Engineering Technician, Electrical

Job Summary 

Kairos Power is seeking a highly motivated Electrical Technician with expertise relevant to research & development (R&D) assembly, operation and maintenance of engineering infrastructure and test equipment. In this role, you will contribute to development and deployment of the company’s engineering testing capabilities including power supplies, heater controllers, instrumentation and control and instrumentation chassis for test equipment including heated water and oil flow loops and high-temperature molten salt loops. Additional responsibilities may include assembly and maintenance of hardware and mechanical equipment. The ideal candidate takes pride in his/her hands-on work, organizational skills and attention to detail. 

Responsibilities 

• Specify, procure, assemble, debug, and maintain custom-built and commercial electromechanical components and systems (e.g., power supplies, VFDs, solenoid valves, control devices, transformers, relays, and disconnects). This includes significant hands-on activity as well as inspection and quality assurance of vendor supplied components.
• Install and terminate wiring for data acquisition instrumentation on lab equipment such as flow meters, thermocouples, level sensors, pressure transducers, load cells, torque transducers, accelerometers and position sensors.
• Assist in design, fabrication, installation, troubleshooting and repair of engineering infrastructure, mechanical equipment and test equipment. 
• Work closely with engineers to support testing activities, develop procedures, data collection, and implement design iterations.
• Perform all job functions safely and efficiently while working with hazardous equipment (e.g. high temperatures, pressurized hydraulic and pneumatic systems, rotating machining, and high voltage).  
• Support permitting, safety planning and communication for laboratory test equipment.
• Maintain lab infrastructure, cleanliness and organization.
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• 3+ years of relevant experience working in an R&D environment or engineering laboratory
• Must have experience in installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of custom electronic control devices and lab equipment
• Must be competent in termination of basic electronic cabling systems and control chassis
• Must have experience maintaining an electrically safe workplace utilizing NFPA 70E as a safety standard
• Must have experience building various circuits (voltage dividers, relays, microcontrollers, SCRs) and wiring sensors and instrumentation (4-20mA, analog voltage, modbus)
• Required experience in producing from scratch and reading electrical schematics/drawings
• Must be able to use multimeters, oscilloscopes and other basic measuring tools
• Desired experience programming PLCs and setting up data acquisition using LabVIEW
• Desired experience in reading and interpreting engineering drawings
• Desired experience in the use of hand and shop tools such as drill presses, hydraulic presses, cut-off saws, tube benders and belt sanders
• This position requires attention to detail, high quality work, and accurate logging of data
• Ability to seek different and novel ways to create efficiencies when working on problems, challenges and issues
• Ability to work with highly collaborative team
• Ability to solve problems quickly and efficiently
• Ability to proactively collect, manage and transfer knowledge
• Prioritizes and ensures safety of oneself and others

Physical Conditions 

• Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, scissor lifts, articulated boom lifts and the like
• Setting up and transferring temporary structures (e.g. scaffolding, ladders)
• Moving self in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments including tight and confined spaces
• Remaining in a stationary position, often standing, or sitting for prolonged periods
• Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another
• Adjusting, moving, transporting, installing, positioning, or removing objects up to 50 pounds in all directions
• Communicating with others to exchange information
• Operating motor vehicles, heavy equipment and machinery
• Use hand tools
• Repetitive assembly operations of manufacturing test fixtures and test setups in collaboration with engineering and manufacturing teams 

Environmental Conditions 

• High temperatures
• Noisy environments
• Small and/or enclosed spaces
• Odors or fumes from chemicals or chemical reactions
• Evaluated heights
• Accessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned
• High-concentration, demanding and fast-paced

Safety and PPE 

• Reading and interpreting hazardous warning signs
• Manipulating, cleaning and disposal of hazardous materials
• Reporting issues with equipment or unsafe conditions
• Wearing proper PPE, to include full-face respirator, face shields, gloves, safety shoes, and non-permeable suit

Travel 

• Some travel may be required up to 10% 

Certification 

• Capable of obtaining forklift and boom lift certification 
• Capable of obtaining a crane certification 

Additional Requirements 

• Occasionally requires overtime
• Occasionally requires working weekends
• Occasionally requires schedule flexibility 
• Occasionally requires non-standard work-week hours 
• Occasionally requires extended hours to support launch and critical project timelines

The salary range for this position is $88,100-$103,600 for employees working onsite at our Alameda, CA headquarters. The range provided in this job posting represents the typical range or starting rate of candidates hired in California.  Factors that may be used to determine your actual salary may include your education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, the market data for your work location, and a comparison to other employees already in the role.

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