R&D Mechanical Technician
Natel Energy is seeking an energetic, creative, self-motivated, and problem-solving Mechanical Technician to join our team and assist in research and development activities related to FishSafe hydro turbine development. You will be responsible for the fabrication, assembly, operation and maintenance of scale-model hydro turbines and other test equipment, as well as participating in performance and fish passage testing operations. You will also help maintain a machine shop, aquaculture system, and warehouse space located in a historic hangar in Alameda, CA. This is a hands-on role requiring you to be on your feet for the majority of the workday and lift up to 50 lbs regularly. The successful candidate will have a strong background as an engineering technician with hands-on experience in fabrication and assembly in an R&D environment, be highly motivated and organized, have excellent communication skills, and excel at solving complex problems independently and as part of a team.
Join our team and apply your technical, creative, and problem-solving skills, and physical capabilities, to help us innovate and advance the field of FishSafe hydro turbine technology.
Responsibilities:
Assemble and maintain innovative scale-model hydro turbines and test equipment structures according to specifications and engineering drawings.
Participate in performance and R&D testing, utilizing our laboratories and equipment.
Collaborate with engineers to identify and resolve any fabrication, assembly, or operational issues as equipment is commissioned and operated.
Maintain and monitor an aquaculture system, ensuring proper functioning of pumps, filters, and other equipment.
Maintain, troubleshoot, and upgrade machinery and other shop equipment.
Organize and maintain warehouse storage of equipment and supplies.
Ensure that Natel’s shop operations are conducted in a safe, efficient, and professional manner.
Required Skills and Qualifications:
2-5 yrs experience in mechanical fabrication, assembly, and testing operations in an R&D/prototyping environment.
Strong knowledge of mechanical principles and manufacturing processes, working with a multitude of materials, processes, and resources.
General knowledge and proficiency of mechanical and electrical shop equipment and tools.
Proficiency with manual machine tools (mill, lathe, drill press, etc.)
Strong safety mindset and contribution to building a healthy safety culture.
Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
Effective independent time management and organizational abilities.
Strong communication and teamwork skills.
Experience with forklift and crane operation, rigging, lifting and positioning of heavy equipment.
Physical stamina and strength: ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 lbs regularly.
Optional preferred skills:
Engineering Drawing Interpretation with a good understanding of GD&T.
Quality Assurance and part inspection.
Experience in maintaining and operating aquaculture systems and caring for fish.
MIG/TIG welding.
CAD/CAM software (Siemens NX, Fusion 360), CNC experience.
We are proud to offer great benefits like 4 weeks of paid vacation, 2 weeks of paid sick leave, and trans-inclusive health insurance plans (along with dental, vision and life insurance). We want our team to live full lives outside of work.
Starting pay for the successful applicant will depend on a variety of job-related factors, which may include job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Compensation range for on site CA applicants is $30-$40, depending on experience and skills. This range may be modified in the future.
Location
In person, Alameda, California. This is a full time on-site position at our office and R&D facility in Alameda, CA. Occasional travel may be required for supplier site visits, field testing, or similar.
About half of our employees work in person at this location on a regular basis, and the others are fully remote. As a distributed team, we communicate regularly using Slack and video conferencing. We make an effort to gather the full team in real life occasionally, and we plan more frequent gatherings for lunch and happy hour with the local team.
Our hiring process
Natel Energy is committed to building, supporting, and growing a diverse team. We have a standardized interview process designed to reduce individual bias, and have structured pay scales to prevent inequity. We don’t discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.