Senior Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical Engineering TechnicianComp: $30/hr - $50/hrStatus: ContractAbout the CompanyThis San Diego-based climate-tech startup is building thermochemical energy storage (TCES) systems for energy-intensive industries. The technology lets industrial operators time their power usage to cheaper periods and replace fossil-fuel combustion with electrified heat — delivering a continuous stream of combustion-free, high-temperature air (up to 1,200°C). The company is venture-backed by major climate and energy investors.

Below covers everything you need to know about what this opportunity entails, as well as what is expected from applicants.
The OpportunityWe're looking for a hands-on, welding-capable Engineering Technician to help fabricate parts and build out testing rigs, instrumentation, sensors, prototypes, and power electronics hardware. This is a great fit for someone early in their career (2-4 years of hands-on experience, ideally out of a strong technical program) who wants to get real reps on cutting-edge R&D hardware in a fast-moving startup. You'll split time between independent fabrication work and close collaboration with the engineering team, directly shaping components for next-generation high-temperature energy storage systems.
What You'll DoRead and interpret 3D CAD models, 2D drawings, and spec sheets to plan, measure, and cut raw stock for part productionPerform TIG/MIG welding on structural builds and run shop equipment (mills, lathes, drill presses, band saws) to fabricate or rework partsSupport assembly of mechanical and electromechanical systemsCheck finished parts for dimensional accuracy and weld quality ahead of inspectionRework and repair parts, prototypes, and test rigs on the fly to keep pace with R&D needs — welding, grinding, cutting, machining as neededFabricate with high-temperature and specialty materials (refractory metals, ceramics, alloys) built for thermochemical-grade durabilityWork directly with engineers to troubleshoot fabrication issues and flag design-for-manufacturability improvementsInspect welded/fabricated components for structural soundness, finish, and toleranceKeep welding equipment and machine tools properly maintained, and follow safety protocol around welding, high-heat materials, and machineryLog build data — assembly steps, fabrication parameters, modifications — and loop engineering/R&D in with real-time feedbackPhysical RequirementsMix of desk-based design/documentation work and hands-on shop/lab timeAble to lift/carry up to 50 lbs. (team lift or mechanical assist for heavier loads)Strong hand dexterity for assembly, fabrication, and equipment operationSharp visual acuity for reading drawings and spotting dimensional/surface defectsComfortable working in required PPE (safety glasses, heat-resistant gloves, safety xzbcwsv shoes, etc.) in high-heat environmentsSolid grasp of shop/lab safety practices — hazard recognition around high-temp equipment, energized systems, and fabrication machineryMinimal travel (under 5%) for occasional tool/material runsWhat Success Looks Like HereYou communicate directly and proactively — no one has to chase you for updatesYou pitch in wherever needed, whether that's helping a teammate troubleshoot or flagging something outside your usual scopeYou're curious about the full system — chemistry, mechanical engineering, power electronics, software — not just your slice of itYou factor cost and timeline into your technical decisions, not just eleganceYou're comfortable moving forward without a fully built-out playbook, and know when to ask versus when to just decideYou own your outcomes, including the misses — and focus on fixing and learning rather than explaining