---
title: 'Principal Engineering Technician I, Development at Sila'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/principal-engineering-technician-i-development-sila-alameda-92gewwpbpgc9'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-11-03'
---

# Principal Engineering Technician I, Development at Sila

- **Company:** Sila
- **Location:** Alameda, CA
- **Posted:** 2026-10-29
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-11-03
- **Apply:** https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/silananotechnologies/jobs/8282344

## Job description

## About Us

We are Sila, a next-generation battery materials company. Our mission is to power the world’s transition to clean energy. To create this future, our team is building a better lithium-ion battery from the inside out today. We engineer and manufacture ground-breaking battery materials that significantly increase the energy density of batteries, while reducing their size and weight. The result? Smaller more powerful batteries that can unlock innovation in consumer devices and accelerate the mass adoption of electric cars to eliminate our dependence on fossil fuels. We're tackling one of the biggest challenges of our time every day, and together we're redefining what's possible. Are you ready to be a part of a team committed to changing the world?

You are a hands-on Operations Technician who supports Sila’s R&D teams in development & operation of pilot scale tool sets. This role will facilitate rapid technology development and operationalization by balancing the flexibility needed for development and the rigor needed for success in production environments. You will be the bridge between R&D, Operations, & Maintenance on Sila’s manufacturing/pilot floor; running toward challenges with a high standard of safety, an eye for procedural detail, and a continuous-improvement mindset

## Responsibilities and Duties

- Development Reactor Operation - Manage & execute test runs on pilot scale reactors by prepping inputs, loading/unloading reactors, starting & monitoring test runs, and troubleshooting run faults.
- Sampling, Harvesting & Analytics Routing - Manage run quality data, by tracking and collecting pre/post run samples, packaging & storing intermediate products, and routing samples for analytics
- Administration & Inventory Control - Coordinate consistent operation of development reactors by owning data entry/labeling of test runs, accurate labeling of input/out materials, managing inventory (raw materials, consumables, spares, PPE, etc)
- Tool Maintenance - Partner with Maintenance & Development teams to develop SOPs & schedule preventative maintenance for development reactors and supporting systems (powder hoods, dust handling systems, abatement system, etc)
- Operational Excellence & Training - Author and refine SOPs related for development reactors & associated subsystems, train & check off operators, drive 5S organization for development areas.

Knowledge and Skill Requirements

- High school diploma, GED, or AS/technical degree in an engineering or technical discipline (mechanical, chemical, industrial technology, or equivalent military training).
- 5+ years of experience working as an operations technician, lab technician, chemical process operator, or pilot plant technician in a hardware, semiconductor, battery, chemical, or advanced manufacturing environment.
- Demonstrated comfort using basic hand tools, torque wrenches, impact drivers, etc.  Ability to train peers on proper use of tools and operating procedures.
- Demonstrated experience working safely with hazardous materials, pyrophoric/flammable specialty gases, or fine powders in compliance with OSHA and site E&HS guidelines.
- Proven track record of following, executing, and improving rigorous SOPs and standard work instructions without taking unauthorized shortcuts.
- Proficiency with digital data entry and inventory systems and basic digital collaboration tools (Google Workspace / MS Office).
- Strong written and verbal communication skills; comfortable presenting operational status updates to engineering teams and enthusiastic about teaching/cross-training team members. Optimization mindset, open to collecting and giving feedback towards driving system improvements.

Physical Demand and Working Conditions

- Wear personal protective equipment including, but not limited to, a lab coat, gloves, safety glasses, and steel toe safety shoes
- Ability to stand/walk on the pilot plant floor for extended periods, wear full respiratory and protective gear when required, and safely lift/move loads up to 40–50 lbs.
- Reach low shelves or items on the floor
- Precise and repetitive handling of a range of material quantities
- Operate a computer and other office equipment, such as a laptop, copier/printer, etc in a fixed location

Monday - Friday, 9am - 6pm

The starting base pay for this role is between $44/hr and $55/hr at the time of posting. The actual base pay depends on many factors, such as education, experience, and skills. Base pay is only one part of Sila’s competitive Total Rewards package that can include benefits, perks, and equity.  The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. This role may also be eligible for overtime. #LI-RS1 #LI-Onsite Working at Sila

We believe that building a diverse team at Sila helps us amplify our individual talents. We are an equal opportunity employer and committed to creating an inclusive environment where good ideas are free to come from anyone. We are proud to celebrate diversity and all qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, national origin, or any other status protected by law.

