Systems Engineering Technician
Aepnus Technologies
On-site • Oakland, CA, United States • Full-time • $75,000-$85,000 Annual Salary
Who We Are
Aepnus Technology is a pioneering U.S.-based climate tech startup, backed by top-tier climate venture capital firms, including Clean Energy Ventures, Lowercarbon Capital and Voyager. We are at the forefront of developing technologies that enable electrified, sustainable, and domestic production of critical materials.
Our initial mission is ambitious: transforming chemical waste from the battery sector into valuable commodity chemicals. But we’re not stopping there. Our long-term vision is to expand our electrolysis platform to produce a wide range of industrial chemicals, driving a 50 million-ton annual reduction in global greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
Aepnus is growing rapidly and is building a team of smart, driven, curious and passionate people who enjoy working in a fast-paced environment and are motivated to create positive change.
What You’ll Do
Are you an intrinsically motivated engineer with a passion for innovation and hands-on problem-solving? Aepnus Technology is seeking a driven Systems Engineering Technician to support the operation, maintenance, and modification of our second-generation pilot system. This role also involves wet lab activities, including solution preparation, conducting experiments related to pre- and post-treatment systems, managing chemical inventory, and overseeing waste management. Additional responsibilities include system startup and shutdown, monitoring processes, and performing sampling tasks.
As part of our small and agile team, you'll have the opportunity to make a real impact. You will collaborate directly with the systems engineering team to demonstrate the continuous operation of our technology at a 40-tonne-per-year scale. This role offers a unique mix of responsibilities, including conducting experimentation and R&D, designing and building complex fluid and electrical systems, and directly contributing to the success and development of our innovative commercial-scale technologies.
Primary Responsibilities:
Manage the execution of pilot experimental campaigns, including planning, preparation, operation, and clean-up.
Prepare large quantities of reagents and handle chemical products safely.
Operate the pilot system, including start-up, shut-down, sampling/analysis, equipment monitoring, safety checks, and dashboard management.
Perform maintenance, modifications, and expansions of the pilot system, including:
Repairing faulty components.
Recommending and implementing revisions to piping or electrical systems as needed.
Integrating and commissioning new equipment, hardware, and instrumentation.
Conduct small- to medium-scale wet lab experiments focused on upstream and downstream processes, such as impurity removal and product concentration.
Perform chemical analyses on brines using equipment such as IC, ICP-MS, ICP-OES, and titration methods.
Summarize and present findings to Aepnus engineers and scientists through detailed reports and presentations.
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in an engineering, physics, or chemistry discipline by the start of employment.
1+ years of wet lab experience (internship, laboratory, and personal/team project experience is applicable) with an understanding of general chemical lab safety.
Proficiency with machine shop tools, working knowledge of basic hardware, electrical, wiring diagrams, and piping.
Ability to lift 35 pounds and work independently in a dynamic environment with a proactive approach.
Preferred Qualifications:
3+ months experience in electrochemical technologies (e.g., batteries, fuel cells, electrolysis, water treatment).
Completion of a basic electrochemistry course is a plus.
9+ months experience with analytical instruments (e.g., titration, ICP-OES/MS, IC) and strong skills in chemical dilutions and unit conversions.
Experience handling large volumes of data in Excel, Python, and/or MATLAB.
Compensation & Benefits
100% coverage of medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees
401(k) plan and additional retirement benefits
Flexible vacation policy, mental health days, generous sick leave, and a week-long winter break in December
Why Aepnus?
At Aepnus, you'll collaborate with bright, driven individuals dedicated to solving some of the most significant challenges of our time. Here’s what we offer:
A Front-Row Seat in Climate Tech Innovation: Be part of our pioneering team, working closely with our founders and scientific advisors to scale groundbreaking technologies that will shape the future. Your contributions will play a key role in bringing these innovations to market.
Rapid Growth and Advancement Opportunities: As we expand, so will your career. You'll have the chance to take on new responsibilities, grow professionally, and help us achieve our vision for a sustainable future.
Competitive Compensation and Benefits: We believe in work-life balance and supporting our team. Enjoy competitive pay, equity, flexible vacation policies, comprehensive health insurance, and other perks designed to keep you happy and motivated.
A Dynamic, Fast-Paced Work Environment: Help build Aepnus from the ground up in an exciting environment where every day presents new challenges and opportunities to make a real impact in the energy industry.
A Culture of Passion and Possibility: Join a community of curious and motivated individuals, all driven by a shared commitment to creating positive change.