About this opportunity
BioPhase lists this Senior Mechanical Engineer opportunity in san diego, Texas. Review the employer’s description below for duties, qualifications and application requirements.
Job description
Mechanical Engineering Technician
Comp: $30/hr - $50/hr
Status: Contract
About the Company
This 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 Opportunity
We'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 Do
Read and interpret 3D CAD models, 2D drawings, and spec sheets to plan, measure, and cut raw stock for part production
Perform TIG/MIG welding on structural builds and run shop equipment (mills, lathes, drill presses, band saws) to fabricate or rework parts
Support assembly of mechanical and electromechanical systems
Check finished parts for dimensional accuracy and weld quality ahead of inspection
Rework and repair parts, prototypes, and test rigs on the fly to keep pace with R&D needs — welding, grinding, cutting, machining as needed
Fabricate with high-temperature and specialty materials (refractory metals, ceramics, alloys) built for thermochemical-grade durability
Work directly with engineers to troubleshoot fabrication issues and flag design-for-manufacturability improvements
Inspect welded/fabricated components for structural soundness, finish, and tolerance
Keep welding equipment and machine tools properly maintained, and follow safety protocol around welding, high-heat materials, and machinery
Log build data — assembly steps, fabrication parameters, modifications — and loop engineering/R&D in with real-time feedback
Physical Requirements
Mix of desk-based design/documentation work and hands-on shop/lab time
Able to lift/carry up to 50 lbs. (team lift or mechanical assist for heavier loads)
Strong hand dexterity for assembly, fabrication, and equipment operation
Sharp visual acuity for reading drawings and spotting dimensional/surface defects
Comfortable working in required PPE (safety glasses, heat-resistant gloves, safety xzgxqkn shoes, etc.) in high-heat environments
Solid grasp of shop/lab safety practices — hazard recognition around high-temp equipment, energized systems, and fabrication machinery
Minimal travel (under 5%) for occasional tool/material runs
What Success Looks Like Here
You communicate directly and proactively — no one has to chase you for updates
You pitch in wherever needed, whether that's helping a teammate troubleshoot or flagging something outside your usual scope
You're curious about the full system — chemistry, mechanical engineering, power electronics, software — not just your slice of it
You factor cost and timeline into your technical decisions, not just elegance
You're comfortable moving forward without a fully built-out playbook, and know when to ask versus when to just decide
You own your outcomes, including the misses — and focus on fixing and learning rather than explaining
Worksite address
san diego, TX, 78384, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.