## About Sila

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: Sila develops and manufactures next-generation silicon anode materials that dramatically improve the energy density and fast-charge capability of lithium-ion batteries.
- **Entity Type**: Private (Series G – $375M raised in close of Series G round)
- **Headquarters**: Alameda, California, USA
- **Founded**: 2011
- **Founders**: Gene Berdichevsky (CEO), Gleb Yushin (CTO), Alex Jacobs (VP, Engineering)

## Core Business
- **Primary industry**: Battery materials / Advanced manufacturing / Clean energy
- **Target customers**: B2B – automotive OEMs (Mercedes-Benz, BMW), consumer electronics makers (WHOOP), and cell manufacturers
- **Mission / purpose**: “Power the world’s transition to clean energy” by delivering high-performance battery materials that require less mining, produce less CO₂, and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

## Products & Services
- **Titan Silicon® Anode**: A drop-in silicon anode material that provides exceptional energy density and fast-charge improvements for any lithium-ion battery application. Already shipping in millions of devices (e.g., WHOOP 4.0).
- **Battery Engineering Services**: A collaborative service that works with OEMs and cell suppliers to define and deliver optimized cell performance using Sila’s materials.

## Market Standing
- **Valuation / Market Cap**: Not publicly disclosed
- **Key Metric**: Total funding exceeds $1B (including a $600M Series F in 2021, a $375M Series G close, and a $100M U.S. Department of Energy grant)
- **Notable Investors / Partners**: BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Panasonic Energy, REC Silicon (long-term supply agreement), and the U.S. DOE (ARPA‑E)
- **Growth Signals**:
  - Commenced operations at a 600,000+ sq. ft. manufacturing facility in Moses Lake, Washington – the first and largest silicon anode plant in the western world.
  - Over 250 patents filed and pending worldwide.
  - Headcount of ~410 employees (LinkedIn, 2026), with 80% in the U.S. and strong technical hiring (40 active job postings, +25% quarterly growth).
  - Already powering millions of devices in the market (WHOOP).

## Competitive Advantages
- **Foundational IP**: Invented by co‑founder and CTO Prof. Gleb Yushin (Georgia Tech), with a deep patent portfolio covering the low‑swell silicon anode chemistry and cell recipes.
- **Proven at scale**: Only advanced battery materials company with both GWh‑scale production and millions of products in the field.
- **Strategic partnerships**: Long‑term agreements with top automotive and consumer electronics brands, de‑risking future adoption.
- **U.S. supply chain focus**: Moses Lake plant strengthens domestic battery manufacturing, reducing reliance on foreign supply.

## Strategic Focus
- **Scale production**: Continue building out the Moses Lake facility and prepare for global deployment of Titan Silicon.
- **Deepen OEM integration**: Work closely with partners like Mercedes‑Benz (EQG will be the first car powered by Sila material) to enable product‑level differentiation.
- **Expand applications**: Move beyond automotive and wearable into grid storage, power tools, and other lithium‑ion‑powered devices.
- **Sustainability**: Reduce mining and CO₂ emissions across the battery value chain.

## Why Work Here
- **Culture**: “Do great work with good people” – a collaborative, humble, and ambitious environment focused on solving hard technical challenges.
- **Diversity & Inclusion**: Equal opportunity employer with active Employee Resource Groups; DEI seen as a force multiplier for innovation.
- **Benefits**: Comprehensive medical/dental/vision, 401k with partial match up to $5,000, employee stock options (ISOs), generous parental leave, subsidized lunch, well‑stocked kitchen, charitable giving, and a pet‑friendly office (“Pups” program).
- **Work environment**: Primarily on‑site at the Alameda HQ or Moses Lake manufacturing plant; engineering culture emphasizes cross‑disciplinary teamwork in chemistry, materials science, and manufacturing.
- **Impact**: Contribute directly to the clean energy transition by commercializing breakthrough battery materials.

## Sources
1. [silanano.com](https://www.silanano.com/)
2. [silanano.com/about-us](https://www.silanano.com/about-us)
3. [silanano.com/careers](https://www.silanano.com/careers)
4. [silanano.com/culture](https://www.silanano.com/culture)
5. [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/sila-nanotechnologies-inc-)

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