Development Lab Manager Jobs in Castro Valley, CA

Antora Energy is seeking a Materials R&D Lab Technician to join our materials development team at our headquarters near San Jose, CA. In this hands-on role, you will partner directly with engineers to execute high-temperature experiments using benchtop furnaces and supporting lab equipment — work that is central to developing the novel materials inside Antora's thermal energy storage systems.

You will be responsible for setting up and running tests, operating instrumentation and data acquisition systems, and producing clear, thorough documentation of every experiment. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced hardware R&D environment, is meticulous about data quality, and takes pride in keeping a lab running smoothly.

• Experiment execution: Set up, operate, and monitor benchtop furnaces and other high-temperature lab equipment according to test plans and procedures defined by engineers. Manage sample preparation, fixturing, and loading/unloading of test articles.
• Instrumentation & data collection: Install, configure, and operate DAQ systems, thermocouples, and other sensors to capture temperature profiles, environmental conditions, and material response data during experiments.
• Documentation & reporting: Maintain detailed lab notebooks and digital test records for every experiment. Compile data summaries, charts, and observations into clear reports for the engineering team.
• Equipment maintenance: Perform routine calibration, preventative maintenance, and minor repairs on furnaces, instrumentation, and lab tools. Flag equipment issues early and coordinate with vendors or internal teams for resolution.
• Lab operations: Keep the lab organized, stocked, and compliant with safety protocols. Track consumables and supplies. Support sample inventory and traceability.
• Safety: Follow all EH&S procedures for high-temperature work, chemical handling, and general lab safety. Participate in safety reviews and report hazards or near-misses promptly.
• Continuous improvement: Suggest and implement improvements to test setups, fixtures, data collection workflows, and lab organization. Contribute to the development of standard operating procedures.
• Collaboration: Work closely with materials development engineers to understand test objectives, troubleshoot experiments in real time, and adapt plans based on emerging results.

• Associate's degree or higher in a technical field (e.g., Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Physics, Chemistry, or related discipline), or equivalent hands-on experience.
• 3+ years of experience working in a hardware R&D lab, test lab, or similar hands-on technical environment.
• Direct experience operating furnaces, kilns, ovens, or other high-temperature equipment.
• Familiarity with data acquisition systems (DAQs), thermocouples, and common lab instrumentation.
• Strong documentation habits — comfortable maintaining lab notebooks, writing test reports, and organizing data.
• Proficiency with spreadsheets, databases, and AI for basic data organization, plotting, and analysis.
• Detail-oriented, safety-conscious, and comfortable working independently once given clear direction.
• Ability to lift and handle lab samples and equipment (up to ~50 lbs)

• Experience with high-temperature materials such as carbon, graphite, ceramics, or refractory metals.
• Familiarity with CAD tools for interpreting engineering drawings and fixture designs.
• Experience with PLCs, Python, AI, or other tools for data acquisition or analysis.
• Exposure to Design of Experiments (DOE) methodology.
• Prior experience in a startup or fast-moving R&D environment.
• Familiarity with sample preparation techniques (cutting, grinding, polishing, mounting) using equipment such as table saws and bandsaws

Work Location:  Onsite - San Jose, CA

Salary Range:  $35-41/hr 

Salary Basis:  Hourly

Please note that the salary range listed above reflects Antora Energy's estimated pay for this position. The actual salary offered will be within the posted range and determined based on several factors including but not limited to a candidate's experiences, credentials and expertise, as they pertain to the position's requirements.

In addition to a competitive base salary, Antora Energy's Total Rewards program includes equity compensation in the form of stock options, a premium health benefits package with life and disability insurance, a 401K plan with employer contributions, flexible spending accounts, and an industry leading paid-time-off policy that features flexible and inclusive holiday observance, as well as paid volunteer time off.

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