Systems Technician
Aepnus Technologies
Software Engineering
Oakland, CA, USA
USD 75k-85k / year + Equity
Who We Are
Aepnus Technology is a climate technology company based in Oakland, California, reinventing how essential industrial chemicals are produced. We are transforming the chlor-alkali industry with a novel electrochemical process that converts industrial salt and sulfate waste into high-purity commodities such as caustic soda and sulfuric acid, while dramatically reducing fossil fuel use and energy demand.
Backed by $10.6M from leading climate investors including Lowercarbon Capital, Voyager Ventures, and Clean Energy Ventures, Aepnus is entering a pivotal execution phase in 2026 as we scale toward commercial deployment. Our mission is to enable clean, local, and resilient chemical manufacturing across North America, and we are building a world-class team to deliver meaningful climate and economic impact.
What You’ll Do
As our Systems Engineering Technician, you'll play a critical role in supporting the operation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of our pilot-scale electrochemical systems. You will contribute directly to system performance, experimental execution, and the advancement of our core technology.
As part of our small and agile team, you'll have the opportunity to make a real impact. You will report to the Head of R&D and collaborate closely with systems, lab, and operations teams.
Key Responsibilities
- Execute pilot experimental campaigns, including system setup, operation, and teardown
- Operate and monitor pilot systems (startup, shutdown, sampling, safety checks, and data tracking)
- Perform maintenance, troubleshooting, and system modifications across mechanical, electrical, and fluid systems
- Support integration and commissioning of new equipment and instrumentation
- Conduct lab work including reagent preparation, chemical handling (strong acids and bases), and experiments
- Perform chemical analysis (e.g., titration, ion chromatography) and document results
- Manage chemical and hardware inventory, including safe handling and waste management
- Build and prototype components using hand and power tools
- Communicate findings, issues, and improvements to the team
- Uphold safety standards in a lab and semi-industrial environment
Required Qualifications
- 1+ year of wet lab experience (academic, internship, or project-based)
- Familiarity with chemical handling and lab safety practices
- Hands-on experience with tools, equipment, or mechanical systems
- Basic understanding of electrical systems, wiring, or piping
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, hands-on environment and lift up to 50 lbs
- Strong organizational and documentation skills (e.g., SOPs, lab records)
- Exposure to electrochemical systems (e.g., batteries, electrolysis, fuel cells) preferred
Compensation & Benefits
- $75,000 - $85,000 salary range, plus equity, commensurate with experience
- Aepnus pays 100% of medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees, 50% for dependents
- 401(k) plan and additional retirement benefits
- Flexible paid time off for wellness, vacation, and rest, plus 8 paid holidays per year
- Two weeks off in late December for an annual Winter Break
- 80 / 20 in office work environment, with up to one full remote day weekly
- Monthly team builds and an annual offsite retreat
Why Join Aepnus?
Aepnus brings together driven, curious individuals committed to rethinking how essential industrial chemicals are made. You will have the opportunity to work closely with company leadership to advance breakthrough technologies from development to market, while growing your role and influence as the company scales. The environment is dynamic and hands-on, offering constant opportunities to learn, lead, and make a real difference. Our culture is built around collaboration, ambition, and a shared belief that deep technical innovation can create meaningful change.
Aepnus is an equal opportunity employer and we value diversity at our company. Aepnus prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.