Materials R&D Lab Technician

<div class="content-intro"><p>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.</p> <p>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.</p></div><h5> </h5> <h5> </h5> <h5><strong>Position Summary</strong></h5> <p> </p> <p>Antora Energy is seeking a <strong>Materials</strong> <strong>R&D Lab Technician</strong> 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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <h5><strong>Roles & Responsibilities</strong></h5> <p> </p> <ul> <li><strong>Experiment execution:</strong> 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.</li> <li><strong>Instrumentation & data collection:</strong> Install, configure, and operate DAQ systems, thermocouples, and other sensors to capture temperature profiles, environmental conditions, and material response data during experiments.</li> <li><strong>Documentation & reporting:</strong> Maintain detailed lab notebooks and digital test records for every experiment. Compile data summaries, charts, and observations into clear reports for the engineering team.</li> <li><strong>Equipment maintenance:</strong> 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.</li> <li><strong>Lab operations:</strong> Keep the lab organized, stocked, and compliant with safety protocols. Track consumables and supplies. Support sample inventory and traceability.</li> <li><strong>Safety:</strong> 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.</li> <li><strong>Continuous improvement:</strong> Suggest and implement improvements to test setups, fixtures, data collection workflows, and lab organization. Contribute to the development of standard operating procedures.</li> <li><strong>Collaboration:</strong> Work closely with materials development engineers to understand test objectives, troubleshoot experiments in real time, and adapt plans based on emerging results.</li> </ul> <h5> </h5> <h5><strong>Key Qualifications</strong></h5> <p> </p> <ul> <li>Associate's degree or higher in a tec