Laboratory Technician - Chemistry

Our mission at Atomic Machines is to bring autonomous bits-to-atoms manufacturing of anything at any scale to the world, and we are well on our way.  We are developing an entirely new class of manufacturing foundry for micro- and nano-scale machines, and we are using that foundry to create products the world has heretofore been unable to build.  Our first device has exceptionally strong and large-scale product-market fit:  it is both iconic of what our platform can do and a driver of very significant enterprise scale.

Joining forces with us means becoming part of an incredibly talented, inventive and passionate multi-disciplinary team running hard to make our platform, devices and vision a reality.  You will have the opportunity to help define the company from its earliest days. You'll be challenged to learn and grow as a builder and a leader as the company itself grows rapidly. And you will receive significant equity compensation - you'll truly be a company owner and benefit financially from our overall success. 

Our offices are located in Berkeley and Santa Clara, California.

As a chemical Laboratory Technician, you will work on a multitude of projects related to developing next-generation microscale devices in a highly dynamic workplace. Bringing your knowledge and training in chemical science, technology, and safety, along with attention to detail and the ability to prioritize and manage your time, are all important aspects for this role. We are looking for a self-starter who is willing to grow their skill set and actively improve our processes. The team is working in a fast-paced development phase, and you will be expected to pitch in where needed, so previous experience in a prototyping or R&D environment is encouraged, and startup experience is a plus.

This position is full-time and onsite in Berkeley, California.

What You'll Do:

• Assist in the development and optimization of new laboratory procedures and methods, collaborating with cross-functional teams, including scientists, engineers, and manufacturing personnel.
• Follow established protocols and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to carry out experiments and tests accurately and safely.
• Prepare chemical solutions for both manual processes in a chemical fume hood and automated processes run on machines.
• Clean and prepare material surfaces using various organic solvents, acids, and bases.
• Perform electrochemical processing of materials, such as plating and etching.
• Use metrology instruments, including mass balance, micrometer, optical microscope, profilometer, SEM/EDS.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data and prepare reports summarizing findings for review by team members and supervising staff.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the laboratory space, ensuring compliance with applicable health & safety regulatory guidelines and cleanliness standards.
• Handle and dispose of hazardous materials and hazardous waste streams in compliance with federal, state, and local environmental, health & safety regulations.
• Maintain an accurate inventory of chemicals and laboratory supplies, including procurement of replenishments as needed.
• Train team members on chemical processes and safety protocols, staying updated on industry trends, emerging technologies, and safe handling procedures related to chemical laboratory work.
• Participate in safety training programs and ensure compliance with applicable health and safety regulations.

What You'll Need:

• Proven experience in a laboratory setting, preferably in electrochemical material processing and chemical analysis.
• Strong understanding of chemistry principles, laboratory techniques, and safety protocols.
• Exceptional hands-on chemical processing, microassembly, and analytical skills.
• Proficiency in using and maintaining laboratory equipment and instruments.
• Ability to run chemical experiments and analyses from written standard operating procedures (SOPs).Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills for accurate data recording and reporting.
• Familiarity with data analysis and reporting tools, such as Excel, Google Sheets, or JMP.
• Ability to work effectively in a team, collaborating with scientists, engineers, and other lab technicians.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot equipment and experimental processes.
• Knowledge of safe hazardous chemical handling and disposal procedures in compliance with safety and environmental regulations.
• Eagerness to learn and take on more responsibilities over time.
• Self-motivated and strong attention to detailAssociate's degree in chemistry, chemical technology, related field or equivalent plus 5 years of industry experience.

Bonus Points For:

• Cleanroom and microfabrication experience.
• Experience operating and remote-controlling benchtop lab electronics (e.g., power supplies, multimeters).
• Proficient software literacy, ability to use command line interfaces, read and understand automation device manuals and debug software-controlled systems.
• Experience operating semiconductor fabrication equipment (PVD, CVD, etc.) or other related vacuum systems.
• Experience operating laser processing systems (e.g., for laser micromachining).Any advanced certification or training in laboratory safety protocols, such as Chemical Hygiene or Hazardous Waste Handling.

$40 - $60 an hour

PTO and Full Benefits available.