Lab Technician

About AIRCO

AIRCO is a world leader in carbon conversion technology, paving the way to global energy security by transforming CO₂ into a valuable resource. Its proprietary AIRMADE Technology is an adaptable platform that allows any industry to efficiently produce high-demand, fully-formulated synthetic fuels from waste CO₂ and hydrogen.

The company has commercial partnerships with airlines including Jet Blue and Virgin Atlantic, amongst others, and has been awarded multiple government contracts, including with NASA and the United States Department of Defense's Defense Innovation Unit. The company has received industry recognition through awards such as Time Best Inventions, Inc. Best in Business, Fast Company World Changing Ideas, and the XPrize for Carbon Removal.

AIRCO's many accolades include winning the prestigious Green Chemistry Challenge Award from the Environmental Protection Agency in October 2023, an award given to organizations that reinvent processes to reduce the generation of hazardous substances and byproducts. AIRCO was also declared a winner for the World Economic Forum UpLink Sustainable Aviation Challenge, which accelerates the development of promising technology pathways that enable widespread uptake of SAF.

The Position

We are looking for a Lab Technician to join our team. This role will report to a Manager within the R&D organization. This position will support various R&D projects through laboratory operations, sample preparation, equipment maintenance, and testing activities. The Lab Technician will work closely with operators on fuel sample processing and assist with catalyst preparation and reactor operation under the direction of scientists and engineers.

The Lab Technician will be responsible for executing laboratory procedures, preparing samples, maintaining equipment, recording data, and supporting safe and efficient laboratory operations. This role is based in person, 5 days a week in New Britain, PA

What you get to do

* Assist with catalyst preparation and reactor setup, operation, and shutdown activities following established procedures and under the guidance of scientists and engineers.

* Prepare samples and perform laboratory testing using established methods and procedures.

* Maintain laboratory equipment and ensure instruments are clean, calibrated, and operating properly.

* Record experimental observations, test results, and laboratory data accurately and in a timely manner.

* Follow laboratory protocols, standard operating procedures, and safety guidelines.

* Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory environment.

* Assist with troubleshooting equipment issues and escalate concerns to scientists, engineers, or senior technical staff as appropriate.

* Assist with inventory management, ordering supplies, and maintaining stock levels.

* Support assembly, cleaning, maintenance, and preparation of laboratory and pilot-scale equipment.

* Collaborate with scientists, engineers, operators, and other team members to support laboratory operations and project objectives.

* Associate's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering Technology, Engineering Technology, or a related technical field.

* Previous laboratory experience preferred.

* Basic understanding of chemical principles and laboratory techniques.

* Ability to follow procedures, protocols, and instructions with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.

* Strong organizational and time management skills.

* Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively in a team environment.

* Knowledge of laboratory safety practices and procedures.

* Experience using laboratory equipment and recording data accurately.

* Mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn new equipment, techniques, and procedures.

Bonus Points

* Experience supporting catalyst, chemical processing, materials science, or chemical engineering laboratory operations.

* Experience operating laboratory reactors, pumps, gas handling systems, or analytical equipment.

* Familiarity with piping, tubing, fittings, and laboratory assembly work.

* Experience working in a pilot plant, manufacturing, industrial, or startup environment.

* Experience troubleshooting…