Lead Engineering Technician

Position Summary
We are seeking an experienced, hands-on Lead Engineering Technician to work closely with engineers and scientists in the construction, safe operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of pilot-scale process units.

This role is ideal for a mechanically skilled technician who can translate engineering direction into well-built, reliable equipment using 1/4-inch tubing, compression fittings, pumps, heaters, heat exchangers, instrumentation, and process controls.
The successful candidate will lead by example, work safely around high-pressure and high-temperature systems, listen carefully, follow instructions precisely, and maintain a positive, team-oriented attitude.

Strong judgment, attention to detail, and pride in high-quality workmanship are essential.

Key Responsibilities
• Pilot-unit fabrication and assembly.

Build, modify, and support pilot process units from engineering drawings, sketches, marked-up P&IDs, verbal instructions, and team guidance.
• Tubing and mechanical work.

Measure, cut, deburr, bend, route, and install 1/4-inch tubing; assemble compression fittings, valves, pumps, heaters, heat exchangers, instruments, and related components using sound workmanship practices.
• Safe operation.

Prepare, start up, operate, monitor, shut down, and secure high-pressure/high-temperature pilot equipment in accordance with approved procedures, permits, operating limits, and safety requirements.
• Inspection and readiness.

Perform pre-startup checks, leak checks, pressure-boundary inspections, line tracing, equipment verification, and housekeeping before and during operation.
• Troubleshooting and repair.

Diagnose mechanical and basic electrical/control issues involving pumps, heaters, temperature controllers, pressure instruments, valves, flow devices, sensors, and data-acquisition systems; complete or coordinate repairs.
• Testing and data collection.

Monitor operating conditions, obtain process samples, record accurate data, maintain logbooks, and compile results for engineering review.
• Team leadership and communication.

Coordinate daily technician activities when assigned, communicate equipment status and hazards clearly, raise questions when instructions are unclear, and provide practical feedback to the engineering team.
• Work-area ownership.

Maintain clean, organized, and inspection-ready laboratory, test-cell, fabrication, and high-bay workspaces; properly store tools, parts, and materials.

Safety Expectations
• Treat pressure, temperature, chemical, electrical, and stored-energy hazards with a high level of care and respect.
• Follow written procedures, lockout/tagout requirements, PPE rules, hazard reviews, and emergency-response expectations without shortcuts.
• Stop work and immediately communicate unsafe conditions, unexpected equipment behavior, leaks, alarms, or operating-limit excursions.
• Verify system configuration and understand the flow path before introducing pressure, heat, che...