Scale Up Engineering Technician - Oct 2026

Description

Wildcat Discovery Technologies is seeking a highly motivated Scale-Up Engineering Technician to support the development and scale-up of advanced battery materials. This position will work closely with engineers, scientists, and other technicians to execute pilot-scale manufacturing processes, operate and maintain process equipment, collect process and analytical data, and support continuous improvement of scale-up operations.

The ideal candidate is hands-on, safety-focused, detail-oriented, and comfortable working with chemical processes and industrial/pilot-scale equipment.

About Us:

Wildcat Discovery Technologies, based in San Diego, California, is a materials R&D company transitioning its focus from battery research and development to material supply supported by artificial intelligence. Our commitment lies in the development and manufacturing of the best materials for lithium-ion batteries.

Requirements

Essential Functions

• Execute pilot-scale and large-scale inorganic material processing according to approved procedures, batch records, and experimental plans.
• Operate scale-up equipment used for processes such as mixing, milling/grinding, filtration, washing, drying, spray drying, calcination, sieving, and powder handling.
• Prepare raw materials, solutions, slurries, and process intermediates according to specified recipes and procedures.
• Perform equipment setup, startup, operation, cleaning, shutdown, and routine inspections.
• Monitor and record critical process parameters such as temperature, pressure, flow rate, mixing speed, milling conditions, and equipment operating parameters, as applicable.
• Collect representative in-process and final-product samples for analytical testing.
• Accurately document batch information, equipment settings, observations, deviations, sample information, and process results.
• Identify process or equipment issues and promptly communicate unexpected observations to engineers and management.
• Perform routine troubleshooting and support basic equipment maintenance, particularly for pumps, liquid-transfer systems, tanks, mills, dryers, furnaces/ovens, and related process equipment. 
• Support equipment commissioning, process trials, qualification activities, and scale-up runs.
• Maintain organized work areas and ensure appropriate housekeeping and material labeling.
• Follow established EHS practices, chemical-handling requirements, PPE requirements, and equipment safety procedures.
• Support  preparation/staging of materials and equipment for upcoming production runs.
• Work collaboratively with technicians, engineers, research associates, scientists, Analytical/QC, and other cross-functional teams.
• Meet project timelines while maintaining a strong focus on safety, data quality, material traceability, and process consistency.
• Identify opportunities to improve equipment utilization, workflow, process reliability, safety, and operational efficiency.
• Perform other laboratory and scale-up activities as needed to support program and business objectives.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required

• Working knowledge of chemical laboratory and/or pilot-scale manufacturing operations.
• Ability to safely operate and troubleshoot mechanical and chemical-processing equipment.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and willingness to work hands-on with process equipment.
• Understanding of basic chemical handling and laboratory safety practices.
• Ability to follow detailed SOPs, work instructions, batch records, and experimental plans.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accurate documentation and data integrity.
• Ability to recognize abnormal process conditions and escalate problems appropriately.
• Comfortable working with powders, liquids, slurries, chemicals, and process equipment.
• Ability to learn new equipment and processes quickly.
• Basic computer proficiency for data entry, documentation, and process tracking.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work independently after appropriate training while recognizing when engineering or management support is required.
• Ability to safely lift up to 50 lb, consistent with the previous Wildcat scale-up technician requirements. 
• Obtaining respirator certification and using a respirator for specific job tasks is a requirement for this role

Education & Experience

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, engineering technology, or a related scientific/technical discipline preferred.
• Relevant hands-on laboratory, pilot-plant, manufacturing, or chemical-processing experience may be considered in combination with education.
• 1–3 years of relevant laboratory, manufacturing, or process-equipment experience preferred.
• Experience operating pilot-scale or manufacturing equipment is highly desirable.

Preferred Experience

Experience with one or more of the following is particularly valuable:

• Wet or dry milling/grinding
• Slurry preparation and mixing
• Spray drying
• Vacuum or oven drying
• Furnace operations
• Powder handling
• Pumps and liquid-transfer systems
• Preventive maintenance and equipment troubleshooting
• SOP and batch-record execution

Key Expectations for Success

A successful Scale-Up Engineering Technician will:

1. Operate equipment safely and reliably

2. Execute processes consistently and according to procedures

3. Maintain accurate and complete process documentation

4. Recognize and communicate process/equipment problems early

5. Take ownership of equipment, housekeeping, and assigned work areas

6. Support engineers and scientists in translating laboratory processes to larger scale

7. Continuously improve scale-up operations, safety, and efficiency

Employee Benefits:

• Generous vacation accrual with 8-day closure at the end of the year
• Full health insurance coverage with low employee out of pocket premiums
• 401k with company paid match
• A company culture that values on positivity, meritocracy, collaboration, openness, and innovation
• Professional growth with exposure to a fast-developing energy storage industry
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