Laboratory Technician

About the Role

We are seeking a hands-on, detail-oriented Laboratory Technician to support the daily operations of our high-throughput materials experimentation facility. This role is ideal for someone with a science or engineering background who enjoys working with instruments, performing physical lab tasks, and improving workflows over time. The role involves both manual repetitive tasks (with a mindset for automation and optimization) and technical contributions that improve reliability and throughput.

Available Schedules

• Sunday–Thursday, 3:00 PM–11:30 PM
• Tuesday–Saturday, 3:00 PM–11:30 PM

Type: Contract (Swing Shift)

Duration: 12-months

Location: Menlo Park, CA

Pay Rate Range: $40-$60/h (DOE)

Key Responsibilities

• Perform regular calibration and verification of instruments and sensors.
• Execute and refine quality control (QC) workflows to ensure data integrity.
• Perform and optimize manual material handling and preparation steps (e.g., weighing, labeling, packaging).
• Assist with inventory tracking and lab organization.
• Collaborate with scientists and engineers to develop and document SOPs for routine lab procedures.
• Identify inefficiencies in manual workflows and propose or implement improvements.
• Support onboarding of new technicians by training them on best practices.
• Support development of QC and metrology protocols for new processes and instruments.
• Participate in test runs and validation of new labware, equipment, or experimental methods.
• Assist with troubleshooting equipment or process anomalies.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Demonstrated ability to follow detailed SOPs and maintain high standards of consistency and cleanliness.
• Experience with XRD, SEM, VSM, and TGA.
• Familiarity with systems like LIMS, LES, MES or SCADA, metrology tools, or process control.
• Comfortable performing physical, repetitive tasks with precision and motivated to make them more efficient.
• Technically curious and excited to learn how to operate, maintain, and improve complex equipment.
• Not afraid to do hands-on work (moving materials, cleaning tools, prepping batches) as part of daily routine.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Comfortable using basic software tools (Excel/Google Sheets, lab inventory systems, etc.).

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, materials science, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, or a related field or equivalent experience in a technical lab setting.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience in a robotics-integrated lab, pilot plant, or high-throughput R&D environment.
• Prior work in cleanroom, semiconductor, battery, or analytical chemistry settings.
• Powered machinery and power tools familiarity (pallet jacks, impact wrench, etc…)