Sr. R&D Technician
Roadrunner Venture Studios · Albuquerque, NM · 2 mo ago
On-siteManagement$75k–$90k/yrFull-time
About the role
Halo Materials is seeking a Senior R&D Technician to accelerate the buildout and operation of our lab and pilot infrastructure. This is a hands-on, high-impact role for someone who thrives in dynamic R&D environments and enjoys building, fixing, optimizing, and improving complex systems.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead lab buildout efforts, including installation, calibration, testing, and troubleshooting of equipment.
- Enable more parallel, frequent, and automated experiments by improving lab infrastructure and workflows.
- Identify and implement process improvements that enhance speed, reliability, and experimental throughput.
- Maintain a safe, organized, and high-performing lab and pilot environment.
- Partner closely with R&D engineers and scientists to align lab operations with evolving experimental priorities.
- Manage and mentor a team of lab technicians, setting standards for craftsmanship, safety, and execution.
- Ensure compliance with environmental, health, and safety (EHS) regulations and best practices.
Qualifications
- 10+ years of hands-on experience executing R&D projects, including installing, maintaining, and repairing laboratory or pilot-scale equipment.
- A craftsman’s mindset: pride in building safe, durable, and high-quality lab infrastructure.
- Deep familiarity with EHS standards and safe lab operations.
- A proactive, collaborative approach to working with scientists and engineers.
- A track record of identifying problems and owning both the diagnosis and solution.
- Strong troubleshooting skills and comfort working across mechanical, electrical, and process systems.
- A "get it done" mentality suited to a fast-paced startup environment.
Nice to Have
- Experience in adjacent industries where similar high-temperature, catalytic, carbon, or materials growth processes are used — such as petrochemicals, advanced ceramics, specialty chemicals, battery materials, semiconductors, metallurgy, or industrial gas processing.
Why Join Halo Materials?
- Strengthen Energy & Supply Chains - Work on advanced materials that directly impact batteries, energy systems, and U.S. manufacturing resilience.
- Scale Breakthrough Graphite Technology - Help scale a breakthrough graphite technology from lab experimentation to real commercial production.
- Rigorous Science, Startup Velocity - Join a mission-driven team that values rigorous science, fast execution, and taking care of its people.
- Technical Ownership & Autonomy - Take meaningful ownership in a technically ambitious environment where your contributions shape the direction of the company.
- Competitive pay, full benefits, and equity - Competitive compensation, strong benefits, and the opportunity to grow quickly inside a serious deep tech venture backed by experienced builders.
Some of our Benefits:
- An independent role with a supportive and flexible work environment
- Time for self-development, research, training, conferences, or certification schemes
- Full range of competitive benefits including a health care stipend and equity in a fast-growing startup