-OES/MS, IC) and strong skills in chemical dilutions and unit conversions.
Experience handling large volumes of data in Excel, Python, and/or MATLAB.
Compensation & Benefits
100% coverage of medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees
401(k) plan and additional retirement benefits
Flexible vacation policy, mental health days, generous sick leave, and a week-long winter break in December
Why Aepnus?
At Aepnus, you'll collaborate with bright, driven individuals dedicated to solving some of the most significant challenges of our time. Here’s what we offer:
A Front-Row Seat in Climate Tech Innovation: Be part of our pioneering team, working closely with our founders and scientific advisors to scale groundbreaking technologies that will shape the future. Your contributions will play a key role in bringing these innovations to market.
Rapid Growth and Advancement Opportunities: As we expand, so will your career. You'll have the chance to take on new responsibilities, grow professionally, and help us achieve our vision for a sustainable future.
Competitive Compensation and Benefits: We believe in work-life balance and supporting our team. Enjoy competitive pay, equity, flexible vacation policies, comprehensive health insurance, and other perks designed to keep you happy and motivated.
A Dynamic, Fast-Paced Work Environment: Help build Aepnus from the ground up in an exciting environment where every day presents new challenges and opportunities to make a real impact in the energy industry.
A Culture of Passion and Possibility: Join a community of curious and motivated individuals, all driven by a shared commitment to creating positive change.
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Aepnus is an equal opportunity employer and we value diversity at our company. Aepnus prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.