We are looking for a LEAD TECHNOLOGIST to join our core team to drive laboratory experimental design, development, and execution of novel mechanical and fluid systems. This is a full-time, benefits eligible contract role that reports directly to the Vice President of Engineering. The initial term is 6 months. The position includes the possibility for contract renewal/extension or full-time employment

Quidnet Energy is pioneering a breakthrough technology to solve one of the key challenges of the 21st century: energy storage. Quidnet utilizes proven techniques to provide ultra-low-cost electricity storage at grid scale, enabling power to be delivered to the grid when it is needed most.

As Lead Technologist You Will

• Ensure that all laboratory equipment and facilities are designed, operated, and maintained so as to maximize reproducibility and throughput.
• Manage contract laboratory technicians to accomplish engineering, operational, and R&D goals.
• Review and approve design deliverables to include drawings, technical requirements, and quotations.
• Participate in design review meeting with Engineering, Operations, and R&D personnel to discuss the scope, design, and expected performance and work out constructability issues.
• Review vendor materials quotations, prepare technical evaluations, and recommend selections based on technical merit along with price and delivery.
• Review lessons learned from past projects and incorporate recommendations into future designs.
• Actively identify and communicate new lessons learned and quality incidents for assigned projects.
• Adhere to Quidnet’s safety culture, and support company initiatives as required.
  

This role will initially comprise about 70% direct technical work, 15% supervision of technicians and 15% communicating/reporting to internal customers.

What We Look For In Our Lead Technologist

• Bachelor's degree or higher mechanical, chemical, physics, physical chemistry, or other related field.
• Fluency in Python, LabView, MatLAB, Comsol, AutoCAD solid state physics and similar engineering/modeling/control software (preferred).
• Broad technical knowledge including specific hands-on experience with laboratory scale fluid systems and mechanical test and measurement equipment.
• Demonstrated ability to integrate mechanical, electrical, new materials and fluidic systems to control and measure fluids and mechanical properties.
• Demonstrated ability to assist in the design, fabrication, testing, operation, troubleshooting and maintenance of novel laboratory equipment and fluid system designs.
• Significant experience in:
• Engineering development and/or laboratory work, testing, data acquisition,fluids, fluid mixing, and hydraulics.
• Prior responsibility for apparatus and experiemental design including troubleshooting and maintenance
• Laboratory equipment operational and/or design experience.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, managing multiple projects and prioritizing tasks accordingly.
• Demonstrated ability to problem solve through use of research, brainstorming, or previous experience.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate technical issues and impacts to other technical and non-technical staff.
• The candidate must be able to:
• Lift object up to 50 pounds above the shoulder
• Withstand repetitive motion
• Be able to see screens, detect color coding, and read fine print
• Safely work with fluid systems under moderate pressures (<100 psi).
• Travel occasionally to Quidnet experimental and operational well sites
• The candidate must be able to work full-time in the lab located in Houston, Texas (BW8 & I-10)

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

At Quidnet, we are energized about advancing energy solutions that deliver affordable, clean energy and accelerate our transition to a robust electric grid. We get excited by finding better ways to solve existing problems and implementing them in a timeframe previously considered impossible. We value intelligence, related experience, hard work and a desire to make a difference,

• Impact. Your talent, time, and energy will critically impact the company’s success in providing low-cost long duration energy storage,a key challenge of our time
• Growth. You will encounter, be challenged by, and work through an incredibly diverse range of obstacles
• Distinction. You introduce a fundamentally differentiated solution into a predominantly commoditized marketplace that has the potential to dominate and transform utility-scale power project development
• Ownership. You hold broad responsibilities with high autonomy in a communicative, collaborative, and fast-paced environment
• Compensation. You are vested in a high-potential success story, with competitive compensation, benefits, and comprehensive PTO and leave policies, in a high-growth start-up company with world-class venture capital backing.
  

Quidnet Energy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. QE does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.