Engineering Technician

Corporate Background

Gridtential Energy is a Silicon Valley energy storage startup in the process of commercializing its proprietary Silicon Joule® Technology. Silicon Joule® incorporates solar silicon wafers & processing techniques into a novel bipolar battery architecture. This innovative approach to battery design combines the traditional benefits of lead acid batteries – low cost, robustness, and safety – with the recharge performance and life cycle benefits usually associated with lithium-ion batteries. The result is a high-performance and low-cost energy storage platform attracting attention in major applications including the automotive, energy storage, and industrial markets. Gridtential’s business model is built upon a capital-light design, supply, and license approach that partners, rather than competes, with the world’s leading battery manufacturers. We start with our OEM partners to optimize our technology around their applications. Next we leverage our expertise in silicon processing techniques through a high-volume Asian supply chain. Meanwhile, battery assembly expertise is jointly developed with our highly experienced licensed partners who handle OEM fulfillment. Commercialization efforts are currently underway worldwide with several global manufacturers and joint pilot production has already been initiated with one of Gridtential’s licensed partners. These collaborative partnerships have brought together Silicon Valley thinking and a century’s worth of manufacturing expertise. Gridtential is staffed with a team of serial entrepreneurs, experienced managers, creative engineers, and master technicians. We treasure an open, direct, and politic-free culture that focuses on high productivity and collaborative achievement of ambitious goals in an enjoyable working environment. Come help us change the landscape of energy storage and create a cleaner, more efficient energy future for all.

Role Background

Gridtential has entered an exciting commercialization phase for its launch product and the team is growing. The Engineering Technician will play a key role in helping both the Engineering and the Operations teams to be successful. This role will have a broad opportunity to impact the organization in a hands-on way across multiple different areas. From ongoing fundamental R&D of next-generation products to process development for commercialization efforts, you will have the opportunity to contribute at every level. The Engineering Technician will have a hands-on role helping prepare Gridtential’s proprietary silicon materials, performing battery assemblies, tearing down batteries at end of life, and working with the engineering team to validate new ideas. Additionally, operating with a high level of autonomy, you will review experimental requests from the engineering team and plan their execution, keep a regular inventory of materials in the lab, manage shipping/receiving of samples, and communicate problem areas back to the broader team. Gridtential uses a structured, schedule-driven product development approach and the Engineering Technician will work with a team of engineers to achieve clearly defined performance targets on aggressive timelines. The ideal candidate will have prior experience in battery technology or the automotive industry. They will have a well-documented history of creative problem solving and cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Hands-on assembly of batteries (multiple types and voltages)
• Preparation of battery materials for engineering experiments
• Preparation of chemical solutions, weighing of reagents, recording data, and following written procedures in support of engineering experiments
• Hands-on co-development of battery assembly processes with the engineering team
• QA and rework of incoming materials (including silicon wafers) and assembled battery products
• Hands-on collaboration with engineering team to trial new battery designs or preparation processes – will be expected to provide feedback to the engineering team regarding successes/failures of proposed designs
• Utilize drill press, band saw, belt sander, Dremel tool, and other light-duty fabrication tools to create and/or modify fixtures and parts
• Hands-on battery teardown operations, working in collaboration with the engineering team to identify failure modes and brainstorm fixes
• Oversee shipping/receiving of samples out of Gridtential’s Santa Clara lab
• Maintain order and cleanliness of equipment and facilities in Santa Clara lab, maintain inventory of lab supplies, and ensure all safety precautions are being followed
• Interface with local vendors and shops to order components as needed to complete tasks

Skills and Knowledge

• Demonstrated ability to assemble complex assemblies
• Mechanical fabrication skills - comfortable using hand and power tools
• Prior chemistry lab experience a plus
• Track record of finding creative solutions to solve problems
• Familiarity with battery and/or fuel-cell construction a plus
• Strong troubleshooting skills
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, must be a self-starter
• Ability to manage shifting priorities and workloads
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work within a team
• Proficient with Microsoft Office
• Mandarin language capability a plus

Qualification and Experience

• 1+ years of engineering technician experience OR related degree
• Must be eligible to work in this country for any employer

What we offer

• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision plans for you and your dependents
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Competitive Compensation
• Training and development programs
• Stocked kitchen with snacks and beverages
• Collaborative culture
• Work-life balance and generous paid time off