Engineering Technician - Scale Up

Wildcat Discoveries is looking for a highly motivated Engineering Technician to join our scale-up team. The Engineering Technician is a knowledgeable and experienced resource for others within the laboratory and has the ability to identify and implement areas of improvement.

At Wildcat, the work environment is demanding, fast-paced, and incredibly exciting. The ideal candidate should be ready to push their limits, as they join a world-class scientific team dedicated to developing and discovering advanced materials for lithium-ion batteries. At Wildcat, the sky's the limit - with the right attitude, work ethic, and quality of work you can blaze your own trail.

About Us:

Wildcat Discovery Technologies, based in San Diego, California, is a materials R&D company transitioning its focus from battery research and development to cathode material supply. Our commitment lies in the discovery and development of advanced materials for lithium-ion batteries.

We follow three strategic paths:

1. Collaborating on projects to enhance battery performance through material optimization.
2. Developing proprietary battery materials for next-generation electrodes and electrolytes.
3. Gearing up to launch a series of cathode active materials.

Wildcat collaborates with industry leaders around the world to develop promising new materials for rechargeable and primary battery technologies using our state-of-the-art high throughput platform (HTP) combinational chemistry. Our team of industry-leading scientists synthesize and test thousands of battery materials ten times faster than conventional research.

We use this proprietary technology for strategic collaborations, systematic scale-up, and to achieve world-class cathode material supply. We strive for innovation, excellence, and pushing the boundaries of battery technology.

Essential Functions

• Perform large-scale inorganic material production using various methods according to a research plan.
• Prepare materials for experiments, including preparing materials for synthesis and dispensing chemicals according to a research plan.
• Assemble battery components and/or test batteries for use in chemical experiments.
• Ability to perform complex lab procedures independently.
• Assumes leadership implementing solutions to housekeeping and safety issues.
• Ability to create new standard operating procedures (SOP’s) and submits for review.
• Performs non-routine tasks without the guidance of others.
• Research and suggest alternative experimental methods.
• Brings forward problems, issues, and unexpected observations with solutions to management.
• Meet timelines and deadlines consistently.
• Contributes ideas for improving workflow processes, helps develop and validate processes.
• Identifies areas of improvement leveraging cross-functional resources.
• Partners with cross functional teams to deliver great products.
• Respect others in the workplace with a professional attitude; be considerate of others with housekeeping, shared equipment; provide a safe working environment for others.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required

• Proficient knowledge of scientific laboratory procedures, techniques, equipment, and apparatus used in a chemistry laboratory.
• Background in industry maintenance, particularly with pumps, liquid transfer lines, tanks, and ovens.
• Proficient knowledge of health and safety practices and precautions applicable to a chemistry laboratory.
• Effectively and safely operate, adapt, and maintain laboratory equipment.
• Utilize computer hardware and software.
• Keep detailed and precise records.
• Communicate and work effectively and cooperatively with Lab Technicians, Engineers, Research Associates and Scientists.
• Ability to lift heavy objects (50 lbs) and work in various environmental conditions.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree, Associates degree with work experience, or Engineering Technician Certification with work experience
• Exposure to battery materials/research
• Some level of ownership for bigger lab operations success

Employee Benefits:

• Generous vacation accrual with 8 day closure at the end of the year
• Full health insurance coverage with low employee out of pocket premiums
• 401k with company paid match
• Annual bonus
• A company culture that values positivity, meritocracy, collaboration, openness, and innovation

Qualifications:

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Language Ability:

• Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations, to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.

Math Ability:

• Ability to add and subtract two digit number and to multiply and divide with 10’s and 100’s. Ability to perform these operations using units of American money and weight measurement, volume and distance.

Reasoning Ability:

• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

Computer Skills:

• To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of spreadsheet and internet software.

Equipment Skills:

• This position requires regular use of sandblasters and glove boxes. This position also requires frequent use of crimpers, dispensers, furnaces and pipettes and occasional use of a forklift truck.

Physical Demands:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to use hands and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to stand, sit and lift or move objects up to 40 pounds. This position also requires the employee to occasionally walk, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, talk and hear. In addition, this position requires close vision (clear vision at 20 inches or less) and depth perception (three-dimensional vision, ability to judge distances and spatial relationships).

Work Environment:

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to work near moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, extreme heat (non-weather) and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

Standards of Conduct:

• All employees are expected to observe and follow company policy concerning standard of conduct at all times. This includes, but is not limited to, working with others in a cooperative manner treating everyone with respect and consideration. Further information on standards of conduct and other Wildcat policies are contained within the employee handbook.

Work hours

• General work hours are onsite from 8 AM – 5 PM. This schedule may be modified to accommodate work demands and/or to align work hours with those of the department. Overtime hours may be required.