Scale Up Engineering Technician - Oct 2026

Role details

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