Materials R&D Lab Technician

Antora Energy delivers affordable, reliable energy to industry, data centers, and the grid. Our thermal batteries turn low-cost electricity into always-on heat and power, without supply-constrained critical minerals or multi-year construction timelines.

We are growing our company with people who put team and mission first, value connection through laughter and joy, and work with humility and openness. We are committed to building a diverse, passionate, and creative team dedicated to a future powered by abundant, clean, low-cost energy.

Position Summary

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.

Roles & Responsibilities

• 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.