Lab Technician

Electra Steel is seeking a Lab Technician in Boulder, CO, to support lab experiments and testing within the Development Engineering Team. Responsibilities include assembling and testing electrochemical cells, maintaining lab equipment, and performing material preparation and analysis. Candidates should have a relevant Bachelor's degree and 2 years of lab experience. The role offers career growth in a dynamic startup environment focused on sustainable steelmaking.
Who we are:

Electra is electrifying ironmaking to decarbonize steelmaking and eliminate 3.7 gigatons or 10% of global CO2 emissions. Leveraging proven industrial-scale electrochemical and hydrometallurgical processes, and backed by leading sustainability-focused venture capitalists, our team is developing lower cost, scalable solutions utilizing intermittent renewable energy to forge a cleaner, greener future for the trillion-dollar steel industry.

With a uniquely collaborative culture, endless passion for developing disruptive technologies, and the opportunity to revolutionize carbon-intensive manufacturing industries, careers at Electra offer challenge, reward, and the chance to bring to market solutions that dramatically improve the health of the planet.

What you will do:

As a Lab Technician on the Development Engineering Team, you will focus on supporting lab experiments and testing. The majority of your time will be spent preparing experiments, maintaining R&D electrochemical cells, assisting R&D scientists, and communicating data. In this role you will:
• Assemble and test Electra’s novel electrochemical cells.
• Assist with analyzing cell behavior and critically evaluating components and process conditions.
• Troubleshoot and maintain electrochemical test stands and general lab equipment to include cleaning, calibration, and performing preventative maintenance.
• Perform material preparation including solution heating & mixing, electrode fabrication and assembly, and safe waste disposal.
• Perform analytical and material characterization techniques including scanning electron microscopy, 3D digital microscopy, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and x-ray diffraction, among others.
• Maintain lab cleanliness, organization, and uphold high standards of lab safety.

What we need you to bring to the team:
• A Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, chemistry, mining or metallurgical engineering, or related STEM field
• 2 years of related chemical lab experience
• Experience working with acids and bases
• Experience calibrating, maintaining, and troubleshooting instrumentation and equipment
• Experience analyzing experimental data, reaching conclusions, and communicating results
• Ability to adapt quickly to changing processes and responsibilities
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• A desire to challenge yourself and take on increasing responsibilities as the company grows

What we want you to bring to the team:
• Experience or the desire to be in a dynamic startup environment
• A critical thinking mindset and a focus on finding answers
• A safety-first mindset; share potential risks with others before they result in hazardous outcomes

What’s in it for you:
• Career growth
• Opportunity to support development of new processes in the growing field of Industrial Electrochemistry
• Opportunity to support a wide variety of projects
• Recognition and appreciation
• The ability to share your perspectives and opinions in a hyper-collaborative environment

Compensation:
• The anticipated starting pay range for this position is $30.00 - $35.00 hourly and may be more or less depending upon skills, experience, and education.

Benefits For You:
• 100% paid premiums across all medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, short-term disability, long-term disability, and basic life insurance plans
• 120 hours of PTO Annually; PTO accrual and availability-for-use both start upon date of hire
• $1,800 in annual employer HSA contributions (health savings account)

Benefits For Your Family:
• 100% paid premiums across all medical, dental, vision, and telemedicine plans
• $3,600 in annual employer HSA contributions (health savings account)
• 12 weeks of paid parental leave and flexible return-to-work options

Benefits For Your Future:
• 401k with up to 5% matching contributions which vest 100% on day one
• Eligibility for incentive stock options